Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (KDCA) Aviation Weather, METAR, TAF & ATIS Alerts
Live aviation weather for Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Washington, DC, including METAR, TAF, flight category, wind, visibility, ceiling, altimeter, runway crosswinds, and Telegram airport alerts.
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (KDCA) is one of the primary air-carrier airports serving Washington, DC at 15 ft. KDCA reports its own METAR and publishes a TAF, and broadcasts digital ATIS (D-ATIS), decoded live on this page as flight category, wind, visibility, ceiling and altimeter. Its 6 runways (01, 04, 15, 19), longest 7,169 ft, are checked against the current wind in the crosswind table below. The official FAA airport diagram is at the bottom of the page. Track KDCA in the ATIS Alerts Telegram bot to get a message the moment the ATIS letter changes or the weather drops below your selected minimums.
Wind from the east-southeast (110°) at 7 kt, visibility 10+ statute miles, a few clouds at 3,500 ft, a few clouds at 4,900 ft, overcast at 6,000 ft, temperature 26°C (79°F), altimeter 30.01 inHg. Conditions are Visual Flight Rules (VFR), ceiling 6,000 ft.
METAR KDCA 122252Z 11007KT 10SM FEW035 FEW049 OVC060 26/22 A3001 RMK AO2 SLP161 T02610222 $
What changed at KDCA?
Since the 2152Z (5:52 PM EDT) report, compared automatically against the latest METAR.
- Pressure rising: altimeter 29.99 → 30.01 inHg.
This is exactly what ATIS Alerts watches for you: get a Telegram message when KDCA's ATIS or weather changes, free →
Current pilot readout for KDCA
KDCA is currently VFR with winds from 110° at 7 knots, visibility 10+ statute miles, and a 6,000 ft ceiling. The strongest crosswind component is currently on runway 04, about 7 knots. Density altitude is approximately 1,250 ft (field elevation 15 ft). Review the latest TAF below for forecast changes before departure.
⚠️ Not for operational use. Always verify with official FAA-approved preflight weather sources before flight.
New to aviation weather? How to read a METAR → · What VFR/MVFR/IFR mean → · Decode any METAR/TAF → · Density altitude calculator →
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For pilots and crews overnighting at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (KDCA).
Nearby Pilot Hotel Deals
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D-ATIS
Digital Automatic Terminal Information Service, the live broadcast.
DCA ATIS INFO S 2252Z. 12007KT 10SM FEW035 FEW049 OVC060 26/22 A3001 (THREE ZERO ZERO ONE) RMK AO2 SLP161 T02610222. ARRIVALS EXPECT RNAV Z APCH RWY 19. LNDG AND DEPG RWYS 19, 15. SOUTH ADVISORY. NOTICE TO AIRMEN. RWY 22 CLSD. RWY 15 PAPI OTS, DCA VOR OTS. NUMEROUS CRANES IN VICINITY OF AIRPORT. HAZD WX INFO FOR DCA AREA AVBL FM FLT WATCH OR FSS. BIRD ACTIVITY. READBACK ALTITUDE ASSIGNMENTS. DEPARTURES TURN ON TRANSPONDERS BEFORE TAXI. READBACK ALL RWY ASSIGNMENTS AND HOLD SHORT INSTRUCTIONS. DO NOT ENTER PROHIBITED AIRSPACE N OF ARPT. ...ADVS YOU HAVE INFO S.
Runway wind check
Estimated head/tailwind and crosswind for each runway end from the current reported wind.
Use this section to quickly compare current wind alignment across available runways at KDCA. This is intended as a planning aid only and should not replace official performance calculations or pilot judgment.
| Runway | Length | Surface | Head / Tail | Crosswind |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15FAV | 5,204 ft | ASP | 6 kt head | 4 kt left |
| 19 | 7,169 ft | ASP | 3 kt head | 6 kt left |
| 04 | 5,000 ft | ASP | 1 kt head | 7 kt right |
| 22 | 5,000 ft | ASP | 1 kt tail | 7 kt left |
| 01 | 7,169 ft | ASP | 3 kt tail | 6 kt right |
| 33 | 5,204 ft | ASP | 6 kt tail | 4 kt right |
Open the crosswind calculator to try your own wind and runway numbers →
24-hour trend
Wind, ceiling and flight category over the last 24 hours.
