2021 Washington DC Cherry Blossoms Homepage2021 Washington DC Cherry Blossoms

by David Coleman @ Have Camera Will Travel

  • Washington DC Photo Guide
  • Cherry Blossom Photos
  • Cherry Blossom Watch
    • 2021
    • 2020
    • 2019
    • 2018
    • 2017
    • 2016
    • 2015
    • 2014
    • 2013
    • 2012
    • 2011
    • 2010
  • Visitor Information
    • 2021 Peak Bloom Forecasts
    • What to Expect, When
    • When to Visit
    • Where to Stay
    • How to Get There
    • Tips for Taking Young Kids to the Cherry Blossoms
    • Monuments of the Tidal Basin
    • Does Rain (or Storms) Affect the Cherry Blossoms?
    • Climate Change & the Cherry Blossoms
    • How to Find the Indicator Tree
    • Kwanzan Cherry Blossoms
  • Photography
    • Instagram
    • Facebook
    • Engagement & Family Portraits
    • Photo Tips
  • About
Cherry Blossom Watch 2021 Header

Washington DC’s Cherry Blossoms 2021

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

Photo of Washington DC Cherry Blossoms - DATE, 2020 taken by David Coleman.

Cherry Blossom Watch Update: March 1, 2021

Welcome to the 2021 Cherry Blossom Watch! It’s a wet, soggy morning at the Tidal Basin, and the buds still have some work to do.

Photo of Washington DC Cherry Blossoms - March 20, 2020 taken by David Coleman.

Cherry Blossom Watch 2020 Wrap Up

A wrap up of the curtailed 2020 DC cherry blossom season. See you again in 2021!

Photo of Washington DC Cherry Blossoms - March 20, 2020 taken by David Coleman.

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.

Photo of Washington DC Cherry Blossoms - March 19, 2020 taken by David Coleman.

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.

Photo of Washington DC Cherry Blossoms - March 18, 2020 taken by David Coleman.

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.

Photo of Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S Sample Image taken by David Coleman.

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.

Photo of Washington DC Cherry Blossoms - DATE, 2020 taken by David Coleman.

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.

Photo of Washington DC Cherry Blossoms - March 13, 2020 taken by David Coleman.

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.

Photo of Cherry Blossom Watch Update: March 11, 2020 taken by David Coleman.

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.

Photo of Cherry Blossom Watch Update: March 11, 2020 taken by David Coleman.

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.

Photo of Washington DC Cherry Blossoms - March 10, 2020 taken by David Coleman.

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.

Photo of Saucer Magnolias at the Haupt Garden - March 10, 2020 taken by David Coleman.

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.

Information

Washington DC Cherry Blossoms - April 1, 2019

2021 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 2021.

wpid4935-Washington-DC-Cherry-Blossoms-April-13-2014-02-COPYRIGHT

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.

Washington Cherry Blossoms-COPYRIGHT HAVECAMERAWILLTRAVEL

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.

wpid4787 Washington DC Cherry Blossoms January 19 2014 01 COPYRIGHT 513x250 - How to Get 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.

Washington DC Cherry Blossoms - March 24, 2016

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?

Cherry Blossoms Washington DC March 24 2016 01 513x250 - Timelapse of Yoshino Cherry Blossoms Blooming

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.

Kwanzan Cherry Blossoms

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.

NPS Climate Change(1)

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.

Photography Tips

Washington DC Cherry Blossoms - March 30, 2016

Ultra-High Resolution Panorama of the Cherry Blossoms at the Tidal Basin

An ultra-high resolution 3-gigapixel panorama of Washington DC’s Tidal Basins with the cherry blossoms in bloom.

Cherry Blossoms - April 12, 2015

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.

Washington DC Cherry Blossoms: April 12, 2014

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.

wpid3646 Morning Fog at the Jefferson Memorial 01 COPYRIGHT 513x250 - <i class="fa fa-camera"></i> Take the Weather as it Comes

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.

David Coleman Photography

I’m a professional travel & location photographer based in Washington DC and traveling all over. Seven continents. Dozens of countries. Up mountains. Under water. And a bunch of places in between. You can find my main site at havecamerawilltravel.com. Or check out what’s in my go-to travel photography kit. Or get in touch here.

Licensing & Prints

Looking for travel stock photos or prints? I might be able to help. You can search my collection here:

If you already have a buyer account with Alamy and would prefer to use that, you can search my images directly here.

© 2010–2021 David Coleman / Have Camera Will Travel LLC / all rights reserved

Photos by David Coleman | havecamerawilltravel.com



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