DC Cherry Blossoms Expected to Peak Soon

National Park Service forecasts peak bloom between March 29 and April 1

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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The National Park Service has announced that the iconic Yoshino cherry trees around Washington D.C.'s Tidal Basin are expected to reach peak bloom between March 29 and April 1, about a day later than last year. The timing could shift if late-season cold or storms move in, but the National Cherry Blossom Festival will go on as scheduled from March 20 through April 12.

Why it matters

The annual blooming of the cherry blossoms is a major tourist draw for Washington, D.C., with the festival attracting millions of visitors each year. The peak bloom forecast is highly anticipated as it signals the start of the festival and the best time to view the stunning pink and white flowers.

The details

The National Park Service revealed the peak bloom forecast in dramatic fashion on Thursday, unveiling an ice sculpture to make the announcement. While the timing is usually consistent from year to year, late-season cold or storms could cause the peak to shift a bit earlier or later than the current March 29 to April 1 prediction.

  • The National Cherry Blossom Festival is scheduled for March 20 through April 12, 2026.
  • The National Park Service expects the cherry trees to reach peak bloom between March 29 and April 1, 2026.

The players

National Park Service

The federal agency responsible for managing the National Mall and Memorial Parks in Washington, D.C., including the Tidal Basin where the iconic cherry blossom trees are located.

National Cherry Blossom Festival

An annual festival in Washington, D.C. that celebrates the blooming of the cherry blossom trees around the Tidal Basin, featuring events, parades, and other festivities that draw millions of visitors.

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The takeaway

The cherry blossom bloom is a beloved annual tradition in the nation's capital, and the Park Service's forecast helps visitors plan their trips to see the stunning flowers at their peak. Despite the potential for weather disruptions, the festival will go on, allowing locals and tourists alike to enjoy the natural beauty of Washington, D.C. in springtime.