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 Update / Kwanzan Edition: April 12, 2021
The Kwanzan cherry blossoms are in full bloom and looking beautiful.
Reader Photos 2021 | Part 2
These are some of the beautiful photos of 2021’s bloom of the cherry blossoms that were submitted by Cherry Blossom Watch readers. This is part 2.
Cherry Blossom Watch Update: April 7, 2021
The cherry blossoms around the Tidal Basin are mostly done now. You can still find plenty of flowers, and some trees have more than others. But most of them are on their last legs.
Reader Photos 2021 | Part 1
These are some of the beautiful photos of 2021’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 5, 2021
The cherry blossoms are past their prime now, some trees have lost more petals than others, and green leaves are coming through. But there are still plenty of blossoms out, and they’re still looking lovely.
Cherry Blossom Watch Update: April 2, 2021
The cherry blossoms are past their prime now but have held up well so far against the rain, wind, and cold.
Cherry Blossom Watch Update: March 30, 2021
The cherry blossoms are still going strong and looking beautiful. Yesterday’s wind didn’t affect them much. It’s only when you look at them up very close that you can see that they’re just starting to get that papery look as they start moving past their prime.
Cherry Blossom Watch Update: March 29, 2021
A fast-moving storm last night was followed by a windy night. And it was still cool and breezy this morning. The wind hasn’t had much effect on the cherry blossoms–it’s knocked a few petals off, but not many, and the flowers are looking strong. The magnolias haven’t fared as quite as well, but they’re still looking lovely.
Cherry Blossom Watch Update: March 26, 2021
There are quite a few cherry blossoms out now. The vast majority aren’t quite there yet, but as you walk around the Tidal Basin, it’s easy to find at least some flowers out and the occasional early-blooming whole tree. And the saucer magnolias are in bloom and looking wonderful.
Cherry Blossom Watch Update: March 23, 2021
The cherry buds are coming along nicely now, and there’s been quite a bit of change since last week. Some of the white petals are starting to poke through. The NPS judged that 70 percent of them had reached the “extension of florets” stage as of yesterday.
Cherry Blossom Watch Update: March 16, 2021
The very warm weather of this past week added a jolt of energy to the buds. They’ve been coming along nicely since then, with more florets becoming visible, but still have a way to go before we start seeing blossoms.
Cherry Blossom Watch Update: March 7, 2021
Some green buds are starting to come through, but they’re not yet on the majority of the trees. A warm week coming up with push things along.
Information
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
Photography Tips
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.
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.
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.