2024

Cherry Blossom Watch

Washington DC

Latest Updates

Photo of Washington DC Cherry Blossoms.

Cherry Blossom Watch: March 27, 2024

There’s a lot of cherry blossom snow coming down in the rain today. And while the trees still have plenty of flowers out, they’re starting to look a bit tired.

Photo of Washington DC Cherry Blossoms.

Reader Photos 2024 – Part 2

These are some of the beautiful photos of 2024’s bloom of the cherry blossoms that were submitted by Cherry Blossom Watch readers. This is part 2.

Photo of Washington DC Cherry Blossoms.

Cherry Blossom Watch: March 25, 2024

The cherry blossoms are still looking lovely, but they’re starting to get quite fragile now. The forecast for midweek rain could be a problem.

Photo of Washington DC Cherry Blossoms.

Reader Photos 2024 – Part 1

These are some of the beautiful photos of 2024’s bloom of the cherry blossoms that were submitted by Cherry Blossom Watch readers. This is part 1–more to come.

Photo of Washington DC Cherry Blossoms.

Cherry Blossom Watch: March 24, 2024

It’s a stunning spring morning for cherry blossom viewing. And the trees are still putting on quite a show!

Photo of Washington DC Cherry Blossoms.

Cherry Blossom Watch: March 23, 2024

It’s certainly damp. But the cherry blossoms are holding up surprisingly. Expect crowds this afternoon.

Photo of Washington DC Cherry Blossoms.

Cherry Blossom Watch: March 22, 2024

The cherry blossoms are still in fine form and looking wonderful, but all eyes are on tomorrow’s weather.

Photo of Washington DC Cherry Blossoms.

Cherry Blossom Watch: March 21, 2024

The cherry blossoms are looking magnificent and still going strong. Despite the strong winds we saw yesterday, very few petals have fallen.

Photo of Washington DC Cherry Blossoms.

Cherry Blossom Watch: March 19, 2024

It’s a cool and breezy spring equinox morning, and the cherry blossoms are going strong. There are still more than a few flowers yet to open.

Photo of Washington DC Cherry Blossoms.

Cherry Blossom Watch: March 18, 2024

A day after they reached peak bloom, the cherry blossoms are looking magnificent. Not all of them are fully open yet, and more will come out in coming days.

Photo of Washington DC Cherry Blossoms.

2024 Cherry Blossoms Reach Peak Bloom

The National Park Service judged that 70% of the cherry blossoms had reached peak bloom as of this afternoon.

Photo of Washington DC Cherry Blossoms.

Cherry Blossom Watch: March 16, 2024

It’s a lovely spring morning at the Tidal Basin, and the cherry blossoms are starting to look like themselves. Not yet at peak bloom, but only days away now.

Photo of Washington DC Cherry Blossoms.

Cherry Blossom Watch: March 15, 2024

The cherry blossoms have hit the puffy white stage. Next stop: peak bloom. Warm temperatures will keep more and more flowers coming out each day for the next week or so.

Photo of Washington DC Cherry Blossoms.

Magnolia Watch: March 15, 2024

The very warm temperatures are fueling an accelerated saucer magnolia bloom, and the flowers are getting quite fragile now, with blankets of petals on the ground.

Photo of Washington DC Cherry Blossoms.

Cherry Blossom Watch: March 13, 2024

Very warm temperatures in the mid-70s are turbocharging the cherry blossoms’ progress, and some trees already have flowers coming out.

Photo of Washington DC Cherry Blossoms.

Magnolia Watch: March 13, 2024

The saucer magnolias are now in full bloom and looking magnificent. With several more very warm days coming up, their bloom might be somewhat brief.

Photo of Washington DC Cherry Blossoms.

Cherry Blossom Watch: March 11, 2024

The rain and wind of the past few days haven’t had much effect, but the cooler temperatures have kept things moving slowly. Warmer temperatures are on the way.

Photo of Washington DC Cherry Blossoms.

Magnolia Watch: March 11, 2024

The saucer magnolias have emerged mostly none the worse for wear from the rain and wind over the past few days. They’re on the verge of full bloom and will be coming out even more in the next few warm days.

Information

Photo of Washington DC Cherry Blossoms.