Over the last 23 h: wind 5→7 kt, ceiling 25,000 ft → 6,000 ft.
KDCA weather radar
Live NEXRAD + lightning, with a 4-hour future-radar forecast. Drag to pan, tap ⚡ to toggle lightning.
Live weather radar around Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Washington, DC: the NOAA/NWS NEXRAD composite updates about every five minutes, with NOAA lightning strike density overlaid. The loop plays the past 50 minutes, then continues into a future-radar forecast (+1 to +4 hours, NOAA HRRR model) so you can see where precipitation around KDCA is headed.
Radar: NOAA/NWS via IEM · Forecast: NOAA HRRR · Lightning: NOAA · Map © Stadia Maps © OpenMapTiles © OpenStreetMap
Forecast frames (amber label) are HRRR model guidance, not observed radar. Lightning strike density appears as a blue-white glow when strikes are detected in view. Radar and lightning coverage are limited in parts of Alaska, Hawaii, and offshore areas. Not for navigation.
Pilot reports (PIREPs) within 100 NM of KDCA
Reported by pilots in flight over the past 6 hours, via aviationweather.gov.
Show raw report
BWI UA /OV BAL180001/TM 2243/FL050/TP B38M/SK BASES 025 TOPS 035
BWI UAHeader: reporting station and UA: a routine pilot report.OV BAL180001Location: fix or navaid, optionally with a radial and distance in NM.TM 2243Reported at 22:43 UTC.FL050Altitude: 5,000 ft MSL.TP B38MAircraft type reporting.SK BASES 025 TOPS 035Sky condition: cloud bases and tops in hundreds of feet MSL.Show raw report
FDK UA /OV RICKE/TM 2236/FL020/TP P28R/SK OVC020
FDK UAHeader: reporting station and UA: a routine pilot report.OV RICKELocation: fix or navaid, optionally with a radial and distance in NM.TM 2236Reported at 22:36 UTC.FL020Altitude: 2,000 ft MSL.TP P28RAircraft type reporting.SK OVC020Sky condition: cloud bases and tops in hundreds of feet MSL.Show raw report
RIC UA /OV KRIC/TM 2230/FL010/TP B738/SK BKN010
RIC UAHeader: reporting station and UA: a routine pilot report.OV KRICLocation: fix or navaid, optionally with a radial and distance in NM.TM 2230Reported at 22:30 UTC.FL010Altitude: 1,000 ft MSL.TP B738Aircraft type reporting.SK BKN010Sky condition: cloud bases and tops in hundreds of feet MSL.Show raw report
BWI UA /OV BAL330005/TM 2215/FLDURD/TP B38M/SK BKN022/RM OBSERVED BASES AT 2200FT ON FINAL RWY15R BWI
BWI UAHeader: reporting station and UA: a routine pilot report.OV BAL330005Location: fix or navaid, optionally with a radial and distance in NM.TM 2215Reported at 22:15 UTC.FLDURDReported during descent.TP B38MAircraft type reporting.SK BKN022Sky condition: cloud bases and tops in hundreds of feet MSL.RM OBSERVED BASES AT 2200FT …Remarks.Show raw report
RIC UA /OV RIC160002/TM 2214/FL010/TP B737/SK BASES 010
RIC UAHeader: reporting station and UA: a routine pilot report.OV RIC160002Location: fix or navaid, optionally with a radial and distance in NM.TM 2214Reported at 22:14 UTC.FL010Altitude: 1,000 ft MSL.TP B737Aircraft type reporting.SK BASES 010Sky condition: cloud bases and tops in hundreds of feet MSL.Show raw report
HEF UA /OV KHEF340007/TM 2147/FL021/TP P28A/SK BKN021/RM DURD
HEF UAHeader: reporting station and UA: a routine pilot report.OV KHEF340007Location: fix or navaid, optionally with a radial and distance in NM.TM 2147Reported at 21:47 UTC.FL021Altitude: 2,100 ft MSL.TP P28AAircraft type reporting.SK BKN021Sky condition: cloud bases and tops in hundreds of feet MSL.RM DURDRemarks.Show raw report
