Cherry Blossom Bloom Progress in Washington, DC
The famous cherry blossoms in Washington, DC, have officially reached Stage 5: Puffy White Blossoms as of March 23, 2025, according to the National Park Service (NPS). This means peak bloom is just around the corner, expected between March 28-31, 2025.
The blooming process started with Stage 1 on March 11, followed by a rapid progression:
- Stage 2: March 16
- Stage 3: March 19
- Stage 4: March 20
- Stage 5: Puffy White Blossoms: March 23
With just one more stage to go, visitors and photographers are gearing up to witness DC’s most stunning springtime event.
What Is Peak Bloom & How Is It Predicted?
The peak bloom of cherry blossoms refers to the time when at least 70% of the Yoshino cherry trees around the Tidal Basin are in full bloom. The National Park Service predicts peak bloom by monitoring indicator trees, historical bloom trends, and real-time temperature patterns.
However, predicting cherry blossom bloom times is tricky. For example:
- In 2024, peak bloom arrived on March 23.
- In 2023, peak bloom was March 25.
- The earliest peak bloom on record was March 15, 1990.
- The latest peak bloom was April 18, 1958, due to cold weather.
How Weather Affects Cherry Blossom Blooming
The weather plays a critical role in how fast or slow the cherry blossoms bloom:
- Warm temperatures speed up the blooming process.
- Cold snaps can delay peak bloom or even damage blossoms.
- In 2017, a late freeze (March 14-17) damaged nearly 50% of blossoms, even though peak bloom arrived on March 25.
Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms in DC
While the Tidal Basin is the most famous spot, it also gets crowded. Here are other great locations to enjoy cherry blossoms in DC:
- U.S. National Arboretum – Less crowded, stunning varieties of cherry blossoms.
- Hains Point & East Potomac Park – Gorgeous waterfront views.
- Basilica of the National Shrine – Beautiful cherry trees in a peaceful setting.
- Dumbarton Oaks – A hidden gem in Georgetown with cherry blossoms and gardens.
For a less crowded experience, visit early in the morning or on weekdays.
Plan Your Visit for Peak Bloom (March 28-31, 2025)
- Metro: Use the Smithsonian or L’Enfant Plaza Metro stations to reach the Tidal Basin.
- Parking: Limited near the Tidal Basin—consider parking near Hains Point.
- Best Time for Photos: Sunrise or golden hour for breathtaking shots.
With DC’s cherry blossoms in Stage 5, peak bloom is just days away! Whether you’re a local or a visitor, now is the perfect time to plan your visit and witness this stunning spring spectacle.
📌 Bookmark this page for updates on peak bloom and cherry blossom events!
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