Where to Find Stumpy

Stumpy’s days are numbered. If you’d like to say goodbye, here’s where to find them.

Photo of Cherry Blossoms in Washington DC taken by David Coleman.

2024 Cherry Blossom Peak Bloom Forecasts

The latest information and forecasts on when Washington DC’s cherry blossoms around the Tidal Basin will reach peak bloom in Spring 2024.

Photo of Washington DC Cherry Blossoms.

Historical Postcards of Washington DC’s Cherry Blossoms

I’ve been collecting vintage postcards featuring Washington DC’s famous cherry blossoms at the Tidal Basin. Here’s a selection of them.

Photo of Washington DC Cherry Blossoms.

What Color are the Cherry Blossoms?

This is a question I get quite a lot. Are they pink? Are they white? Are they both?

Photo of Washington DC Cherry Blossoms.

Do the Yoshino Cherry Trees Produce Fruit?

I sometimes get asked whether the cherry trees around the Tidal Basin produce cherries. Yes, they do, but not the type you’d buy in the supermarket.

Timelapse of Yoshino Japanese Cherry Blossoms Blooming

Timelapse of Yoshino Japanese Cherry Blossoms Blooming

This is a timelapse video of Yoshino cherry blossoms blooming, close-up.

wpid4935-Washington-DC-Cherry-Blossoms-April-13-2014-02-COPYRIGHT

Where to Stay in Washington DC for the Cherry Blossoms

Some local recommendations on where to stay if you’re visiting from out of town to see the cherry blossoms.

Photo of Washington DC Cherry Blossoms: April 12, 2014 taken by David Coleman.

2024 National Cherry Blossom Festival

The 2024 National Cherry Blossom Festival is scheduled for March 20 to April 14, 2024. Here’s a quick overview and some dates of key events.

Photo of Washington DC Cherry Blossoms.

Tidal Basin Parking Options

If driving remains your best option, here are a few ideas on where to park when going to the cherry blossoms.

Photo of Tulips at the Floral Library in Washington DC taken by David Coleman.

Floral Library at the Tidal Basin in Washington DC

Consisting mostly of several varieties of colorful tulips, the Floral Library is located at the northeast corner of the Tidal Basin.

Photo of Washington Cherry Blossom Peak Bloom Young Girls Posing for Photos taken by David Coleman.

Tips for Taking Young Kids to the Cherry Blossoms at the Tidal Basin

Some tips for taking young kids to see the cherry blossoms.

Photo of Cherry Blossoms - April 14, 2015 - Fallen Petals on the Path taken by David Coleman.

Does Rain (or Storms) Affect the Cherry Blossoms?

Rain, wind, and even scattered storms are pretty common in DC in the spring. So this is a question that comes up often during cherry blossom season.

wpid4973-Washington-DC-Cherry-Blossoms-April-13-2014-20-COPYRIGHT

Monuments of the Tidal Basin

Here’s a quick guide to the monuments you might come across as you wander amongst the cherry blossoms at the Tidal Basin.

Photo of Washington DC Cherry Blossoms.

Family or Engagement Photos with the Cherry Blossoms – Local Professional Photographers

Looking to hire a professional photographer for family, engagement, or portrait photos with the cherry blossoms? Here are some recommendations.

Photo of Paddle Boats at the Tidal Basin taken by David Coleman.

Cherry Blossom Paddle Boat Rentals

Paddle boats on the Tidal Basin offer a unique way to take in the view of the cherry blossoms in full bloom.

Photo of Washington DC Cherry Blossoms.

Cherry Blossom 10 Miler 2024

The 2024 Cherry Blossom 10 Mile Race is scheduled for April 7, 2023. Here’s a rundown of the impact on visiting the cherry blossoms.

Photo of Washington DC Cherry Blossoms.

The Cherry Blossom Indicator Tree: What It Is & How to Find It

The so-called indicator tree reliably blooms a week to ten days ahead of most of the cherry blossoms around the Tidal Basin. Here’s how to find it.

cherry-blossom-progression

How Long Do the Cherry Blossoms Last?

Here’s a timeline of what to expect from roughly a week before the peak bloom to about a week after.