Current Peak Bloom Predictions for the 2014
UPDATE: The National Park Service determined that the blossoms reached peak bloom this year on April 10.
Please note that it’s not unusual for these forecasts to be revised as we get closer to the date. It’s not until about 10 days out that the experts feel truly confident in their predictions.
National Park Service
Between April 8 and 12 [forecast issued March 4]
This forecast relies heavily on the extensive experience of the NPS arborists who tend to the trees, as well as weather data.
Washington Post Capital Weather Gang
April 13 (“between April 11 and April 15, centered on April 13”) [revised forecast issued on March 27]
This forecast relies heavily on weather data.
University of Washington (Seattle)
April 10
This forecast is based on a data model and calculated from afar.
What Peak Bloom Means and Why It (sort of) Matters
Background
Unsurprisingly, the prolonged, colder-than-average temperatures through the winter are pushing the bloom later than average this year.
The date of the peak is heavily dependent on local weather conditions in the months leading up to it. Warmer, sunnier conditions through the winter and early spring tend to bring an earlier bloom. Sustained cold, wintry weather delays it.
Washington DC had a cold and wintry winter in 2013-14. January was the coldest in decades. February was also colder than average. And with several snowstorms and very cold temperatures, March set new records for cold and snow. It has all pushed back the blooming of all the flowers in the DC area, not just the cherry blossoms.
You can find a lot more information in these pages:
- When is the Best Time to Visit DC to See the Cherry Blossoms?
- What Peak Bloom Means and Why It (sort of) Matters
More to Explore
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How about 18-19th of April? coming from Boston !!!
That’s probably going to be a bit late. Typically there’s not much left within about 6 days after peak bloom. It’s possible there might be some stragglers, but probably not many.
Hi David,
I have a short trip to Washington DC next weekend, Apr. 18-20. Will I be able to see some cherry flowers around the Tidal Basin?
Thanks a lot.
Probably won’t be many left by then.
Will they all be dead by the first week in May when I’m going to arrive on business? I’ve always wanted to see them!
By May the flowers will be gone, replaced by green leaves. But there will be other trees and plants in bloom around the area.
Hi David, we used to live in DC metro area but now have moved to Virginia Beach. I am planning to come to see the Cherry Blossoms like every year. Do you think this weekend would be a good time to be there?
While this weekend wouldn’t be a complete wash–and the weather looks like it will be nice–the trees are still quite a way from full bloom. I’ve just posted a new update with photos taken this morning (here’s the link), which should give you a good idea of what to expect. If you have the option, next weekend (12-13) would be much better in terms of seeing the trees in bloom.
Thanks David. I will ask my dad to bring me there next weekend. My twin sister, Vara, loves taking photos. She wants to take awesome photos of cherry blossoms to send in for a local photography competition. Do you have any tips for her? Because she is my twin, she is also 13 years old and has a hand-me-down Nikon D 100.
She’ll be able to get some wonderful photos with a D100. I have a few tips here. And another local photographer, Anne Barkley, has some here.
Does the National Park Service typically release an updated prediction, whether they’re changing the dates or merely confirming the original ones? If so, when do you expect they’ll give us an update? Thanks!
They don’t usually confirm an existing prediction in any special way aside from letting it stand. If they’re going to revise their prediction I would expect them to do so anytime from now through early next week.
Ok thanks!
we book the Courtyard Bottom on April 25-27 ,during that period we still have chance to see Cherry Blossom?
Thank you very much.
The famous cherry blossoms around the Tidal Basin will probably be long gone, but there should be other flowering trees and plants out, including other varieties of cherry blossoms and tulips.
Dear David,
Thank you very much.
I love all the pictures of the cherry blossoms. Many thanks..