The National Park Service (NPS) predicts that Washington, DC’s famous cherry blossoms will reach peak bloom. march 28 and 31, 2025. The flowers begin to open before that, but those days are predicted to be the best time to see the flowers to the fullest this year.
Peak bloom usually occurs in Washington, DC around the last week of March and the first week of April. It occurred on March 17th, 2024. In 2023, Peak Bloom was March 23rd. In both years, I saw the flowers 2-3 weeks before Peak Bloom.
When is the National Cherry Blossom Festival?
The National Cherry Blossom Festival will be held in the country’s capital between March 20th and April 13th, 2025, and presents the iconic tree to Washington, DC to celebrate the 113th anniversary of the mayor of Tokyo.
Highlights of the 2025 festival include the opening ceremony and annual lantern lighting, in collaboration with the Nippon Foundation at Warner Theatre on Saturday, March 22nd, at 5pm. (ticket $5); The Blossom Kite Festival will be held at the mall on March 29th. National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade on April 12th (ticket ($25-40 per person).
In addition to the iconic cherry blossom festival at the National Mall, National Wharf also hosts a complimentary cherry-themed celebration. This event, Bloomaroo, will be held on Saturday, March 29th, 2025, featuring live music and fireworks.
Tips for watching cherry blossoms
If you can see the cherry blossoms in person, don’t pick them to keep them happy and healthy, and avoid touching them while taking photos.
Especially for those who come to Washington, DC for cherry blossoms, it’s best to choose a hotel within walking distance of the most popular viewing spots, the National Mall and Memorial Park. Nearby hotels include:
Related: 10 Best Hotels in Washington DC
If you can’t see the flowers in person, NPS, which operates National Mall and Memorial Park, will live stream Bloom on Bloomcam, which is 24-hour Bloomcam.
This article was originally published in 2019, and most recently updated the current information on February 28, 2025.
