June is the start of summer tour season. June, July and August are the three busiest months in DC because kids are off school and families are taking their summer vacations.

Tips for Visiting Washington DC in June

When you visit in June make sure to expect that the crowds are going to be relatively heavy. It’s also important to know that the first two weeks in June overlap with school field trip season. June weather in Washington DC is hot and humid. The average daily high in June is 84 degrees and the average daily low is 66 degrees. Remember that you must factor in the humidity which can make it feel a lot hotter.  

Packing for a June trip means busting out your summer wardrobe. A jacket is probably not necessary. However, if you do want to bring one, a light rain jacket is all that you need. Pants or nice jeans are good if you plan to see a show at the Kennedy Center or visit some other place where shorts would not be appropriate. You should remember to bring your umbrella. No matter what the advance forecast says, summer thunderstorms can and do pop up out of nowhere. Sun protection is also a must Don’t forget to use your sunscreen before heading out for the day!

Folklife Festival

The most notable special event in DC in June is the Smithsonian Folklife Festival. This is usually held the last week of June and the first week of July. The Folklife Festival is a social event where you can experience cultures from all around the globe through things like music dance art and food. Aside from food and souvenirs, it is completely free to attend.

Capital Pride

June is also the month for Capital Pride. The parade is held on a Saturday and the route goes through the Dupont Circle neighborhood. There are events throughout the entire city for the entire month.

DC Jazz Fest

DC Jazz Fest is another popular June event. Every year the performers and the venues change so make sure to check out the official Jazz Fest website for details for this year. Jazz Fest has indoor and outdoor concerts, small concerts, big concerts, free concerts and ticketed concerts. So, if you are into jazz there is something for you.  

Seasonal Summer Activities

June is also when our seasonal summer activities get going into full swing. This includes things like Friday night Jazz in the Garden at the National Gallery of Art. You can also find free outdoor concerts and movie nights throughout the week.

June is also the month when Smithsonian typically starts to run their extended hours.  So, check out the Smithsonian operating calendar to see if any of them are going to be open late on the dates that you’re visiting.  

June Holidays

There are no federal government holidays in June but there are a few unofficial holidays worth noting.

Father’s Day

Father’s Day is the third Sunday in June.  This is not a big restaurant holiday like Mother’s Day. Since its summer, things like baseball games, cookouts and golfing are popular.

Summer Solstice

The summer solstice is on June 20th and sometimes there are special fun events planned around it. For example, in 2018 Smithsonian actually kept their museums open until midnight for a special solstice event.

Are you a sports fan?

If you are a sports fan, June is when baseball and soccer are both in full swing. Check out one of our five major pro sports teams when you’re in town!

Coming to Washington DC, want to book a tour?

Trip Hacks DC was founded by Rob, a veteran tour guide in the Nation’s Capital. Trip Hacks DC provides tips,  tricks and travel hacks for planning your trip; and guided tours to show you around once you get here. Our tours are family and school group friendly and our guides specialize in the major Washington, DC sites.  Click here to check out the upcoming tour options and to book your tour here today!Feel free to contact us if you have any tour questions.