Moderate climate load. Physical climate score and electricity cost are reported separately.
Washington has a moderate climate load. Its Climate Stress Score of 38.7 is above the indexed-metro median of 37.9. The January normal low is 27.8°F, and 3 months have a normal low below freezing.
The primary planning issue in this profile is electricity price. The standardized 9 kW session estimate is $3.84, above the indexed-metro median of $2.46; this uses the District of Columbia statewide residential electricity average, not a city utility quote. The selected snowfall record reports 9.7 inches annually.
For construction or maintenance work that is easier in moderate conditions, the monthly normals point to March, April, May, September. This is a climate-screening observation, not a construction schedule or permit recommendation.
| Profile | Climate | 9 kW session | Jan. low |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | 38.7 | $3.84 | 27.8°F |
| Indexed median | 37.9 | $2.46 | — |
| Closest index peer: Boise | 39.0 | $2.11 | 25.5°F |
Climate source: NOAA/NCEI U.S. Monthly Climate Normals 1991–2020 (direct by-station archive)
Temperature/precipitation station: USC00186350 — NATL ARBORETUM DC (3.8 mi from city reference point)
Normal period: 1991–2020
Electricity source: EIA residential retail electricity price (2026-07)
Rate geography: District of Columbia statewide residential average
Dataset generated: September 28, 2026
Recent observations through: Not available
Snowfall status: available. Missing values are not included in rankings.
