2014 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 2014.

Last Updated:

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The cherry blossoms have come and gone for 2014. For 2015, see the 2015 Peak Bloom Forecasts page.

Current Peak Bloom Predictions for the 2014

The cherry blossoms reached peak bloom on March 17, 2024. That's the second-earliest on record.

RELATED:
Latest Updates on the 2024 Bloom
Peak Bloom Forecasts in Detail

UPDATE: The National Park Service determined that the blossoms reached peak bloom this year on April 10.

Please note that it’s not unusual for these forecasts to be revised as we get closer to the date. It’s not until about 10 days out that the experts feel truly confident in their predictions.

National Park Service

Between April 8 and 12 [forecast issued March 4]

This forecast relies heavily on the extensive experience of the NPS arborists who tend to the trees, as well as weather data.

Washington Post Capital Weather Gang

April 13 (“between April 11 and April 15, centered on April 13”) [revised forecast issued on March 27]

This forecast relies heavily on weather data.

University of Washington (Seattle)

April 10

This forecast is based on a data model and calculated from afar.

What Peak Bloom Means and Why It (sort of) Matters

Background

Unsurprisingly, the prolonged, colder-than-average temperatures through the winter are pushing the bloom later than average this year.

The date of the peak is heavily dependent on local weather conditions in the months leading up to it. Warmer, sunnier conditions through the winter and early spring tend to bring an earlier bloom. Sustained cold, wintry weather delays it.

Washington DC had a cold and wintry winter in 2013-14. January was the coldest in decades. February was also colder than average. And with several snowstorms and very cold temperatures, March set new records for cold and snow. It has all pushed back the blooming of all the flowers in the DC area, not just the cherry blossoms.

You can find a lot more information in these pages:

Discussion

    • That’s probably going to be a bit late. Typically there’s not much left within about 6 days after peak bloom. It’s possible there might be some stragglers, but probably not many.

      Reply
  1. Hi David,
    I have a short trip to Washington DC next weekend, Apr. 18-20. Will I be able to see some cherry flowers around the Tidal Basin?
    Thanks a lot.

    Reply
  2. Will they all be dead by the first week in May when I’m going to arrive on business? I’ve always wanted to see them!

    Reply
    • By May the flowers will be gone, replaced by green leaves. But there will be other trees and plants in bloom around the area.

      Reply
  3. Hi David, we used to live in DC metro area but now have moved to Virginia Beach. I am planning to come to see the Cherry Blossoms like every year. Do you think this weekend would be a good time to be there?

    Reply
    • While this weekend wouldn’t be a complete wash–and the weather looks like it will be nice–the trees are still quite a way from full bloom. I’ve just posted a new update with photos taken this morning (here’s the link), which should give you a good idea of what to expect. If you have the option, next weekend (12-13) would be much better in terms of seeing the trees in bloom.

      Reply
      • Thanks David. I will ask my dad to bring me there next weekend. My twin sister, Vara, loves taking photos. She wants to take awesome photos of cherry blossoms to send in for a local photography competition. Do you have any tips for her? Because she is my twin, she is also 13 years old and has a hand-me-down Nikon D 100.

        Reply
        • She’ll be able to get some wonderful photos with a D100. I have a few tips here. And another local photographer, Anne Barkley, has some here.

  4. Does the National Park Service typically release an updated prediction, whether they’re changing the dates or merely confirming the original ones? If so, when do you expect they’ll give us an update? Thanks!

    Reply
  5. we book the Courtyard Bottom on April 25-27 ,during that period we still have chance to see Cherry Blossom?

    Thank you very much.

    Reply

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