What to Wear to the Presidential Inauguration in D.C.

With the election just weeks away, people are already planning to attend the 2025 presidential inauguration. I know many who plan to attend are not from the Washington, D.C., area and may be wondering what to wear to the presidential inauguration and what to pack for a long day outside in January.

I am a local. I was born in D.C. and have lived in the Washington Metropolitan area all my life. I have attended previous inaugurations and wanted to share helpful advice on what to wear to the presidential inauguration. D.C. weather is unpredictable in January, so I will share tips on how to be prepared for anything, even if you are traveling and have to pack in advance.

What to Wear to the Presidential Inauguration in DC

I originally wrote this for the 2021 Presidential Inauguration, but with the 2025 inauguration coming soon and folks already booking Airbnbs and hotels and coordinating travel, I felt it valuable to update this as a resource for those coming to D.C. this coming January.

Prepare for D.C. Weather in January

Washington, D.C., has wacky weather in January: we’ve had blizzards and days with temperatures in the 60s (Fahrenheit). D.C. averages nine days of rain and three of snow in January, so there is a good chance precipitation will be either falling on you or under your feet. If you are packing in advance, you will want to prepare for the worst but have layers to adjust if the day ends up balmy and dry.

Prepare to Be Standing All Day

Knowing from past experience, attending the inauguration as a member of the public is a long day where you will be on your feet the entire time. The National Mall is primarily grass and gravel with few concrete paths, meaning if it has recently rained or snowed, the ground will be muddy.

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The key to a comfortable day is focusing first on your feet. I have found the best footwear for protests, marches, inaugurations, and other events in DC is a pair of insulated waterproof hiking boots. The high shaft will support and protect your ankles, arch support will keep your feet happy, and insulation will keep the toes cozy. You can stomp through puddles, slush, and muck and stay dry.

• For the Women’s March in 2017, I wore insulated Merrell boots and was comfortable for hours. I still own them and wear them for winter hikes, neighborhood walks, and events. when I will be standing outside for a long while.
• For Obama’s second inauguration, I wore knee-high leather boots figuring I would have more wind and precipitation protection; by adding a pair of shearling insoles and waterproofing the leather, my feet survived the long and very cold day.

If you prefer to wear your favorite boots or sneakers, I recommend adding insoles not just for arch support but for warmth. The ground will be very cold, and having insulation between it and your feet will make a major difference in how warm you feel. Here I share what I find to be the best winter insoles for comfort and warmth.

Have a Base Layer

This is the kind of day where you will want long underwear. Silk is a great base layer as it is super thin, clothing slides right over it, and it will insulate without bulk. If silk isn’t your thing, I am a big fan of Lands’ End’s Thermaskin collection.

For an event like this, I recommend long underwear pants and a long-sleeved top; choose a dark-colored top so that if the day ends up warm, you can strip down to this base layer without looking like you’ve stripped down to your skivvies.

Your Coat Matters

The average temperature in DC in January is in the low 40s Fahrenheit. Considering there is a good chance of precipitation or wet ground from recent rain or snow, I recommend an insulated and water-resistant or waterproof coat or parka. Keep your wool peacoat at home and choose something more durable and something you can wash once you’re back home.

Past inaugurations have varied on whether you can bring a small umbrella, and this year’s security rules have not yet been posted, so err on the side of caution and choose a coat with a waterproof hood that will protect you in case of precipitation.

I have a Lands’ End Squall parka that is 20 years old, has been washed and dried so many times, has been through so many adventures, and is still awesome. It's insulated and waterproof, with a hood, many secure pockets, and a walkable yet protective length, making it a perfect choice for such an event in DC in January. Available in regular, petite, tall, and plus sizes to 3XL and in several colors, it’s a cult classic for a reason.

Columbia’s Suttle Mountain Jacket is another great insulated coat with smart pockets and a storm hood that is available up to size 3XL in a variety of colors that will be practical and classic enough of a style for many, many years of wear.

Pack Cold-Weather Accessories

You may be in the shade or the blazing sun. It may be snowing or a bright sunshiny day. The day may start off frigid and warm up by noon.  It’s smart to have a variety of accessories to be comfortable no matter what.

• Even if you have a hood, I recommend having a hat as well. This is where you can add some of your style, choosing a beanie in your favorite color or proclaiming your favorite message. I recently bought my husband a beanie from this Etsy shop that embroidered a custom design for me; this is a fun gift idea as well as a way to stay warm for the inauguration or any day. Since you won’t be moving a lot, you may also wish to pack a pair of ear warmers to wear with or without the hat and hood.
• Even though it’s winter, I highly recommend a pair of sunglasses for sun and wind protection. Choose ones with UV protection and polarization; these are stylish but cheap enough you won't be upset if they break or get lost on the Mall. I own pairs from this brand and find them good quality.
• Gloves are a must; if it’s super cold I like wearing a pair of thinner gloves like these and then have windproof mittens like these to slip over and take off when I need to grab something or use my phone.
• For a scarf, consider a neck gaiter, which will keep your neck, bottom half of your face, and ears warm and can be adjusted with one gloved hand.

All parade and event attendees are subject to a thorough security screening before entering any of the Inaugural event sites. When I went to past inaugurations, security opened and thoroughly scanned the contents of every bag. Backpacks and duffle bags were not permitted.

I think it makes sense to err on the side of caution and go with as small a bag as you can for your essentials. If you have a clear bag for sports events, use that.  A perk, your clear bag is likely water-resistant!

What Should I Pack for Inauguration Day?

Don’t expect to find a seat, don’t expect the ground to be dry enough to sit on, and while we’re at it, don’t think you can easily find a bathroom, cup of coffee, or even a bottle of water.

