2023
Cherry Blossom Watch
Washington DC
Latest Updates
2023 Cherry Blossom Watch Wrap Up
It ended up being an early bloom, but not exceptionally so. During a warm January and February, it looked like the bloom might come much earlier than it did.
Reader Photos 2023 – Part 4
These are some of the beautiful photos of 2023’s bloom of the cherry blossoms that were submitted by Cherry Blossom Watch readers. This is the final installment for this year.
Reader Photos 2023 – Part 3
These are some of the beautiful photos of 2023’s bloom of the cherry blossoms that were submitted by Cherry Blossom Watch readers. This is part 3.
Reader Photos 2023 – Part 2
These are some of the beautiful photos of 2023’s bloom of the cherry blossoms that were submitted by Cherry Blossom Watch readers. This is part 2.
Reader Photos 2023 – Part 1
These are some of the beautiful photos of 2023’s bloom of the cherry blossoms that were submitted by Cherry Blossom Watch readers. This is part 1–more to come.
Cherry Blossom Watch Update: April 3, 2023
The cherry blossoms are well past their prime now and not looking nearly as fresh and full as they were in full bloom. But it's still easy to find plenty of flowers out on individual trees.
Cherry Blossom Watch Update: March 30, 2023
We're now a week after peak bloom, and the cherry blossoms around the Tidal Basin are still looking beautiful. But if you look up close, they're moving past their prime now, and there's a lot more cherry blossom “snow” on the ground.
Cherry Blossom Watch Update: March 27, 2023
We're four days past peak bloom now, and the cherry blossoms are still looking magnificent. The rain over the weekend didn't bother them much at all.
Cherry Blossom Watch Update: March 24, 2023
The cherry blossoms reached peak bloom yesterday. And they should be looking beautiful at least into next week.
Cherry Blossom Watch Update: March 23, 2023
The NPS has determined that the cherry blossoms have reached peak bloom today. And they're looking wonderful!
Cherry Blossom Watch Update: March 22, 2023
We're getting very close to peak bloom now. There are still a number of trees that have only really just started to open. But the warmer temperatures into tomorrow should do the trick and give them a jolt of energy.
Cherry Blossom Watch Update: March 21, 2023
More cherry blossoms have come out, and they're on track to hit peak sometime over the next day or two.
Cherry Blossom Watch Update: March 20, 2023
The cherry blossoms around the Tidal Basin aren't yet in full bloom, but a few warmer days coming up will bring many more flowers out. So they should be in full bloom by the end of this week.
Cherry Blossom Watch Update: March 19, 2023
There are plenty of trees flowering now, and they're looking quite pretty. But there are also plenty yet to open (or fully open). So we're still a warm day or two away from peak bloom and their full display.
Cherry Blossom Watch Update: March 17, 2023
Warmer temperatures yesterday brought more flowers out. Another warm day today will bring out even more.
Cherry Blossom Watch Update: March 16, 2023
After some cold and blustery days, it's feeling far more spring-like today. And temperatures to match, climbing into the 60s today and tomorrow. That's going to bring out a lot more flowers over the next few days.
Cherry Blossom Watch Update: March 15, 2023
Cold temperatures have slowed progress, but warmer temps are coming. The NPS tweaked have their peak bloom prediction.
Cherry Blossom Watch Update: March 14, 2023
There's still a very wide spread of development stages, with more blossoms gradually opening.
Information
2023 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 2023.
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.
2023 National Cherry Blossom Festival
The 2023 National Cherry Blossom Festival is scheduled for March 18 to April 16.
Parking for the Cherry Blossoms
If driving remains your best option, here are a few ideas on where to park when going to the cherry blossoms.
The Floral Library
Consisting mostly of several varieties of colorful tulips, the Floral Library is located at the northeast corner of the Tidal Basin.
Tips for Taking Young Kids to the Cherry Blossoms at the Tidal Basin
Some tips for taking young kids to see the cherry blossoms.
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.
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.
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.
Cherry Blossom Paddle Boat Reservations
Paddle boats on the Tidal Basin offer a unique way to take in the view of the cherry blossoms in full bloom.
2023 Cherry Blossom 10 Miler
The 2023 Cherry Blossom 10 Mile Race is scheduled for April 2, 2023. Here's a rundown of the impact on visiting the cherry blossoms.
How to Find the Indicator Tree
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.
What to Expect, When
Here's a timeline of what to expect from roughly a week before the peak bloom to about a week after.
When is the Best Time to Visit Washington DC to See the Cherry Blossoms?
The short answer is that there's no easy answer. On average, the peak bloom occurs sometime around the last week or so of March through the first week or so of April. But precisely when during that period varies year to year. So here's the longer version.
How to Get to the Cherry Blossoms
Information on the best ways to get down to the Tidal Basin to see the cherry blossoms, including by Metro, by car, and by bike.
What Peak Bloom Means and Why It (sort of) Matters
So what exactly is “peak bloom” anyway? When does it happen? And does it matter?
The Symbolism of the Cherry Blossoms
Yoshino cherry blossoms have long been heavy in symbolism in their native Japan. They have come to have their own symbolism here.
Avoiding the Crowds
Crowds are an integral part of Washington DC's cherry blossom season. But there are ways you can avoid them and still see flowers.
