Cherry Blossoms Approach Peak Bloom
Washington D.C.’s cherry blossoms have reached stage five, the puffy white blossom stage, on 23 March 2025. The National Park Service (NPS) confirmed this milestone as the final stage before peak bloom.
The blooming cycle began on 11 March with green buds appearing on the Yoshino cherry trees at the Tidal Basin. Florets became visible by 16 March, with extension of florets following on 19 March. The peduncle elongation stage arrived by 20 March, leading to the current phase.
Figure 1: Cherry blossoms bloom in Lafayette Square on Saturday [Daniel Slim via Getty Images]
Peak Bloom Prediction and Historical Trends
NPS estimates that the cherry blossoms will reach peak bloom between 28 and 31 March. This timeline aligns with historical fluctuations influenced by temperature variations.
In 2024, peak bloom arrived earlier than expected on 17 March, making it the second earliest since 1990. The earliest recorded peak bloom occurred on 15 March 1990, while the latest was on 18 April 1958.
The average peak bloom date remains 4 April, but recent years show a trend toward earlier blooming. EPA data confirms that peak bloom has happened before 4 April in 16 of the last 20 years.
Six Stages of Cherry Blossom Blooming
The National Park Service tracks six stages in the blooming process:
- Green bud
- Florets visible
- Extension of florets
- Peduncle elongation
- Puffy white blossom
- Peak bloom
Indicator trees, which bloom ahead of the rest, help experts refine predictions. NPS also considers historical trends, real-time observations, and temperature data.
Impact of Weather on Blooming
Temperature shifts significantly affect cherry blossom development. Warm temperatures accelerate blooming, while cold snaps delay it.
In 2017, a late freeze from 14 to 17 March damaged nearly half of the blossoms. Despite this, peak bloom still arrived on 25 March.
NPS predicts peak bloom by tracking “degree days.” Once the total reaches 217-degree days, peak bloom occurs. Warmer temperatures contribute more degree days, hastening the blooming process.
Where to See the Cherry Blossoms
The Tidal Basin remains the most popular location for viewing the cherry blossoms. However, large crowds gather each year, with over a million visitors expected during peak bloom.
Other viewing locations include:
- East Potomac Park (Hains Point)
- The Washington Monument grounds
- S. National Arboretum
- Dumbarton Oaks
Figure 2: Directions for The National Cherry Bloom Festival
Visitors can also track blooming progress through live streaming cameras like the BloomCam and Trust for the National Mall’s BudCam and MonumentCam.
2025 National Cherry Blossom Festival
The National Cherry Blossom Festival celebrates the 1912 gift of 3,000 cherry trees from Tokyo’s Mayor Yukio Ozaki to Washington, D.C. The festival runs from 20 March to 13 April 2025.
Key events include:
- Opening ceremony on 22 March
- Kite festival on 29 March
- Petalpalooza on 5 April
- Parade on 12 April featuring elaborate floats and marching bands
Jeopardy! host Ken Jennings announced the 2025 peak bloom dates in February. He will serve as the grand marshal for the parade.
Cherry Blossom Varieties in Washington D.C.
Washington D.C. is home to 11 varieties of cherry blossom trees. The most common types are:
- Yoshino, which produces white or pale pink blossoms
- Kwanzan, which blooms later with deep pink flowers
More than 3,700 cherry trees grow on the National Mall. NPS replaces approximately 90 trees annually to maintain the collection.
Figure 3: Types of Cherry Blossoms in DC
Conservation and Visitor Guidelines
The National Park Service enforces strict conservation policies to protect the cherry blossoms. Visitors must not touch, shake, or break branches. Sitting on trees or placing children on branches is also prohibited.
The public can support conservation efforts through the cherry tree adoption program. Details on how to contribute are available on the National Park Service website.
Travel and Accommodation Information
The cherry blossom trees are located at:
- The Tidal Basin
- East Potomac Park
- Washington Monument grounds
Visitors can plan trips using the National Park Service’s official cherry blossom map. Hotels and accommodations in Washington D.C. experience high demand during peak bloom, requiring early bookings.
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For those unable to visit in person, live streams provide real-time views of the blossoms. EarthCam offers coverage from the roof of the Salamander Washington D.C.
Historical Significance and International Friendship
The cherry blossom tradition represents the lasting friendship between the United States and Japan. Since the first planting in 1912, the festival has grown into a major cultural event, attracting over 1.5 million visitors annually.
The celebration highlights international ties while showcasing the natural beauty of Washington D.C.’s most famous trees.
