It's still too early to guess with much confidence when the 2023 bloom will be. But we've seen a much-warmer-than-normal January, and long-range forecasts suggest above-average temperatures continuing as we get deeper into February (after a short very cold spurt at the beginning of the month).
On average, Washington DC's cherry blossoms bloom around late-March into early April, but the precise timing varies year to year depending on the local temperatures in the leadup to the bloom. You can find general information on the 2023 bloom to help plan your visit here.
It's a bit damp. And it's almost deserted at the Tidal Basin this morning, making for a very different scene than over the weekend.
The rain should clear out this morning, but it will be followed by gusty winds. That's a one-two punch to the cherry blossoms at this stage when they're becoming increasingly fragile, but at least as of this morning they're holding up pretty well.
After a stellar weekend for cherry blossom viewing, the rain overnight has knocked a lot of petals off. But there are still many, many more on the trees. And for now, at least, they're still looking wonderful. This afternoon's wind won't help matters, but there should be plenty of flowers to see for at least tomorrow. Rain, wind, and possible storms are forecast for later in the week, all of which will take a toll.
The flowers are turning pink now. Some of the early starters have already started to lose most of their petals, but for now that's only a very few trees. Most of the trees still have most of their petals–at least, before the wind picks up this afternoon–and it's only once you get up close that you can see that they're on their way out. There are a few green leaves starting to appear, but not many yet.
There's not much to see with the Kwanzans yet–they're still doing their thing, and I have some photos of them at the bottom of this post.
If you haven't been able to make it in person this year, you might be interested in this 360° interactive video from Saturday morning. And I'll have another little treat this afternoon, so stay tuned. UDPATE: I've posted a timelapse of Yoshino cherry blossoms blooming.
Photos From This Morning
Here's the kind of thing you can expect to see if you go down to the Tidal Basin today.
Kwanzan Cherry Blossoms
They typically bloom about 2 weeks after the Yoshinos. Here's how they're looking this morning. You can find more information on them here.
is there a peak bloom for the Kwanzan cherry blossoms? We will be there on April 12-14. Hope there is!!!!
The last I heard was, I think, April 8, but that was quite a while ago. I’ll be keeping a closer eye on them as we get closer and posting updates on them.
Hello – I will be in the area this Sunday, would I catch any ?
Most of them will probably be gone by then, but it’s possible there are a few late stragglers to see.
Thank you! I was following your updates regularly and it helped me plan the most beautiful trip to DC from the West Coast! The cherry blossoms were magnificent.
Hi David,
We’ll be in DC tomorrow. Are there more petals left on the trees?
Should be, although this afternoon’s strong winds didn’t do them any favors.
Thank you so much for ALL your Wonderful updates and Beautiful photos. was following your updates every day and made it down to Washington this weekend from NY.
Glad you got to see it!
Beautiful pictures, as always. I enjoyed the cherry blossom segway tour last Friday – beautiful scenery along the Tidal Basin. My pictures: