2022 Cherry Blossom Watch

Peak bloom was March 21, 2022.

It was an early bloom this year. Despite a cold January, February was a few degrees warmer than normal, and March warmer again. It meant that the cherry blossoms accelerated as they got closer to blooming.

Once the cherry blossoms were in bloom, cooler temperatures arrived and helped slow things down and prolong the bloom.

But it was not all smooth sailing. A deep freeze on March 14 killed off the saucer magnolias, although it left the cherry blossoms untouched. Another freeze on March 28, when the cherry blossoms were still in bloom, did some damage to the cherry blossoms, but not as much as might have been feared.

This year marked a return to normal for cherry blossom season, with most pandemic restrictions lifted and a return to in-person visiting and events.

It was also the first year that the National Park Service moved the Welcome Area from the paddle boats parking lot to a new spot by the MLK Memorial along West Basin Drive.

Photo of Washington DC Cherry Blossoms.

Reader Photos 2022 | Part 4

These are some of the beautiful photos of 2022’s Washington DC cherry blossom bloom that were submitted by Cherry Blossom Watch readers. This is part 4.

Photo of Washington DC Cherry Blossoms.

Reader Photos 2022 | Part 3

These are some of the beautiful photos of 2022’s Washington DC cherry blossom bloom that were submitted by Cherry Blossom Watch readers. This is part 3.

Photo of Washington DC Cherry Blossoms.

Reader Photos 2022 | Part 2

These are some of the beautiful photos of 2022’s Washington DC cherry blossom bloom that were submitted by Cherry Blossom Watch readers. This is part 2.

Photo of Washington DC Cherry Blossoms.

Reader Photos 2022 | Part 1

These are some of the beautiful photos of 2022’s bloom of the cherry blossoms that were submitted by Cherry Blossom Watch readers. This is part 1–more to come.

Photo of Washington DC Cherry Blossoms - March 28, 2022 taken by David Coleman.

Cherry Blossom Watch Update: March 28, 2022

The good news with the cold temperatures is that they have basically hit pause on the cherry blossoms, and they’re holding up remarkably well. A few more days of cold temperatures will help prolong the bloom.

Photo of Washington DC Cherry Blossoms - March 25, 2022 taken by David Coleman.

Cherry Blossom Watch Update: March 25, 2022

The cherry blossoms are still going strong and looking beautiful. A second wave of rain overnight didn’t have much effect. And the rain and fog has now moved out and given way to clear, sunny skies.

Photo of Washington DC Cherry Blossoms - March 23, 2022 taken by David Coleman.

Cherry Blossom Watch Update: March 23, 2022

The bloom is still going strong. Some of the earliest bloomers around the MLK Memorial are losing their petals, but elswhere around the Tidal Basin the trees are looking lovely.