Cherry Blossom Festival 2025 begins as peak bloom approaches in DC
Cherry Blossom Festival 2025 begins as peak bloom approaches in DC
The peak bloom of Yoshino Cherry trees in Washington, D.C., is a beautiful sight each spring.
The peak bloom date is defined as the day when 70% of the Yoshino cherry blossoms are open. Peak bloom varies annually depending on weather conditions. The most likely time for peak bloom is between the last week of March and the first week of April.
The National Park Service announced in late February that the peak bloom season for the District of Columbia's Tidal Basin cherry blossoms is expected to fall from March 28 to March 31 this year.
When will the cherry blossoms bloom?
Predicting the peak bloom of cherry trees more than 10 days ahead is nearly impossible because of the influence of weather conditions on blossom development. Horticulturists from the National Park Service closely observe the buds' progress and provide updates.
How long is peak bloom?
The Yoshino trees typically bloom for several days. The length of the blooming period depends on weather conditions. Cool, calm weather can extend the length of the bloom, and a rainy, windy day can bring an abrupt end to the ephemeral blossoms. A late frost can prevent the trees from blooming at all.
When have cherry blossoms peaked historically?
Unusually warm or cool temperatures have caused peak bloom as early as March 15 in 1990 and as late as April 18 in 1958.
Last year was the first time peak bloom occurred before the start of the National Cherry Blossom Festival on March 20 since the festival's start date was moved about a week forward in 2012.
Historically, the Cherry Blossom Festival often started in early to mid-April. Over time, the festival length was extended and the start date moved forward. The festival hasn't started in April since 1994.
When is the 2025 National Cherry Blossom Festival?
The park service, in collaboration with the National Cherry Blossom Festival, will be celebrating the bloom in the district March 20 through April 14. The festival is held mainly around the Tidal Basin.
The festival commemorates the gift of about 3,000 cherry trees from the mayor of Tokyo to the United States in 1912. The gift celebrates the friendship between the Japanese and American people.
Multiple events are scheduled for the festival, including a parade, concerts and fireworks.
Live bloom camera
If you can't travel to see the cherry blossoms, you can view them live on the bloom camera. The camera provides a live view of the National Mall Tidal Basin from the roof of the hotel Salamander Washington D.C. courtesy of EarthCam.
CONTRIBUTING Saman Shafiq
SOURCE USA TODAY Network reporting and research; National Park Service
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