2023

Cherry Blossom Watch

Washington DC

Latest Updates

Photo of Washington DC Cherry Blossoms.

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.

Photo of Washington DC Cherry Blossoms.

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.

Photo of Washington DC Cherry Blossoms.

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.

Photo of Washington DC Cherry Blossoms.

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.

Photo of Washington DC Cherry Blossoms.

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.

Photo of Washington DC Cherry Blossoms.

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.

Photo of Washington DC Cherry Blossoms.

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.

Photo of Washington DC Cherry Blossoms.

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.

Photo of Washington DC Cherry Blossoms.

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.

Photo of Washington DC Cherry Blossoms.

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.

Photo of Washington DC Cherry Blossoms.

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.

Photo of Washington DC Cherry Blossoms.

Cherry Blossom Watch Update: March 17, 2023

Warmer temperatures yesterday brought more flowers out. Another warm day today will bring out even more.

Photo of Washington DC Cherry Blossoms.

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.

Photo of Washington DC Cherry Blossoms.

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.

Photo of Washington DC Cherry Blossoms.

Cherry Blossom Watch Update: March 14, 2023

There's still a very wide spread of development stages, with more blossoms gradually opening.

Information

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

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.

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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.

2023 National Cherry Blossom Festival

The 2023 National Cherry Blossom Festival is scheduled for March 18 to April 16.

Photo of Fijifilm X-Pro2  taken by David Coleman.

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.

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

The Floral Library

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.

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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 - March 24, 2016 taken by David Coleman.

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 Reservations

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.

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.

Photo of Washington DC 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.

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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.

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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.

Photo of Washington DC Cherry Blossoms - March 24, 2016 taken by David Coleman.

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.

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

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.