Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Monument Minimalist memorial wall inscribed with Vietnam War casualties' names
On Washington’s National Mall, the black granite Vietnam Veterans Memorial lists over 58,000 names of US service members who died or remain missing in the Vietnam War; visitors come to read inscriptions, leave mementos, and reflect.
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial is a national memorial on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., commemorating U.S. service members who died or remain missing in the Vietnam War. The memorial was designed by Maya Lin and was dedicated in 1982.
The memorial was the result of a national design competition won by Maya Lin while she was a college student; it was erected and dedicated in the early 1980s and later complemented by additional commemorative sculptures and panels following public discussion. It has become a focal point for remembrance and reflection on the Vietnam War.
The memorial sits on the National Mall in the northwest quadrant of Washington, D.C., between the Lincoln Memorial to the west and the Washington Monument to the east.
- Best viewing times: Early morning and late evening visits provide quieter viewing and better lighting for reading the inscribed names on the wall's reflective surface.
How to Get to Vietnam Veterans Memorial #
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial is on the National Mall near 17th Street NW and Constitution Avenue. It is a short walk from the Smithsonian/National Mall area; the Smithsonian Metro station (Orange/Blue/Silver) is typically the most convenient rail access and is about a 5-15 minute walk depending on which Mall entrance you choose. Foggy Bottom-GWU (Orange/Blue/Silver) and Metro Center (Red) are also within a 10-20 minute walk.
If driving, the Memorial is in central Washington, D.C.; expect short driving times from downtown but limited on‑site parking-street and public garages are nearby.
Tips for Visiting Vietnam Veterans Memorial #
- Visit early morning or later in the evening for a quieter, more reflective experience; midday between tour groups is the busiest time along the National Mall.
- Use the National Park Service name-locator kiosks near the memorial before you go so you can find a name's exact panel and line number quickly rather than searching on the wall while others are waiting.
Best Time to Visit Vietnam Veterans Memorial #
Visit in late fall through winter for fewer crowds, or in spring for mild weather but expect large visitor numbers during cherry‑blossom season.
Weather & Climate near Vietnam Veterans Memorial #
Vietnam Veterans Memorial'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 (1038 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 9°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (69 mm).
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March
March is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 2°C. Regular rainfall (91 mm).
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April
April is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (77 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 (102 mm).
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June
June is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 17°C. Regular rainfall (87 mm).
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 32°C and lows of 20°C. Regular rainfall (100 mm).
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August
August is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 19°C. Regular rainfall (95 mm).
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September
September is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 15°C. Regular rainfall (94 mm).
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October
October is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 8°C. Regular rainfall (82 mm).
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November
November is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of 3°C. Regular rainfall (82 mm).
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December
December is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of -1°C. Regular rainfall (80 mm).
