Dupont Circle Fountain
Park Fountain centerpiece of Dupont Circle traffic circle
The fountain at Dupont Circle sits in a Washington, D.C. traffic circle surrounded by embassies, cafes and bookstores; visitors come for the weekend farmers’ market, nightlife and easy access to nearby museums and historic row houses.
The Dupont Circle Fountain is the central feature of Dupont Circle, a traffic circle and park in northwest Washington, D.C.’s Dupont Circle neighbourhood. It serves as both a memorial and an urban fountain and is a well known local landmark.
A single circular basin and sculptural memorial occupy the centre of the park; the fountain is surrounded by paths, benches and a planted traffic island. The area around the circle includes embassies, shops and restaurants and is a busy pedestrian space.
The memorial fountain was installed in the early 20th century to honour Rear Admiral Samuel Francis Du Pont and has been an established element of the circle since its dedication. The circle sits at the junction of Connecticut Avenue NW with surrounding radial streets and is maintained as a public space by the District of Columbia.
The fountain and park are in central Washington, D.C., at the intersection of Connecticut Avenue NW and surrounding streets, within the Dupont Circle neighbourhood a short distance northwest of the downtown business district.
- Setting: Located at the geometric centre of Dupont Circle, surrounded by the park and the neighbourhood's embassies, shops and cafes.
- Purpose: Designed as a memorial and fountain and dedicated in the early 20th century, it functions as a focal point and common meeting place in the Dupont Circle neighbourhood.
How to Get to Dupont Circle Fountain #
Dupont Circle is on Massachusetts Avenue NW where it meets Connecticut Avenue NW. Metro: Dupont Circle station on the Red Line (exit to Q Street) is the most convenient; numerous DC Circulator and Metrobus routes serve the area.
Tips for Visiting Dupont Circle Fountain #
- For the best photos of the Dupont Circle fountain, arrive early before the crowd; late afternoons show the fountain in golden light.
- Use the south-side bench near Massachusetts Ave when attending the Sunday farmers' market for prime people-watching.
Best Time to Visit Dupont Circle Fountain #
Best visited early morning for quieter viewing or evening for theatre crowds and city lights.
Weather & Climate near Dupont Circle Fountain #
Dupont Circle Fountain'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 31°C. Abundant rainfall (1053 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. Moderate rainfall (79 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 31°C and lows of 20°C. Significant rainfall (101 mm).
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August
August is warm with highs of 30°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).