Is It Too Hot to Walk Your Dog in Washington, DC Right Now?
The air temperature only tells half the story. In direct sun, the asphalt under your dog's paws can run 40–60°F hotter. Here's the live pavement estimate for Washington.
Pavement is cool enough for paws right now.
Safe to walk in Washington until 12 PM 🐾
Today, hour by hour
Estimated pavement temperature under a dog's paws. Green is safe to walk.
7-day safe-walking outlook
| Day | Pavement | Safe windows |
|---|---|---|
| Today | 73°–125°F | 12 AM–12 PM, 5 PM–6 PM, 7 PM–midnight |
| Fri | 70°–134°F | 12 AM–10 AM, 6 PM–midnight |
| Sat | 73°–110°F | 12 AM–1 PM, 2 PM–midnight |
| Sun | 70°–124°F | 12 AM–11 AM, 5 PM–midnight |
| Mon | 66°–136°F | 12 AM–11 AM, 6 PM–midnight |
| Tue | 65°–141°F | 12 AM–11 AM, 7 PM–midnight |
| Wed | 71°–141°F | 12 AM–10 AM, 8 PM–midnight |
Typical this time of year
In Washington, July walks are typically only safe before 10:00 AM and after 5:00 PM. On an average day this month, highs run about 89°F with overnight lows near 70°F.
Frequently asked questions
Is it too hot to walk my dog in Washington right now?
Right now the estimated pavement temperature in Washington is about 74°F, versus 74°F in the air — currently safe to walk. Today's remaining safe windows: 3 AM–12 PM, 5 PM–6 PM, 7 PM–midnight.
How much hotter is the pavement than the air in Washington?
In direct sun, asphalt in Washington can sit 40–60°F above the air temperature. Today the model estimates a peak pavement temperature of about 125°F.
What time can I safely walk my dog in Washington today?
Today's safe walking windows in Washington are 3 AM–12 PM, 5 PM–6 PM, 7 PM–midnight (local time). Early morning is usually the safest bet once the pavement has cooled overnight.
How do I know if the pavement is too hot for my dog in Washington?
Use the 7-second test: press the back of your hand flat on the pavement for 7 seconds. If you can't hold it there comfortably, it's too hot for your dog's paws — regardless of what the air temperature says.