2023 Peak Bloom Predictions
- National Park Service: March 22 - 25
- Washington Post: March 19 - 23
- NBC Storm Team 4: March 15 - 20
These are the current predictions, but it's not unusual for them to be revised as we get closer to peak bloom. You can always find the latest information on the 2023 cherry blossom peak bloom page.
We've had a few more warmer days, and the cherry blossoms are coming along. So far, March has started much warmer than normal. But we're about to head into a cooler stretch.
There's a wide spread of progress on the trees around the Tidal Basin. Many of the trees are still in the florets visible stage (stage 2 of 6), but there are also many that are racing well ahead of that into stages 3, 4, and even some close to the puffy white stage (which the stage right before they open and bloom). There's even a (very) small number of trees that have blossoms popping. I've tried to include a variety in the photos below.
It suggests that we might be in store for a slower, drawn-out bloom, at least in the sense of some trees popping well before others.
Today will be relatively warm, which will help progress, but we have some cooler weather coming through at least the rest of the week. That will slow things down a bit.
This map shows what the National Weather Service is predicting for temperatures looking 8 to 14 days ahead. The blue is for temperatures below normal. It is outlooks like this that help explain why peak bloom isn't imminent just yet despite how far along many of the trees are already.
The cooler temperatures will also help prolong the saucer magnolias' bloom. They're now in full bloom, and I have posted a separate update on them this morning.
How it Looks This Morning
These were all taken this morning. I've included more close-ups than normal in order to show how the trees are at quite different stages at the moment. There are very few blooming, but it's possible to find some. Most of the trees are spread somewhere between the florets visible and peduncle elongation stages.
Indicator Tree
The indicator tree is in full bloom. I have more information on the indicator tree and how to find it separately. This is how it's looking this morning.
Saucer Magnolias
The saucer magnolias are in full bloom and looking beautiful. Here's a few photos of them from this morning, but I've included many more in the separate saucer magnolias update.
Things Worth Knowing
- The National Cherry Blossom runs from March 20 through April 16.
- The 2023 Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run & 5K Run-Walk is scheduled for the weekend of April 1-2.
- The Jefferson Memorial is still undergoing renovations. The current phase mainly affects the lower level inside, but there's some fencing and scaffolding at ground level outside. The main rotunda remains open. The exterior renovations to the dome are still looking great!
- All roads and parking around the Tidal Basin are currently normal, with no closures yet for the festival.
- If you're looking for accommodation, I've put together some suggestions on where to stay when visiting DC's cherry blossoms.
Local Charity Spotlight
Looking to give back? Here's one of the local charities (or with local links) that is well worth contributing to.
Cape Ivy
Cape Ivy provides warmth, comfort and support to children who have chronic or critical illnesses and their families.
Cape Ivy provides fleece ponchos to children in the hospital because robes, sweaters and jackets don’t work well with IV lines and other medical equipment. Cape Ivy is a resource for families experiencing long-term hospitalization of children.
I've had the pleasure of personally seeing a small glimpse of the impact this organization. They're wonderful people doing wonderful work.
You can donate directly on their website and learn more about their mission and impact.