The National Mall is a wide open space surrounded by museums, and you have to walk beyond them to find restaurants, cafes, and shops. Port-a-potties will be set up, but that doesn’t mean they will be anywhere near where you are standing. Be sure to pack for a long day away from creature comforts.

• Water: I really like reusable water bags like these because they don’t weigh a lot, can mold to a space, and roll up to almost nothing when empty. If it has a carabiner, you can clip it to your bag or coat to save space.
• Snacks: Think of items that work well with gloves and on the go. Energy and snack bars are smart choices, as are purees and energy gels in a squeeze pouch.
• Personal Care Products: I recommend a travel-sized pack of wet wipes. They can be used for the porta-potties but also for other cleanups during the day. One of those purse packs of tissues is also awesome, especially in cold, runny-nose weather. If you’re having your period or want to be the BFF of someone who may have had theirs come earlier than expected, bring a couple of tampons or pads. If you have a nervous stomach, some Imodium AD may end up your BFF. Lip balm is smart, especially in cold and windy weather, as are eye drops, especially if you wear contacts.
• In Case Of Products: Every time I go to an event like this, I pack a few safety pins, a bit of duct tape, a binder clip, and a bandana. These three things can accomplish a lot for repairs and makeshift tools or carrying items when away from home and aren’t seen through security checks to be weapons.
• Communication Essentials: Yes, you will bring your phone, but be sure it has a sturdy case that will protect it if it falls on the ground or into a puddle. Lack of WiFi and taking plenty of photos will deplete your battery super fast; be prepared with a battery pack. This is my absolute favorite for taking up little space, being reliable, and easy to use while also using your phone.
• Personal Identification and Money: Bring your ID, your insurance cards and medical information, one credit or debit card, and $25-$40 in cash. If you don’t have phone numbers memorized, consider a piece of paper or write on your arm the number of an emergency contact just in case your phone dies or gets lost. All money and IDs should be on your person, whether it’s in a card case in an interior pocket, one of those neck wallets, or in a bag pinned to your bra. Leave everything else at home; the more you bring, the more chance to have those items lost or stolen, and it will just weigh you down.
• A Paper Map: Especially if you are not familiar with DC, bring a paper map with you.  You can't rely on cell service to get you around, especially if there is a crowd, and trying to use GPS or search maps on your phone will drain your battery quickly. If you don't want to carry a paper map, at least save some maps as photos on your phone so you can enlarge and get your way around town. 

Details About the 2025 Presidential Inauguration

Okay, now that you know what to wear to the presidential inauguration, let’s discuss the specifics of the event. Minimal details for the 2025 Inauguration Day events have been posted; below is what I have found for 2025 and information that has been consistent for past inaugurations. As I learn more, I will update these sections.

When is the Presidential Inauguration?

The next President of the United States will be sworn in on Monday, January 20, 2025, at the U.S. Capitol, located at the east end of the National Mall. 

The swearing-in ceremony will take place at noon, and then, around 3:00 p.m., a ceremonial parade goes from 15th Street to Pennsylvania Avenue from the U.S. Capitol to the White House. 

Is it Free to Attend the Presidential Inauguration?

The Inauguration is a free event, and the public is welcome to attend. However, you must have a ticket to attend the swearing-in ceremony. Tickets are free, but they’re in high demand and must be applied for through your senator or representative’s office. Don’t be sad if you don’t get one, there are only around 250,000 of them.

Jumbotrons and speakers are set up all over the National Mall for everyone to see the ceremony, and from past experience, being in the crowd is fun. An area on the Mall west of Fourth Street NW will be open to the public without tickets.

The parade is also free to watch. A limited number of bleacher seats can be reserved through the Presidential Inauguration Committee, but you can also catch a glimpse from the unreserved sidewalks along Pennsylvania Avenue.

When Can the Public Arrive for the Inauguration?

In the past, security screening gates opened at 6:00 a.m. Not much happened until around 9:30 a.m., when the music started playing over the speakers. Opening remarks usually begin around 11:30 a.m., with the swearing-in taking place around noon.

I highly recommend arriving as early as you can, and coming with at least one other person so you can hold your spot as one goes to get warm beverages, use the facilities, etc. Prepare for a long and chilly day on your feet.

When I attended my last inauguration, I was outside the gates of my local Metro station before it opened so I could get on the first train to the National Mall. Even so, I waited for about an hour in line to get through security screening.

What’s the Best Way to Get to the Presidential Inauguration?

Don’t think of driving and finding a place nearby to park. Many roads will be shut down, and parking will not be easy to find. Even if you do find a parking spot, road closures may change throughout the day, making your car inaccessible when it’s time to go home.

Metro, a rideshare program, or having a loved one drive you in and drop you off are your best bets. For past inaugurations, marches, and other events on the National Mall, I have either used the Metro or been part of a group that chartered a bus.

When leaving the events, I’ve found the crowds at the Metro stations to be overwhelming and found it better to walk several blocks away from the event and try to get a rideshare program to pick me up or have a friend get me and drive me home.

Gathering During Civil Unrest

The presidential inauguration is usually a day of celebration, but you cannot ensure this year will be similar in tone. Instead of treating this like a party, I would prepare as though you are going to a protest. Hope for the best, but prepare for the worst.

For the 2017 Women’s March, I wrote about what to wear to a protest march in the winter. In 2020, I updated the post to be helpful for protests any time of year. Some of the information in that article may also prove useful for attending the 2025 presidential inauguration.

Did I miss anything? Please share your tips in the comments to keep this as a valuable resource for those attending the upcoming inauguration or other events taking place in D.C. in the winter!