2025
Cherry Blossom Watch
Washington DC
Washington DC
Latest Updates
2024 Cherry Blossom Wrap-Up
The famous cherry blossoms around the Tidal Basin are done for the year. An unusually early bloom also ended up being unusually long. And it was the last bloom for Stumpy and a number of their neighbors along the nearby stretches of the Tidal Basin as the seawall reconstruction project gets ready to ramp up.
Cherry Blossom Watch / Kwanzan Edition: April 12, 2024
With the benefit of a few days of significantly warmer temperatures, the Kwanzan cherry blossoms are in full bloom.
Cherry Blossom Watch / Kwanzan Edition: April 8, 2024
The Kwanzan cherry blossoms are starting to bloom and will increasingly come out over the next days as warmer temperatures finally arrive.
Cherry Blossom Watch: April 8, 2024
We’re over three weeks after peak bloom, and there’s still a small number of lingering blossoms.
Cherry Blossom Watch: April 1, 2024
We’re now over two weeks since peak bloom, and remarkably, there are still flowers hanging on, even through the recent rain. But they’re looking pretty ragged and tired now.
Reader Photos 2024 – Part 4
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 4.
Cherry Blossom Watch: March 29, 2024
They’re still clinging on and actually holding up remarkably well. But we’re very much into the tail end of the bloom now.
Reader Photos 2024 – Part 3
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 3.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
Cherry Blossom Watch: March 23, 2024
It’s certainly damp. But the cherry blossoms are holding up surprisingly. Expect crowds this afternoon.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Information
Where to Stay in Washington DC for the 2025 Cherry Blossoms
Here are my local recommendations on where to stay if you’re visiting from out of town to see the cherry blossoms.
2025 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 2025.
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?
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.
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.
Cherry Blossom 10 Miler 2025
The 2025 Cherry Blossom 10 Mile Race is scheduled for April 6, 2025. Here’s a rundown of the impact on visiting the cherry blossoms.
2025 National Cherry Blossom Festival
The 2025 National Cherry Blossom Festival is scheduled for March 20 to April 13, 2025. Here’s a quick overview and some dates of key events.
Where to Find Stumpy
Stumpy’s days are numbered. If you’d like to say goodbye, here’s where to find them.
Local Tips for Renting Paddle Boats at the Tidal Basin
Paddle boats on the Tidal Basin offer a unique way to take in the view of the cherry blossoms in full bloom.
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.
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.
When is Cherry Blossom Season in Washington DC?
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.
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.
What Color are the Cherry Blossoms?
This is a question I get quite a lot. Are they pink? Are they white? Are they both?
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.
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.
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.
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.
