What to Pack for Washington DC in December: All You Need for a Warm, Easy Getaway

Visiting Washington DC in December? Expect twinkling lights, holiday markets, and brisk winter air. Whether you’re exploring museums on the National Mall, attending festive events, or walking through historic neighborhoods, December in DC is as scenic as it is chilly.

The nation’s capital can get cold, especially at night. You’ll want cozy layers, waterproof outerwear, and fashion that blends smart city style with winter functionality. Think scarves, boots, and a great coat for photos in front of the monuments.

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Here’s your ultimate packing list for a winter trip to Washington DC this December!

📝Note: This article is all about what to pack for Washington DC in December. Here you can find a huge and comprehensive list. Feel free to adapt to your needs, and share your tips in the comments!

Weather & Travel Context 🌦️

Winter in DC is cold and occasionally snowy. Expect seasonal charm and chilly winds.

• 🌡️ Average high: 9°C / 48°F
• 🌡️ Average low: 1°C / 34°F
• ❄️ Snow possible, especially later in December
• 🌧️ Rain or drizzle on a few days (bring waterproof gear!)
• 🎄 Holiday events: ZooLights, Christmas markets, National Tree

What to Pack for Washington DC in December

🧳 Luggage & Packing Tools

• 🧳 Medium-size suitcase – Enough room for layers & boots.
• 🧳 Checked bag – Useful if you’re bringing heavier outerwear.
• 🎒 Daypack – Ideal for museum-hopping or walking the Mall.
• 🧺 Packing cubes – Organize warm vs indoor clothes easily.
• 👟 Shoe bags – Keep boots separate from clothes.
• 🧴 Toiletry bag – TSA-approved containers for cold-weather skincare.
• 📂 Document organizer – ID, tickets, MetroCard.
• 👜 Tote or crossbody bag – Great for stylish city use.
• 🧺 Laundry pouch – For thermals and winter socks.
• ⚖️ Luggage scale – Optional but helpful after shopping.
• 🔒 TSA lock – Secure your luggage on the move.
• 🫙 Accessory pouch – For gloves, lip balm, etc.
• 🧼 Compact towel – Handy for gym or travel needs.
• 💤 Neck pillow – For flights or bus rides.
• 😎 Sleep mask – If staying near bright city lights.

👗 Clothes

• 🧥 Insulated winter coat – Essential for DC’s chilly air.
• 🧥 Waterproof trench or puffer – Especially for wet weather days.
• 👕 Thermal tops (2–3) – Base layers for warmth.
• 👚 Long-sleeve shirts/blouses (3–4) – For indoor venues.
• 🧥 Sweaters (2–3) – Wool or fleece for layering warmth.
• 🧥 Blazer or stylish jacket – For dining or evening looks.
• 👖 Jeans or thick trousers (2–3 pairs) – For both style and comfort.
• 🧘 Leggings or thermal bottoms – For layering or relaxed days.
• 👗 Warm dress – Midi or knit options with tights.
• 🧦 Wool socks – At least 4 pairs to keep feet warm.
• 🧣 Blanket scarf – Doubles as a wrap indoors.
• 🧤 Gloves – Tech-friendly and warm!
• 🧢 Knit hat or beanie – A must for wind and cold.
• 🩲 Undergarments – Include warm base layers.
• 🩴 Pajamas – Choose cozy fleece or flannel.

💆 Skincare

• 🧼 Hydrating cleanser – For dry, winter skin.
• 💧 Toner – Alcohol-free to avoid irritation.
• 🧴 Moisturizer – Rich formula to combat the chill.
• 🌞 SPF 30+ – Still necessary even with winter sun.
• 🧽 Makeup remover – Micellar water or oil cleanser.
• 🧴 Gentle exfoliator – 1–2x a week max.
• 👁️ Eye cream – For puffiness and dry skin.
• 💦 Face mist – Boost hydration on-the-go.
• 😴 Night mask or cream – For overnight repair.
• 💋 Lip balm with SPF – Prevent windburn and chapping.
• 🩹 Spot treatment – For cold-triggered breakouts.

💄 Makeup

• 🧴 Hydrating foundation or tinted moisturizer – Winter skin savior.
• 🖌️ Concealer – For under-eyes or cold-season blemishes.
• 💨 Setting powder – Light touch for all-day wear.
• 🌸 Blush – Add warmth to your winter face.
• 🌞 Highlighter – For glow during overcast days.
• 🟫 Bronzer – Subtle color boost.
• 🎨 Warm eyeshadow palette – Think neutrals and berry tones.
• ✏️ Eyeliner – Classic black or brown.
• 👁️ Waterproof mascara – Handle mist or wind.
• 🪞 Brow gel – Natural definition.
• 💄 Lip color or tint – Moisturizing formulas preferred.
• 💧 Setting spray – Keeps makeup in place all day.
• 🖌️ Travel brush kit – Essentials only.

💇 Hair Care

• 🪮 Brush or wide-tooth comb – Winter can cause static.
• 🌀 Hair ties & clips – For windy days or casual wear.
• 🧴 Shampoo & conditioner – Moisturizing formulas preferred.
• 🌬️ Dry shampoo – For fresh hair between showers.
• 🔥 Heat protectant – For flat/curling iron use.
• 🧴 Anti-frizz cream – Combat cold-air static.
• 💨 Mini dryer – Optional; most accommodations provide one.
• 🪞 Flat iron or curling wand – For events or style days.
• 💧 Hair oil – Keep ends smooth and soft.
• 🎀 Accessories – Beanie-friendly clips or scrunchies.

