Ward Circle
Park Traffic circle surrounding a memorial and academic buildings
Traffic circle beside American University in northwest Washington, D.C., noted for campus access, nearby embassies and small memorials along Massachusetts Avenue.
Ward Circle is a traffic circle in northwest Washington, D.C., notable for its central commemorative monument to Revolutionary War general Artemas Ward.
The circle was laid out as part of Washington’s street plan to create formal avenues and memorial sites; the central monument was placed to honour General Ward and to provide a civic focal point near the university.
Located at the intersection of Massachusetts Avenue NW and adjacent streets in the Tenleytown/American University area, it forms part of northwest D.C.’s institutional and diplomatic corridor.
- Proximity to American University: Sits directly adjacent to the main campus of American University and frames part of the university's frontage along Massachusetts Avenue NW.
What to See #
- Artemas Ward monument: A large commemorative monument dedicated to Revolutionary War general Artemas Ward occupies the central island and is a focal point for the circle.
How to Get to Ward Circle #
From Washington D.C. Metro take the Red Line to Tenleytown-AU station; Ward Circle is a 10-15 minute walk southeast along Wisconsin Avenue and Massachusetts Avenue.
Tips for Visiting Ward Circle #
- Walk from the American University metro stop (Tenleytown-AU) and approach via Massachusetts Avenue for the best view of the Artemas Ward statue.
- Combine with a visit to American University's campus or a walk along Nebraska Avenue to see neighborhood architecture.
Best Time to Visit Ward Circle #
Spring and autumn provide the most comfortable walking conditions; the circle is a neighborhood public space year-round.
Weather & Climate near Ward Circle #
Ward Circle's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -4°C to 31°C. Abundant rainfall (1079 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 -3°C. Moderate rainfall (71 mm).
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March
March is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 1°C. Regular rainfall (93 mm).
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April
April is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 6°C. Regular rainfall (82 mm).
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May
May is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 11°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (108 mm).
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June
June is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 16°C. Regular rainfall (92 mm).
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 31°C and lows of 19°C. Significant rainfall (101 mm).
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August
August is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 18°C. Regular rainfall (97 mm).
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September
September is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 14°C. Regular rainfall (98 mm).
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October
October is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 8°C. Regular rainfall (86 mm).
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November
November is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 3°C. Regular rainfall (88 mm).
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December
December is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of -2°C. Regular rainfall (83 mm).
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