Columbus Circle (Washington, D.C.)
Square Traffic circle featuring Columbus memorial near D.C. landmarks
Traffic circle near Union Station in Washington, D.C., featuring a Columbus statue and direct access to Capitol Hill, local museums and commuter rail and metro connections.
Columbus Circle in Washington, D.C. is a traffic circle and plaza located immediately in front of Union Station in the Northeast quadrant of the city. The circle includes the Columbus Fountain and a statue of Christopher Columbus.
The circle serves as the principal forecourt to Union Station, offering close views of the station’s main facade and the fountain sculpture at the center of the plaza. It is frequently used as a meeting point and appears on approaches to the Capitol complex.
The plaza and fountain were installed in the early 20th century as part of the urban redevelopment around Union Station; the circle has since functioned as a major traffic and pedestrian node for rail passengers and visitors to the city.
Situated on the forecourt of Union Station near the intersection of Massachusetts Avenue and the station approaches, the circle sits within walking distance of the U.S. Capitol and the National Mall.
- Viewing point: Located at the front plaza of Union Station, making it a clear viewing spot for the station facade and arriving trains.
How to Get to Columbus Circle (Washington, D.C.) #
A short walk from the Foggy Bottom-GWU Metro station (Blue/Orange/Silver lines) or from the Farragut West/Metro Center areas (10-20 minute walk depending on origin). Several Metrobus routes run along Massachusetts and Connecticut Avenues; pedestrian access from adjacent neighborhoods is straightforward.
Tips for Visiting Columbus Circle (Washington, D.C.) #
- Stand on the 17th Street sidewalk at dusk to watch the long shadows of the circle and the glow on the Columbus statue - good for photos without crowds.
- Combine a visit with a walk through the nearby Eisenhower Executive Office Building and President's Park.
- If arriving by metro, use Foggy Bottom-GWU (Blue/Orange/Silver) and walk ~10 minutes; Metro Center (Red/Blue/Orange/Silver) is also nearby.
Best Time to Visit Columbus Circle (Washington, D.C.) #
An urban plaza best experienced on foot; spring and fall offer the most pleasant weather for exploring surrounding embassies and parks.
Weather & Climate near Columbus Circle (Washington, D.C.) #
Columbus Circle (Washington, D.C.)'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 (1056 mm/year), wettest in May, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 6°C and lows of -4°C. Regular rainfall (80 mm).
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February
February is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (70 mm).
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March
March is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 2°C. Regular rainfall (92 mm).
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April
April is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (79 mm).
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May
May is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 12°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (105 mm).
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June
June is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 17°C. Regular rainfall (88 mm).
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 32°C and lows of 20°C. Significant rainfall (103 mm).
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August
August is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 19°C. Regular rainfall (96 mm).
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September
September is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 15°C. Regular rainfall (95 mm).
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October
October is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 8°C. Regular rainfall (83 mm).
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November
November is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of 3°C. Regular rainfall (84 mm).
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December
December is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of -1°C. Regular rainfall (81 mm).
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