FDK UA /OV RICKE/TM 2142/FL017/TP C172/SK OVC021
FDK UAHeader: reporting station and UA: a routine pilot report.OV RICKELocation: fix or navaid, optionally with a radial and distance in NM.TM 2142Reported at 21:42 UTC.FL017Altitude: 1,700 ft MSL.TP C172Aircraft type reporting.SK OVC021Sky condition: cloud bases and tops in hundreds of feet MSL.Show raw report
MDT UA /OV MDT/TM 2137/FL030/TP E145/SK BASES 025
MDT UAHeader: reporting station and UA: a routine pilot report.OV MDTLocation: fix or navaid, optionally with a radial and distance in NM.TM 2137Reported at 21:37 UTC.FL030Altitude: 3,000 ft MSL.TP E145Aircraft type reporting.SK BASES 025Sky condition: cloud bases and tops in hundreds of feet MSL.⚠️ PIREPs are unverified pilot reports. Not for operational use: conditions change between reports.
Recent aviation weather trends at KDCA
From ATIS Alerts' hourly weather history.
Over the past 24 hours, KDCA reported mostly VFR across 26 observations, with 4 flight-category changes. The lowest ceiling was 2,300 ft. Wind most often came from the SE.
Most recent change: MVFR → VFR
Most recent change: MVFR → VFR
- 19
- 25%
- 01
- 21%
- 04
- 15%
- 33
- 14%
- 22
- 13%
- 15
- 12%
TAF | Terminal Aerodrome Forecast
Issued 2058Z (4:58 PM EDT)
TAF KDCA 122058Z 1221/1324 15007KT P6SM SCT025 OVC050 PROB30 1221/1224 6SM -SHRA OVC025 FM130000 13006KT P6SM OVC025 PROB30 1300/1303 3SM SHRA BR OVC015 FM130300 15003KT 3SM SHRA BR SCT005 OVC010 FM130600 00000KT 5SM -SHRA BR OVC005 FM131100 27003KT 6SM BR BKN010 FM131500 30005KT P6SM SCT030
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Nearby TFRs
Active FAA TFRs near KDCA
FAA TFR data shows an active temporary flight restriction near KDCA.
View all active US TFRs → · Official FAA TFR ↗
Verify with official FAA TFR sources before flight.
Airport facts
Reference data from the OurAirports dataset.
- Type
- Large airport
- ICAO
- KDCA
- IATA
- DCA
- FAA LID
- DCA
- City
- Washington
- State
- District of Columbia
- Country
- United States
- Elevation
- 15 ft
- Coordinates
- 38.8521, -77.0377
- Runways
- 6
- Longest runway
- 7,169 ft
- Weather reporting
- METAR · D-ATIS
- TAF
- Published
- Time zone
- America/New_York
- Sunset in
- 15m
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Nearby airports
Compare nearby METAR/TAF stations within 25, 50 and 100 NM before departure or arrival.
Within 25 NM
8 airports+2 more within 25 NM
25–50 NM
8 airports+2 more within 50 NM
50–100 NM
8 airports+2 more within 100 NM
RC flying fields nearby
AMA model-aircraft club fields around this airport: live wind, crosswind & flyability on each page.
- Northern VA Control Line Assn - Old Colchester Rd , Lorton, VA · 15 mi
- Lorton Burnett Field Furnace Rd , Lorton, VA · 16 mi
- Charles County RC - CCRCC Flying Field , Brandywine, MD · 16 mi
Historical Flying Weather at KDCA
2006–2025 · ATIS Alerts Flying Weather Index
Based on historical observations from 2006–2025, KDCA reported VFR conditions during about 85.3% of valid daylight observations, with an estimated 297 VFR flying days a year. July had the most VFR weather; December had the most instrument conditions. Surface winds averaged 7.3 kt, calm 8.6% of the time.
