Washington DC and Capital Region FAQs

Find out all you need to know about visiting Washington DC and Capital Region.

When is the best time to visit Washington DC and Capital Region?

The Capital Region is generally milder than most of its East Coast counterparts thanks to its southernly location within the humid subtropical climate zone. The best time to visit the USA’s Capital Region is during the spring and autumn months of April to May and September to October when the weather is pleasantly warm, and attractions are less crowded for all-day sightseeing. The region will be full of blossoms and colourful foliage, and daytime highs will hover between 19C to 25C.

There’s plenty to do in the Capital Region no matter the season, but expect summer to be hot and humid, autumn to be warm and pleasant, winter to be cold and rainy and spring to be sunny and mild.

What is the official language of Washington DC and Capital Region?

English is the official language spoken in the USA’s Capital Region.

How do I manage my travel money in Washington DC and Capital Region?

The official currency of the USA is the United States dollar (USD). Cash, credit, and debit cards are widely accepted, and cash machines are easy to access.

What places combine well with Washington DC and Capital Region?

The Capital Region can easily be combined with a trip north into the iconic East Coast cities of Boston, Philadelphia and New York. It can also be the entry point for a trip into the South with the Carolinas and Georgia located just below Virginia. Transport options are varied as the region can easily be traversed by both car and train, and the distances between locations are manageable and short by comparison to other parts of the United States.

What are the main cultural events in Washington DC and Capital Region?

March to April – National Cherry Blossom Festival
April – Historic Garden Week (in Virginia)
May – Kinetic Sculpture Race
June – DC Jazz Festival
June – The National Capital Giant Barbecue Battle (annual BBQ food festival in DC)
June to July – Smithsonian Folklife Festival
August – Annapolis Crab Feast (world’s largest crab festival)
August – Seafood Feast-I-Val (annually at the Governor’s Hall in Cambridge, Maryland)
August to September – The Maryland State Fair
September – Taste of Georgetown (food & wine showcase)
October – Virginia Wine Month
October – U.S. Oyster Festival