The Ellipse
Park Public park south of the White House, ceremonial space
South of the White House, the Ellipse is a landscaped public park used for seasonal events and the National Christmas Tree; visitors pass by en route to presidential grounds and Lafayette Square.
The Ellipse is an open oval park immediately south of the White House in Washington, D.C., forming part of President’s Park. It functions as a public greenspace used for ceremonial events, promenades and seasonal displays.
Paths, lawns and scattered memorials occupy the Ellipse, which offers unobstructed views toward the White House to the north and the Washington Monument to the south. The park is frequently used for official events and public gatherings.
Historically the Ellipse has been part of the planned grounds surrounding the Executive Mansion and has hosted civic ceremonies and annual festivities. It is managed as part of the National Park Service’s urban historic landscape.
The Ellipse is located just south of the White House on the north end of the National Mall in the District of Columbia, within easy walking distance of many downtown attractions.
- Event timing: The site hosts the annual National Christmas Tree lighting and other seasonal events, making December evenings particularly busy. Early morning visits are much quieter for photography and views of the White House grounds.
How to Get to The Ellipse #
The Ellipse is a short walk from the White House and accessible from Metro stops at Metro Center (Red/Blue/Orange lines) or Federal Triangle (Blue/Orange). Several bus routes serve the National Mall area; security checkpoints can vary on event days.
Tips for Visiting The Ellipse #
- Go early morning for unobstructed views of the White House and to see regulars walking dogs and doing tai chi.
- In winter the Ellipse hosts the National Christmas Tree and seasonal displays - check the National Park Service schedule.
- The southern path along the Ellipse offers unobstructed sightlines for photographing the White House without fences in the frame.
Best Time to Visit The Ellipse #
Any season works depending on what is sought - photography, holiday lights, or quiet city walks. Spring and autumn are most comfortable.
Weather & Climate near The Ellipse #
The Ellipse'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 (1042 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).
Comfort
Weather
February
February is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (69 mm).
Comfort
Weather
March
March is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 2°C. Regular rainfall (91 mm).
Comfort
Weather
April
April is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (78 mm).
Comfort
Weather
May
May is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 12°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (103 mm).
Comfort
Weather
June
June is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 17°C. Regular rainfall (87 mm).
Comfort
Weather
July
July is the warmest month with highs of 32°C and lows of 20°C. Significant rainfall (101 mm).
Comfort
Weather
August
August is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 19°C. Regular rainfall (95 mm).
Comfort
Weather
September
September is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 15°C. Regular rainfall (94 mm).
Comfort
Weather
October
October is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 8°C. Regular rainfall (82 mm).
Comfort
Weather
November
November is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of 3°C. Regular rainfall (83 mm).
Comfort
Weather
December
December is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of -1°C. Regular rainfall (80 mm).
.jpg?width=600)