Full historical breakdown
Flight category by month
| Month | VFR % | MVFR % | IFR % | LIFR % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 84.4 | 7.2 | 6.5 | 2.0 |
| Feb | 84.4 | 7.3 | 6.7 | 1.6 |
| Mar | 84.0 | 9.4 | 5.5 | 1.1 |
| Apr | 85.4 | 9.8 | 4.3 | 0.5 |
| May | 82.1 | 11.9 | 5.5 | 0.5 |
| Jun | 88.2 | 8.3 | 3.3 | 0.3 |
| Jul | 92.3 | 6.2 | 1.4 | 0.1 |
| Aug | 89.7 | 8.3 | 1.9 | 0.1 |
| Sep | 84.4 | 11.0 | 4.3 | 0.3 |
| Oct | 83.1 | 11.3 | 5.0 | 0.6 |
| Nov | 87.8 | 7.7 | 3.9 | 0.7 |
| Dec | 81.0 | 9.0 | 7.5 | 2.5 |
Average wind by month
| Month | Mean wind (kt) |
|---|---|
| Jan | 7.9 kt |
| Feb | 8.1 kt |
| Mar | 8.7 kt |
| Apr | 8.2 kt |
| May | 7.2 kt |
| Jun | 7.1 kt |
| Jul | 6.5 kt |
| Aug | 6.3 kt |
| Sep | 6.6 kt |
| Oct | 7.0 kt |
| Nov | 7.0 kt |
| Dec | 7.0 kt |
Historical summary of past observations: not a forecast or safety rating. Always check the current METAR, TAF, and a weather briefing before flight.
KDCA airport diagram
Official FAA taxiway and runway layout. Tap to zoom.
The FAA airport diagram for Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Washington, DC shows the runway and taxiway layout across 6 runways, ramp areas, and hold-short positions. Review it before taxiing at an unfamiliar field.
Official FAA airport diagram · d-TPP cycle 2610 · Not for navigation. Download the official FAA PDF ↗
KDCA weather: frequently asked
What runways are available at KDCA?+
KDCA has 6 runways: 01, 04, 15, 19, 22, 33; the longest is 7,169 ft. This page computes the live crosswind for each runway end from the current wind.
Does KDCA report its own weather?+
Yes. Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport has its own weather station and publishes METAR observations, which this page decodes live.
Does KDCA have a TAF?+
Yes. The TAF is shown on this page below the current conditions.
Does KDCA broadcast D-ATIS?+
Yes. KDCA publishes digital ATIS, and the live broadcast text with its current information letter is shown on this page. The ATIS Alerts bot (@atisalerts_bot) can message you the moment the letter changes.
Where can I find the KDCA airport diagram?+
The official FAA airport diagram for Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (KDCA) is shown on this page. It maps the runway and taxiway layout, ramps, and hold-short lines. Tap it to zoom, or download the official FAA PDF free from the link under the diagram (updated every 28-day FAA charting cycle).
Pilot PIREPs for Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (KDCA)
Community-submittedCommunity-submitted airport notes from pilots about runway conditions, wildlife, FBOs, fuel, turbulence, ramp access, and local tips.
Read recent community-submitted pilot notes for Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, including runway conditions, wildlife activity, FBO/fuel notes, turbulence, ramp access, and local airport tips.
⚠️ Pilot PIREPs on ATIS Alerts are community-submitted airport notes for situational awareness only. They are not official FAA PIREPs, NOTAMs, weather briefings, airport advisories, or flight-planning guidance. Always verify with official FAA/NWS sources, airport management, ATC, and current publications.
No Pilot PIREPs have been submitted for KDCA yet. Recently flew here? Help the next pilot by leaving a quick airport note.
Pilot PIREPs are community pilot notes for situational awareness only, not official FAA PIREPs or advisories. Verify with official sources. Notes are moderated before they appear; helpful marks and reports help us keep them useful.
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