McPherson Square
Park Public square and transit hub in downtown Washington
A downtown Washington plaza with a Metro stop, McPherson Square hosts a Civil War memorial, weekday office crowds, protests and easy access to nearby federal buildings.
McPherson Square is a public square and small park in downtown Washington, D.C., named for Union General James B. McPherson. It functions as an urban green space and transit node in the city’s civic core.
The square offers a compact park setting with a commemorative statue and open paved areas used for gatherings and events. Beneath the square is the McPherson Square Metro station, which is served by the Blue, Orange and Silver lines and provides direct access to the wider city.
The square is named for Major General James B. McPherson and has long served as a civic and transportation landmark in the northwest quadrant of Washington. Over time it has been the site of public demonstrations, rallies and routine commuter traffic given its central location.
McPherson Square sits in the central business district of Washington, D.C., at the intersection of city streets in the downtown grid. It is surrounded by office buildings and is a short walk from other central landmarks and government offices.
- Metro access: Served by the McPherson Square Metro station on the Blue, Orange and Silver lines, providing rapid access across Washington, D.C.
- Park and monument: Contains a bronze statue commemorating Union General James B. McPherson and functions as a small urban park and public space in downtown Washington.
How to Get to McPherson Square #
McPherson Square is in downtown Washington, D.C., roughly three blocks west of the White House. The easiest access is McPherson Square Metro Station (Blue, Orange, Silver lines). It’s also a short walk from Metro Center (Red, Blue, Orange, Silver lines) and Farragut North (Red line). Pedestrians can reach it easily from 14th Street NW.
Tips for Visiting McPherson Square #
- Arrive by Metro: McPherson Square station (Blue, Orange, Silver lines) or walk a block from Metro Center and Farragut North to avoid peak-hour crowds on the Metro escalators.
- Observe the Civil War general statue (Major-General James B. McPherson) early in the morning for fewer crowds and better light for photos.
- Avoid the park during large demonstrations or rallies - it's a common gathering point and can be closed for events.
Best Time to Visit McPherson Square #
A city-center park best visited in spring or autumn for comfortable walking and people-watching.
Weather & Climate near McPherson Square #
McPherson Square'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).
