The National Park Service (NPS) has forecast that Washington, D.C.’s famous cherry blossoms will reach peak bloom—when 70 percent of the flowers are open—between March 28 and 31, 2025. Although blossoms will start to open before then, those days are predicted to be the best time to see the flowers at their fullest this year.
Peak bloom typically happens in Washington, D.C., around the last week of March and the first week of April. In 2024, it occurred on March 17; in 2023, peak bloom was March 23. In both years, florets became visible around two to three weeks prior to peak bloom.
When is the National Cherry Blossom Festival?
The National Cherry Blossom Festival will take place in the nation’s capital between March 20 and April 13, 2025, and will commemorate the 113th anniversary of the Mayor of Tokyo gifting the iconic trees to Washington, D.C.
Highlights of the 2025 festival include the opening ceremony and annual lantern lighting in partnership with the Japan Foundation on Saturday, March 22 at 5 p.m. at the Warner Theatre (tickets $5); the Blossom Kite Festival on March 29 on the Mall; and the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade on April 12 (tickets $25–$40 per person).
In addition to the iconic Cherry Blossom Festival at the National Mall, the National Wharf also hosts a free cherry blossom–themed celebration. The event, Bloomaroo, will feature live music and fireworks and take place on Saturday, March 29, 2025.
Cherry blossom viewing tips
If you’re able to see the cherry blossoms in person, remember to keep the cherry blossoms happy and healthy by never picking them (it’s actually against the law) and avoid touching them while posing for photos.
For those coming to Washington, D.C., specifically for the cherry blossoms, it’s best to choose a hotel within walking distance of the National Mall and Memorial Parks, the most popular viewing spots. Nearby hotels include:
Related: The 10 Best Hotels in Washington, D.C.
If you can’t make it to view the blossoms in person, the NPS, which operates the National Mall and Memorial Parks, will live stream the blooms on its 24-hour BloomCam.
This article was originally published in 2019 and most recently updated on February 28, 2025, with current information.