👟 Shoes & Accessories

• 👢 Waterproof boots – Ideal for walking long distances in the cold.
• 👟 Comfortable sneakers – For museums or city strolling (dry days).
• 🥿 Flats or ankle booties – Optional for dinner or theater.
• 🧢 Knit beanie – Keep your head warm during wind gusts.
• 🧣 Scarf – Adds instant winter style.
• 🧤 Insulated gloves – Tech fingers are a bonus.
• 🕶️ Sunglasses – Cold doesn’t mean no sun glare.
• ⌚ Watch – Practical and stylish.
• 💍 Simple jewelry – Pack minimal but chic options.
• 👜 Crossbody bag – Hands-free exploring!
• 🌂 Umbrella – Collapsible and sturdy for DC’s rain.

📑 Documents & Essentials

• 🛂 ID or passport – For ID checks and hotels.
• 📃 Travel insurance – Especially if delays or snowstorms hit.
• 🎟️ Event or museum tickets – Print or save digital copies.
• 📄 Itinerary – Backup in case of phone issues.
• 💳 Credit/debit cards – Widely accepted.
• 💵 Small bills – Tips, transit, or local markets.
• 📍 Offline maps – Useful on public transit or poor signal zones.
• 🧾 Receipt holder – For budgeting or returns.
• 🖊️ Notebook & pen – Great for planning or journaling.
• 👛 RFID wallet – Anti-theft peace of mind.
• 💎 Lockable pouch – For valuables in your accommodation.

🚑 First Aid

• 🩹 Band-aids – Long walks mean possible blisters.
• 🧻 Antiseptic wipes – Clean minor cuts or hands.
• 🩺 Gauze & tape – For emergencies or rough shoes.
• 🩸 Feminine hygiene – Bring what works for you.
• 🧲 Tweezers – Multi-use tool.
• 🌡️ Thermometer – Monitor colds or fevers.
• ✂️ Nail scissors or file – Keep nails neat in dry weather.
• 💠 Cotton swabs – Optional but helpful.

🧼 Health & Hygiene

• 💊 Prescriptions – Enough for your full stay.
• 💊 Pain relief – For headaches or long travel days.
• 🌸 Allergy meds – Winter dust or tree pollen can strike.
• 🤢 Motion sickness pills – For buses or museum fatigue.
• 💊 Vitamins – Boost immunity in winter months.
• 🧴 Hand sanitizer – Must-have for public transport.
• 🧻 Disinfectant wipes – For phones, seats, handles.
• 🧼 Contraceptives – Always pack your own.
• 👁️ Eye drops – For wind or museum fatigue.
• 🪞 Mirror – Touch-ups on the go.
• 🪥 Toothbrush + paste – Travel-ready size.
• 🧵 Floss – Essential always.
• 🧴 Deodorant – Long-lasting formula preferred.
• 🪒 Razor – Travel-sized kit.
• 💅 Nail kit – Chips happen!
• 🌸 Fragrance – Go light in enclosed spaces.
• 🧻 Pocket tissues – For sniffles or wet weather.

📱 Tech & Electronics

• 📱 Smartphone – For maps, guides, and Metro apps.
• 💻 Laptop or tablet – Optional for work or planning.
• 📷 Camera – Capture holiday lights and monuments.
• 🔌 Chargers – Phone, camera, watch, etc.
• 🔋 Power bank – Keep devices alive while exploring.
• 🧵 Tech pouch – For cords and gadgets.
• 🔌 U.S. plug type (A/B) – No adapter needed if domestic.
• 📶 SIM or roaming plan – For international travelers.
• 📖 Kindle or book – For cozy café breaks.
• 🎧 Headphones – For museums, trains, or relaxing nights in.

🎧 Entertainment

• 📚 Book or e-reader – Great for train rides or cafés.
• 📺 Downloaded shows – For evenings in or flights.
• 🎧 Podcasts/music – Add mood to your walking routes.
• 📓 Journal – Capture thoughts while touring museums.
• 🎲 Card game – For group or downtime at your stay.
• 📰 Magazine – Travel classic.

🎁 Extras

• 🍫 Snacks – Protein bars or holiday treats for the road.
• 💧 Refillable water bottle – Stay hydrated even when it’s cold.
• 🛍️ Foldable tote – For books, markets, or souvenirs.
• 🧼 Laundry soap – For socks and thermals if needed.
• 🧵 Sewing kit – Fashion fixes for winter layers.
• 📢 Whistle – For solo travel peace of mind.
• 🧼 Shoe deodorizer – Wet weather + boots = must.
• 🦶 Footrest – Add comfort to flights or trains.
• 💤 Sleep aid – For jet lag or noisy streets.

🌍 Travel Tips

• 🧳 Wear layers – Indoors can be warm, outside is chilly.
• 📲 Use the DC Metro app for transit ease.
• 🧥 Pack weatherproof outerwear + umbrella.
• 💍 Keep valuables in zipped bags or hotel safe.
• 📸 Photograph luggage for reference.
• 🏦 Alert your bank if traveling internationally.

🛂 Visa Tips

• 📅 U.S. citizens need only ID.
• 🛂 International travelers: Check ESTA or visa status.
• 🖨️ Print hotel and activity confirmations.
• 📷 Bring extra ID photos for emergencies.
• 🧾 Understand duty-free rules if shopping.

⭐ Must-Haves

• 🛂 ID/passport
• 🧥 Warm waterproof coat
• 🧣 Gloves, hat, scarf
• 👢 Waterproof boots
• 📱 Phone + charger
• 💧 Water bottle
• 👜 Day bag or crossbody
• 🧴 Moisturizer + lip balm

👍 Good-to-Have

• 🎧 Headphones
• 🧼 Laundry sheets
• 🧵 Mini steamer
• 🛍️ Extra tote for museums or shopping
• 🌂 Compact umbrella
• 💤 Blanket scarf
• 📱 Power bank
• 🧺 Compression cubes