Washington, DC - Travel Tips for Visitors

Weather

Washington DC is in the northern part of the humid subtropical climate zone.

Summers are hot & humid.

Spring and Fall are mild to warm, and winter is chilly with some snowfall.
Clothes & Shoes

Bring a good pair of walking shoes as you will be walking a lot.

Except in summer, make sure to bring layers because the lows can slide into the 40s or below.
Attractions Closed day Usually, all attractions in Washington DC are open all 7 days a week, but some Washington DC tourist attractions might be closed on public holidays, so please check and plan accordingly.
Local transportation

Most tourist attractions are near the DC Metro Stations; however, take the DC Circulator bus once you are in the National Mall area.  

It is the most convenient way to travel without walking a lot to reach different attractions in the National Mall area.

The DC Circulator bus - National Mall Route goes in a loop around the National mall area and stops near major DC attractions.
Mass Transit (DC Metro)

Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA)

The WMATA runs the DC METRO trains and buses in the Washington DC area.
DC Metro trains have 6 routes – Red Line, Orange Line, Silver Line, Blue Line, Yellow Line, and Green Line.

If you are near Dulles International Airport, you will take Silver Line to the Washington DC area.

For your convenience buy the a SmarTrip® card (stored value smartcard) available at all METRO Station Ticketing machines. 

SmarTrip® card saves the time of purchasing new tickets every time you go on the METRO train or bus. 

This SmarTrip® card can be topped as needed at any "Add Value Machine" or General Ticketing Machines at any METRO station.

SmarTrip® card also works on other DC area transit like DASH, Ride On, Fairfax Connector, ART, CUE, Loudoun County Transit, Omniride, TheBus, DC Circulator, Maryland Transit Administration Local Bus, Light Rail, and registered van pools

For More info visit DC Metro Website
Safety Watch and follow traffic signs.  Traffic during peak hours can be crowded in Washington, DC area.

Washington, DC is generally safe, be aware of your purse or backpack, especially when on crowded trains or buses.

Always know where you are going and how to get there before you leave.
 Language

The official language is English.

Street Signs are in English in Washington DC Street.
 Electricity (Power)  If visiting from outside,  the US has 110 Volts power supply.