Visit this page leading up to and during the Festival. Daily updates are provided by National Park Service horticulturists who closely monitor bud development and progress towards peak bloom.
The National Park Service defines the peak bloom date as the day on which 70% of the blossoms of Yoshino cherry trees that surround the Tidal Basin are open. The date varies from year to year depending on weather conditions. The blooming period is defined as the time when 20% of the blossoms are open until the petals fall and leaves appear. The blooming period starts several days before the peak bloom date and can last as long as 14 days. However, frost or high temperatures combined with wind or rain can shorten this period. The following is a comparative record of past bud development. The date listed is when 70% of the buds have reached each stage.
Mid- to late-February to early March
Early to mid-March, average 16-21 days to Peak Bloom
Average 12-17 days to Peak Bloom
Average 5-10 days to Peak Bloom (frost critical)
Average 4-6 days to Peak Bloom
| YEAR | STAGE 1 | STAGE 2 | STAGE 3 | STAGE 4 | STAGE 5 |
START OF PEAK BLOOM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 2/25 | 3/15 | 3/26 | 3/29 | 4/1 | 4/5 |
| 2017 | 2/24 | 3/1 | 3/6 | 3/8 | 3/22 | 3/25 |
| 2016 | 3/8 | 3/13 | 3/15 | 3/17 | 3/22 | 3/25 |
| 2015 | 3/18 | 4/1 | 4/4 | 4/6 | 4/8 | 4/10 |
| 2014 | 3/16 | 3/23 | 3/31 | 4/4 | 4/7 | 4/10 |
| 2013 | 3/11 | 3/17 | 3/26 | 3/31 | 4/4 | 4/9 |
| 2013 | 3/11 | 3/17 | 3/26 | 4/4 | 3/31 | 4/9 |
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The National Cherry Blossom Festival, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting the beauty of nature and international friendship through year-round programs, events, and educational initiatives that enhance our environment, showcase arts and culture, and build community spirit.
The National Cherry Blossom Festival, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting the beauty of nature and international friendship through year-round programs, events, and educational initiatives that enhance our environment, showcase arts and culture, and build community spirit.
