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.
Information
2019 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 2019.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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
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.
The Floral Library
Consisting mostly of several varieties of colorful tulips, the Floral Library is located at the northeast corner of the Tidal Basin.
Shooting in the Dark
The cherry blossoms look great during the day, but there are also photographic opportunities at night.
Using Drones at the Tidal Basin
If you're tempted to take photos or video of the cherry blossoms from a drone--or indeed anywhere nearby--don't do it. Here's why.
Latest Updates
Cherry Blossom Watch Update: February 18, 2019
The cherry blossom buds are still wrapped tight for winter, but there are some other scattered signs of spring. Some of the earliest apricot blossoms and other flowering fruit trees are just starting to show some flowers.
Cherry Blossom Watch Update: February 10, 2019
Despite some attention-grabbing cold blasts in recent weeks, the temperatures so far this winter have continued to average warmer-than-normal overall. But there's still not much to see on the trees.
Cherry Blossom Watch Update: January 14, 2019
Winter finally arrived, with a snowstorm that dumped around 10 inches of snow. But so far, temperatures have averaged warmer than normal.
Cherry Blossom Watch Update / Kwanzan Edition: April 22, 2018
The Kwanzan cherry blossoms near the Tidal Basin and East Potomac Park are now coming into full bloom.
Cherry Blossom Watch Update: April 16, 2018
The cherry blossoms are essentially done now. You can still find some flowers on the trees, but the trees are leafing out.
Reader Photos 2018 | Part 4
These are some of the beautiful photos of 2018’s bloom of the cherry blossoms that were submitted by Cherry Blossom Watch readers. This is part 4.
Cherry Blossom Watch Update: April 13, 2018
The cherry blossom snow is coming down more steadily now as petals get knocked off in the breeze. The trees aren't looking as white and fluffy as they had been, especially up close, but as of late this morning they were still looking pretty.
Reader Photos 2018 | Part 3
These are some of the beautiful photos of 2018’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 12, 2018
A week after peak bloom the cherry blossoms are still looking very pretty, but if you look up close you can clearly see that they're past their prime now. More petals have been coming off, and more green leaves are poking through.
Cherry Blossom Watch Update: April 11, 2018
Petals are starting to come off, but for now it’s a very gentle pace. The cold weather has slowed development down and kept the green leaves at bay. So the cherry blossoms are still holding up well and looking beautiful.
Reader Photos 2018 | Part 2
These are some of the beautiful photos of 2018’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 10, 2018
The cherry blossoms are still going strong and looking lovely. Some light showers overnight didn't have much effect, and the petals are coming off only very slowly for now.