How to plan a trip to Washington ?

Washington DC, the epicenter of power in the United States, is a tourist hotspot to foreign visitors and neighboring locals alike. Roughly, 16 million people travel to Washington every year to see beautiful educational sights, shop and dine at the finest establishments, and experience American history. If you want to visit Washington but do not want to go in mad, peak season, try going in December. Tourist traffic is slow, and hotel rates are much cheaper. Planning this trip, however, requires you to know two things: What is the weather like and what clothes should you wear in Washington in December?

Weather in Washington in December:

In general, Washington enjoys a pleasant climate with mild winters, but mammoth blizzards and floods have hit the capital in recent years. Expect winters to be freezing in Washington — literally. The temperatures can range between 30 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Snowfall averages between six and 10 inches.

For women, What clothes to wear in Washington DC in December:

Wool coat — A wool jacket is a winter wear necessity that never goes out of a style. Because wool coats can be bulky to pack, buy a color and style that you can wear with anything, even in the airplane.

Knit sweater — A knit sweater can be the layer underneath your coat, or the top you can throw over light shirts.

Scarves — Scarves can be your lifesaver from the biting cold and wind. They can also perk up your practical winter wear with different colors and textures.

Gloves — Keep your mitts toasty warm with light, waterproof gloves.

Thick tights — Your hands are warm; your legs should be, too. Wear tights over pants or under your dress to keep your lower limbs from turning blue with cold.

Hats — Keeping your head covered is the secret to staying warm.

Boots — This is the one item that you should not cringe from spending on. Choose a stylish, practical, and sturdy pair of boots, preferably knee high.

For men, What clothes to wear in Washington DC in December:

Hat – Bring hats that cover your ears and can partially hide the back of your neck.

Gloves – Gloves are winter wear must-haves. Choose something light, breathable, and waterproof.

Boots – Bring solid, waterproof, dark-colored boots so that stains from mud or snow slush, which cannot be avoided sometimes, will not show.

Wind and waterproof outer jacket – Bring a style and color that you can wear with anything.

Fleece or wool sweater – Bring a sweater of thick material so you can wear it without a jacket indoors.

Light long-sleeve shirts – Layer up underneath your sweater and jacket for extra warmth.

Lower body base layer – Bring thermal wear to cover up your legs under your pants.

Polarized sunglasses – Sunglasses in winter? Yes. You will be surprised at how all that snow can act as a massive mirror of the sun and can burn your skin fast.

For children, What clothes to wear in Washington DC in December:

Snowsuit – Get a suit with a jacket and bib pants. This is easier to wear than a one-piece suit. Pick something with Velcro straps to make dressing up your kids faster.

Waterproof raincoat with a hood and pants – Keep the water out and the body warmth in. Remember, when it comes to children, buy clothes that have Velcro straps. They will make your life a lot easier.

Hat – Bring hats that fully cover the ears. Do not bring hats with ties underneath the chin. They can be a choking hazard.

Mittens – Make sure that your kids can still move their fingers while wearing the mittens.

Boots – Bring boots with wool or fleece lining. Make sure they are waterproof and insulated.

Bottom layers – Bring long underwear or tights for extra warmth.

Places to visit in Washington DC:

Washington in not just the political headquarters of the United States; it is the cultural and historical hub of the country. Here are some of the must-see places to visit:

Government buildings

• The White House
• The U.S. Capitol
• The Supreme Court
• National Archives

Museums

11 of Smithsonian museums, such as the National Museum of American History, are located in the National Mall in Washington.

Monuments

• Washington Monument
• Lincoln Memorial and Statue
• Jefferson Memorial
• World War II Memorial
• Vietnam Veterans
• Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial
• Korean War
• Iwo Jima
• Navy Memorial
• Theodore Roosevelt Memorial
• Air Force Memorial