Stay in the loop! Visit this page leading up to and during the Festival for updates 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. Below you will find a comparative record of past bud development. The date listed is when 70% of the buds have reached each stage.
Current bloom stage: Stage 2
Florets are visible. Approximately 16-21 days until peak bloom.
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 |
You can help keep the beloved cherry trees blooming each year!
The Trust for the National Mall and the National Cherry Blossom Festival are working together to raise funds to care and maintain the iconic cherry trees. Join this one-time opportunity to endow all 3,800 trees on the National Mall by making a pledge to give, or raise, $1,000 per tree to grow the Cherry Tree Endowment. You can make an individual gift, start or join a crowd-funding team and receive recognition for your support. For more information, please visit www.nationalmall.org/cherrytrees.
Your support is vital to protecting the cherished cultural symbol on the National Mall. Join the campaign today!
Get more in Washington, DC when you stay with Hilton. With 66 hotels to choose from across DC, Northern Virginia and Maryland we’ve got you covered from extended-stay rooms to luxury suites. When you book direct with Hilton you’ll receive free WiFi, digital check-in, points towards free nights, and Hilton Honors members get even more. Expect Better. Expect Hilton.
Have a question or comment for us? We want to hear from you!
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.
