Anacostia Park

Park Large urban park along the Anacostia River, Washington

Along the Anacostia River in Washington, D.C., Anacostia Park provides bike paths, ballfields, picnic areas and a rowing boathouse used by clubs and weekend visitors.

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Anacostia Park is a large urban park along the eastern bank of the Anacostia River in Washington, D.C., that provides extensive riverfront open space and recreational facilities. It is managed by the National Park Service and contains sports fields, picnic areas and multi-use trails.

Facilities within the park include athletic fields, boat ramps and riverside pathways used for cycling, walking and fishing, together with open green spaces and playgrounds. The park functions as a major green corridor in the eastern part of the District.

The park was assembled from municipal and federal lands to provide urban open space and recreation along the Anacostia River; management focuses on public access, riverfront recreation and conservation of riparian areas. Programming includes community events, sports leagues and volunteer conservation activities.

Anacostia Park runs for several miles along the Anacostia River on the eastern side of Washington, D.C., east of the U.S. Capitol and within the city limits, providing a continuous greenbelt through predominantly urban neighborhoods.

  • Size and recreational facilities: The park covers roughly 1,200 acres of riverfront land and includes athletic fields, walking and biking trails along the Anacostia River.
Anacostia Park
Anacostia Park, Washington, DC, United States (along Anacostia River)
38.9178, -76.9456
Park open daily dawn-dusk (some recreational areas open later)
Free (city park)

How to Get to Anacostia Park #

Anacostia Park runs along the Anacostia River east of the U.S. Capitol. From downtown DC the park is reachable by Metro (Anacostia Station on the Green Line) with a short bus or bike ride; there are multiple parking areas along Anacostia Drive SE.

Tips for Visiting Anacostia Park #

  • Explore the river trail near the Anacostia River to watch kayakers and to see renovation projects along the waterfront.
  • Visit on weekdays early morning for birdwatching; spring brings many migrants.
  • Avoid certain stretches after dark - some areas are under active revitalization and can feel less safe at night.

Best Time to Visit Anacostia Park #

Spring and fall are best for outdoor activities and community events; weekday mornings are good for solitude and birding.

Spring (Mar-May)
March-May · 45-75°F (7-24°C)
Bird migration and blooming trees make riverside trails pleasant; community events return as weather warms.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
September-November · 50-75°F (10-24°C)
Fewer insects and milder temperatures; river views are crisp and parks host local festivals.

Weather & Climate near Anacostia Park #

Climate

Anacostia Park's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -4°C to 32°C. Abundant rainfall (1077 mm/year), wettest in May, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
32°
Warmest Month
-4°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coolest month with highs of 6°C and lows of -4°C. Regular rainfall (81 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-4°

Weather

81 mm
Rainfall
3.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

February

February is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (70 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-3°

Weather

70 mm
Rainfall
3.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

March

March is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 2°C. Regular rainfall (94 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
14°

Weather

94 mm
Rainfall
4.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

April

April is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 6°C. Regular rainfall (81 mm).

Comfort

13°
Feels Like Cool
13°C
Temperature
20°

Weather

81 mm
Rainfall
3.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

May

May is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 12°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (109 mm).

Comfort

19°
Feels Like Mild
19°C
Temperature
12° 25°

Weather

109 mm
Rainfall
3.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

June

June is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 17°C. Regular rainfall (90 mm).

Comfort

23°
Feels Like Mild
23°C
Temperature
17° 29°

Weather

90 mm
Rainfall
2.9 m/s
Wind
Calm

July

July is the warmest month with highs of 32°C and lows of 20°C. Significant rainfall (106 mm).

Comfort

26°
Feels Like Warm
26°C
Temperature
20° 32°

Weather

106 mm
Rainfall
2.7 m/s
Wind
Calm

August

August is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 19°C. Regular rainfall (98 mm).

Comfort

25°
Feels Like Warm
25°C
Temperature
19° 31°

Weather

98 mm
Rainfall
2.5 m/s
Wind
Calm

September

September is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 15°C. Regular rainfall (96 mm).

Comfort

21°
Feels Like Mild
21°C
Temperature
15° 27°

Weather

96 mm
Rainfall
2.7 m/s
Wind
Calm

October

October is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 8°C. Regular rainfall (85 mm).

Comfort

15°
Feels Like Cool
15°C
Temperature
21°

Weather

85 mm
Rainfall
2.8 m/s
Wind
Calm

November

November is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of 3°C. Regular rainfall (85 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
15°

Weather

85 mm
Rainfall
3.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

December

December is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of -1°C. Regular rainfall (82 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-1°

Weather

82 mm
Rainfall
3.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

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