Washington's Cherry Blossoms May Bloom Late Due to Record Cold

The National Cherry Blossom Festival kicks off on March 20, but the peak bloom could be delayed.

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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Every year, tens of thousands of people from around the U.S. and the world flock to Washington, D.C. to see the iconic cherry blossoms in full bloom on more than 3,000 trees surrounding the Tidal Basin. However, three months of record cold weather in the nation's capital may delay the peak bloom this year.

Why it matters

The annual cherry blossom festival is a major tourist draw for Washington, D.C., generating millions in economic activity. A delayed bloom could impact visitor numbers and the timing of festival events.

The details

The National Cherry Blossom Festival is scheduled to kick off on March 20, but the peak bloom - when 70% of the blossoms are open - may not occur until later in the spring due to the prolonged cold temperatures Washington has experienced in the first quarter of 2026.

  • The National Cherry Blossom Festival is scheduled to begin on March 20, 2026.
  • The peak bloom, when 70% of the blossoms are open, may not occur until later in the spring due to the record cold.

The players

National Cherry Blossom Festival

An annual springtime celebration in Washington, D.C. centered around the iconic cherry blossom trees surrounding the Tidal Basin.

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What’s next

Festival organizers will continue to monitor the bloom progression and adjust event schedules as needed to accommodate any delays.

The takeaway

The delayed cherry blossom bloom highlights the impact of extreme weather on major tourist attractions and events, underscoring the need for flexibility and contingency planning to ensure the festival's continued success.