Cherry Blossom Watch 2020 Wrap Up
A wrap up of the curtailed 2020 DC cherry blossom season. See you again in 2021!
2020 Cherry Blossom Watch
The 2020 cherry blossom bloom in DC was very early, brought on by a much-warmer-than-normal winter. Peak bloom was March 20, 2020, close to the earliest on record.
The season was unfortunately overshadowed by efforts to control the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). The National Cherry Blossom Festival was cancelled, travel became difficult, and local authorities strongly discouraged people from visiting the Tidal Basin. So it was a bloom that relatively view people got to witness in person. And, in order to comply with official stay-at-home recommendations, Cherry Blossom Watch coverage was ended with the peak bloom rather than continuing for the usual duration.
This is the master listing of updates from the 2020 Washington DC Cherry Blossom Watch.
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.
NPS Reveals 2020 Peak Bloom Prediction
At a press conference this morning, the National Park Service revealed their initial peak bloom prediction for 2020.
Cherry Blossom Watch Update: March 4, 2020
The indicator tree is just starting to flower, the saucer magnolias are starting, and peak bloom forecasts are coming out.
Washington Post’s Capital Weather Gang Issue Peak Bloom Forecast
The Capital Weather Gang from the Washington Post announced their prediction of a peak bloom between March 25 and March 29.
Cherry Blossom Watch Update: March 1, 2020
It’s a beautifully clear and cool morning down at the Tidal Basin. The National Park Service said that the cherry trees had reached the green buds stage as of February 28. Stay tuned on Wednesday for the National Park Service’s announcement of their initial peak bloom prediction.
Cherry Blossom Watch Update: February 28, 2020
There are plenty of green buds now, and all indications are still pointing to an early bloom. The NPS will be revealing their peak bloom prediction next week.
Cherry Blossom Watch Update: February 22, 2020
There are some early green buds starting to poke through on some of the cherry trees around the Tidal Basin, the area’s daffodils are coming out, as are some of the apricot blossoms and other early-spring flowering fruit trees.
Cherry Blossom Watch Update: February 15, 2020
Welcome to the 2020 DC Cherry Blossom Watch! It’s a cold and crisp morning, a sharp break from the warm and rainy weather we’ve had lately.
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.
2020 National Cherry Blossom Festival
The 2020 National Cherry Blossom Festival will be held March 20 through April 12. The Cherry Blossom Parade is scheduled for April 4, 2020.
2020 Cherry Blossom 10 Miler
The 2020 Cherry Blossom 10 Miler has been cancelled due to coronavirus COVID-19 containment efforts.
Washington DC’s Cherry Blossoms 2020
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.