Each spring, the cherry blossoms lining Washington DC’s Tidal Basin burst into color in a beautiful display of floral fireworks. But the peak bloom period lasts only a few days, and precisely when it happens varies each year. This site brings together information about visiting the cherry blossoms and Washington DC, peak bloom forecasts, and up-to-date photos to help you make the most of your own visit or follow along from afar.
Latest Updates
Cherry Blossom Watch 2020 Wrap Up
A wrap up of the curtailed 2020 DC cherry blossom season. See you again in 2021!
Cherry Blossom Watch Update: March 20, 2020
The warm temperatures since yesterday afternoon have brought any of the slower cherry blossoms out now. They’re looking light and fluffy and beautiful.
Cherry Blossom Watch Update: March 19, 2020
The cherry blossoms are heading into full bloom, but they’re not quite at peak yet. There are still plenty yet to pop. It’s a dreary morning so far, but it should warm up dramatically this afternoon and tomorrow.
Cherry Blossom Watch Update: March 18, 2020
The cherry blossoms area heading into full bloom now. They’re not quite at peak, but they’re starting to look fresh and lovely, especially up close.
Cherry Blossom Watch Update: March 16, 2020
The cherry blossoms are popping now. While you can find some trees in full bloom already, most of them are not quite there yet.
Cherry Blossom Watch Update: March 14, 2020
The cherry blossoms are racing toward the puffy white stage, and some are beginning to pop. As you walk around the Tidal Basin, it’s easy to find some flowers out now.
Cherry Blossom Watch Update: March 13, 2020
The warm temperatures are still speeding things along. The NPS determined that 70 percent of the trees were in the “Peduncle Elongation” stage as of yesterday. Warm temperatures today will give them another jolt of energy before a cooler weekend.
NPS Revises Peak Bloom Prediction
The National Park Service has revised their 2020 cherry blossom peak bloom forecast. They now predict that they’ll reach peak bloom sometime between March 21 and 24.
Cherry Blossom Watch Update: March 11, 2020
Warm temperatures into the 70s are encouraging a cracking pace. If you look closely, you can see petals starting to show through the buds on many trees now.
Washington Post’s Capital Weather Gang Revises Peak Bloom Prediction
The Washington Post’s Capital Weather Gang has revised their peak bloom prediction, bringing it forward five days. Their new prediction is that the cherry blossoms will reach peak bloom sometime between March 20 and 24.
Cherry Blossom Watch Update: March 10, 2020
The indicator tree, Weeping cherry blossoms, and saucer magnolias are in full bloom. And the Yoshinos have reached the extension of florets stage.
Cherry Blossom Watch Update: March 8, 2020
After a cooler few days, we’re back into the unseasonably warm weather for the coming week. That’s going to speed things along. The indicator tree is starting to flower. And the saucer magnolias at the Enid A. Haupt Garden behind the Smithsonian Castle are coming into full bloom.
Information
2020 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 2020.
Where to Stay in Washington DC for the Cherry Blossoms in 2020
Some local recommendations on where to stay if you’re visiting from out of town to see the cherry blossoms.
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?
About the Kwanzan Cherry Blossoms
The Kwanzan cherry blossoms are particularly pretty and tend to come out 10-14 days after the Yoshinos. So if you miss the end of the Yoshino cherry blossoms’ bloom, the Kwanzans can offer beautiful consolation.
Climate Change and the Cherry Blossoms
The National Park Service has put together a video on the topic of how climate change affects Washington DC’s cherry blossoms.
Timelapse of Yoshino Cherry Blossoms Blooming
Timelapse footage of Yoshino cherry blossoms blooming. It captures about a week of their development leading up to full bloom.
Photography Tips
The Floral Library
Consisting mostly of several varieties of colorful tulips, the Floral Library is located at the northeast corner of the Tidal Basin.
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.
Cherry Blossom Photo Tours
If you’re looking improve your photography skills, a hands-on photo tour of the cherry blossoms can be a wonderful way to do it. Here are some recommended local photo tour operators.
Take the Weather as it Comes
Springtime in Washington can bring a mixed bag of weather, from stunningly clear spring days to overcast, drizzly, and cool. But there are photographic opportunities in both.