2023 Cherry Blossom Watch

Peak bloom was March 23, 2023.

After a very warm January and February, it looked for a while like it might be a record-setting early bloom (earliest is March 15). The indicator tree bloomed very early, but a cooler March slowed progress down.

Photo of Washington DC Cherry Blossoms.

2023 Cherry Blossom Watch Wrap Up

It ended up being an early bloom, but not exceptionally so. During a warm January and February, it looked like the bloom might come much earlier than it did.

Photo of Washington DC Cherry Blossoms.

Reader Photos 2023 – Part 4

These are some of the beautiful photos of 2023’s bloom of the cherry blossoms that were submitted by Cherry Blossom Watch readers. This is the final installment for this year.

Photo of Washington DC Cherry Blossoms.

Reader Photos 2023 – Part 3

These are some of the beautiful photos of 2023’s bloom of the cherry blossoms that were submitted by Cherry Blossom Watch readers. This is part 3.

Photo of Washington DC Cherry Blossoms.

Reader Photos 2023 – Part 2

These are some of the beautiful photos of 2023’s bloom of the cherry blossoms that were submitted by Cherry Blossom Watch readers. This is part 2.

Photo of Washington DC Cherry Blossoms.

Reader Photos 2023 – Part 1

These are some of the beautiful photos of 2023’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.

Cherry Blossom Watch Update: April 3, 2023

The cherry blossoms are well past their prime now and not looking nearly as fresh and full as they were in full bloom. But it’s still easy to find plenty of flowers out on individual trees.

Photo of Washington DC Cherry Blossoms.

Cherry Blossom Watch Update: March 30, 2023

We’re now a week after peak bloom, and the cherry blossoms around the Tidal Basin are still looking beautiful. But if you look up close, they’re moving past their prime now, and there’s a lot more cherry blossom “snow” on the ground.

Cherry Blossom Watch Update: March 22, 2023

We’re getting very close to peak bloom now. There are still a number of trees that have only really just started to open. But the warmer temperatures into tomorrow should do the trick and give them a jolt of energy.

Photo of Washington DC Cherry Blossoms.

Cherry Blossom Watch Update: March 20, 2023

The cherry blossoms around the Tidal Basin aren’t yet in full bloom, but a few warmer days coming up will bring many more flowers out. So they should be in full bloom by the end of this week.

Photo of Washington DC Cherry Blossoms.

Cherry Blossom Watch Update: March 19, 2023

There are plenty of trees flowering now, and they’re looking quite pretty. But there are also plenty yet to open (or fully open). So we’re still a warm day or two away from peak bloom and their full display.

Photo of Washington DC Cherry Blossoms.

Cherry Blossom Watch Update: March 16, 2023

After some cold and blustery days, it’s feeling far more spring-like today. And temperatures to match, climbing into the 60s today and tomorrow. That’s going to bring out a lot more flowers over the next few days.

Photo of Washington DC Cherry Blossoms.

Cherry Blossom Watch Update: March 9, 2023

It has been cooler, but the cherry trees at the Tidal Basin are still moving along. There continues to be a very wide spread of development stages. Some trees have barely gotten started. Others already have a few open flowers starting to appear.

Photo of Washington DC Cherry Blossoms.

Saucer Magnolias Watch Update: March 6, 2023

The saucer magnolias are now in full bloom. A few warmer days have brought them fully out. Cooler temperatures through the rest of the coming week is good news for them–it will help prolong their bloom.

Photo of Washington DC Cherry Blossoms.

Cherry Blossom Watch Update: February 27, 2023

A couple of cooler days have slowed the pace a little. Most of the cherry blossoms around the Tidal Basin are still in the green bud stage, but there are also quite a few that are getting more definition with the florets visible.

Photo of Washington DC Cherry Blossoms.

Saucer Magnolias Watch Update: February 22, 2023

The warm winter has meant that the saucer magnolias are coming out early. They’re not yet in bloom, but there are plenty of buds shedding their outer casings to show the beautiful pink and purple petals.