What is the best time of the day to go to the National Zoo in Washington Dc to see the most animals?

I live a couple blocks from the zoo and go there quite a bit- it really depends on what time of year you go and what animals you want to see. Most people want to see the tigers, pandas, bears (oh my!). Basically the big animals. During the winter you're better off going later in the day an hour or two before sunset as it's gotten a little warmer. If you're going later in the spring or the summer you'll want to go early in the morning. For instance- during the summer the tigers are pretty much in full on nap mode by about noon. Basically, time the bigger animals to when it's 40-70 degrees.

If you're interested in the smaller animals, then it's really going to depend on the individual critter. The smaller Golden Lion Tamarins (a kind of monkey) are active pretty much all day. During the summer they let one breeding pair roam around in some of the trees. Also, there are hands on demonstrations in the small mammal house every day. I would recommend going to the visitors desk when you get there and asking what presentations are going on that day. Most of the animals are fed around 10-11 or 2-3. You can get a chance to see them at their most active when they're eating and interacting with the keepers.

Finally, make sure you go a little out of your way for the best stuff. The small mammal house, "Amazonia" and the upper end of the Asia Trail are some of the best places in the zoo, and are usually not nearly as crowded.

Early morning or nearer evening. A lot of the animals are nocturnal and sleep during the hottest part of the day.

it's best to go when it's slightly cloudy or chilly outside. if the weather's not 100%, less people will be there.

Depends on the time of year. Many animals are affected by the heat (or the cold).

In the winter the warmest part of the day, and in the summer definately avoid the heat of the mid-afternoon.

Early morning and evening is the best.

Anytime from 12:00 noon to 5:00 PM

That's when the crowd is there too.