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Washington

Current time in Washington

15:56
Monday, 19 October · EDT, UTC-04:00
UTC UTC
19:56
Photo

Washington, District of Columbia, United States uses America/New_York, currently EDT (UTC-04:00). Clocks move back 1 hour on 1 November 2026.

Washington is the capital of the United States, with a population of about 689,500. Its time shifts forward and back with the seasons under daylight saving rules.

Time zone
UTC offset
UTC-04:00
Country
🇺🇸 United States
Population
689,545
Calling code
+1
Currency
USD

Washington vs. other major cities

Shift date & time
−12h+12h

    Compare time zones: best time to call

    The band below is your local scale — accent shows when everyone's business hours overlap. Add or remove a city on the left and this updates too.

    0006121824
    good tight asleep
    Sunrise / sunset
    07:20 / 18:25
    Day length
    11h 5m

    Washington, beyond the clock

    Written for people arriving, calling in, or planning a trip around the time difference.

    Where to stay

    Neighborhood guide

    Neighborhoods near the National Mall and downtown core put major landmarks and metro stations within easy walking distance, ideal for a first visit. Residential areas further out offer a quieter stay, still well connected by the city's metro system.

    What to see

    Timed to the light

    The National Mall's monuments and museums are pleasant to visit year-round, though spring's mild temperatures and flowering trees make it an especially popular season for walking. Many museums are indoor, making them a good option regardless of weather.

    Weather & daylight

    October

    Sunrise
    07:20
    Sunset
    18:25
    Daylight
    11h 5m
    Getting around

    Transit notes

    The metro system covers the city and nearby suburbs well, making it easy to reach most major sights without a car. The downtown core is also very walkable, while ride-hailing and taxis fill in for less accessible areas.

    Best time to visit

    Seasons & timing

    Spring brings mild weather and flowering trees, making it a favorite season for outdoor sightseeing, while autumn offers similarly comfortable temperatures. Summers can be hot and humid, and winters cold, though major indoor attractions remain a good option either season.

    Currency & language

    🇺🇸 USD

    United States uses the USD, calling code +1.

    The US dollar is the currency, and English is the primary language spoken throughout the city. Tipping is customary at restaurants and for many services, generally expected rather than optional.

    Common questions

    What time zone is Washington in?
    Washington uses the America/New_York time zone, currently EDT (UTC-04:00).
    Does Washington observe daylight saving time?
    Yes. Clocks move back 1 hour on 1 November 2026.
    How many hours ahead or behind is Washington?
    Washington is 4 hours behind UTC, on the same time as New York City, 5 hours behind London and 13 hours behind Tokyo.