***Please note that this When Do The Cherry Blossoms Bloom in Washington, DC? Guide will be updated and recirculated periodically to reflect the most up-to-date dining scene. This list was most recently updated as of November 2025.***

One of the biggest blessings about living in the Washington, DC area is getting to take part in the city’s National Cherry Blossom Festival yearly. Millions of visitors (perhaps, like yourself!) flock to Washington, DC every year for the National Cherry Blossom Festival. I have felt SOOOO lucky to host some friends and will continue to host some friends who visit to see the cherry blossoms here! While the cherry blossoms are such an exciting sight to see here in Washington, DC (and beyond the city, too!), it can be pretty tricky to time your visit as to when the cherry blossoms bloom. That all being said, this When Do The Cherry Blossoms Bloom in Washington, DC? Guide will outline based on previous years when the cherry blossoms could and will bloom.

*Disclaimer: Please note that this post contains affiliate links, which means that if you purchase through one of my links, then I will receive a small commission. This commission is at no extra cost to you. Additionally, this post is not sponsored, and all opinions are my own.*

Please note that this content is apart of my exploring the Washington, DC area series. For more information on planning your own trip to Washington DC (here), Northern Virginia (here), the Virginia Wine Country (here), Maryland (here), and beyond (here), please use the corresponding links for some recommendations and inspiration.

When Do The Cherry Blossoms Peak Bloom in Washington, DC?

Planning a trip to see the Cherry Blossoms bloom in Washington, DC?!?! Book your stay today using Booking.com or Hotels.com. I also highly recommend reserving tours, excursions, and experiences in the nation’s capital in advance, too!

This guide will be split into 4 sections: The National Cherry Blossom Festival, About The Cherry Trees, When Do the Cherry Blossoms Bloom?, and Tips for Visiting the Washington, DC Cherry Blossoms.

The National Cherry Blossom Festival

To celebrate the cherry blossoms blooming in Washington, DC, the city hosts its annual National Cherry Blossom Festival. This festival corresponds with the peak bloom of the cherry blossom trees. The National Cherry Blossom Festival’s story begins in 1912 when Japan gifted the United States 3,000 cherry trees. On March 27, 1912, First Lady Helen Herron Taft and Viscountess Chinda, wife of the Japanese ambassador planted the first two trees gifted from Japan on Washington, DC’s Tidal Basin. Since First Lady Taft’s coordination and involvement in the roots of the National Cherry Blossom Festival, United States First Ladies have took part in the festival’s festivities and preservation of the cherry trees. Today, the National Cherry Blossom Festival includes several signature events, including Opening Ceremony, Petalpalozza, Parade, and Blossom Kite Festival.

The next National Cherry Blossom Festival will take place from March 20-April 12, 2026. See more information on the National Cherry Blossom Festival here.

About The Cherry Trees

The cherry blossoms bloom from the cherry trees. It is important to note that there are not one, but rather ELEVEN varieties of cherry trees here in Washington, DC (and, hence, SOOOO many different types of cherry blossoms to enjoy here in the nation’s capital!). Alongside, the cherry trees, there is also a Magnolia tree variety that blooms into Pink, cherry tree-like blooms during cherry blossom season, which I will share more about in this section, too.

The Cherry Tree Varieties

There are a total of 11 cherry tree varieties in Washington, DC’s Tidal Basin and into the Washington Monument grounds, according to the National Park Service. The majority of the cherry blossom trees in this location are Yoshino Cherry trees (about 70%), which are white, have 3-5 petals, and almond-scented. The second-largest species is the Kwanzan Cherry tree, which is Pink with 30+ petals, making up about 13% of the Tidal Basin’s cherry trees. In addition to the well-known Yoshino and Kwanzan cherry trees, there are several other species of cherry tree, including the Akebono, Sargent, and Okame.

To learn more about Washington, DC’s cherry tree species, then look no further than these excellent resources from the National Park Service, the National Cherry Blossom Festival, and WUSA9.

The Magnolia Tree (not a cherry tree variety but a local favorite!)

Cherry Blossoms are not the only Pink trees that bloom in the Spring in Washington, DC. The Magnolia Tree is another Pink tree that blooms here, too. The Magnolia Tree blooms with large pink and white flowers. Popular locations to view the Magnolia tree in and around Washington, DC include: the Enid A. Haupt Garden (also known apart of the Smithsonian Gardens behind the Smithsonian Castle), Rawlins Park, and the George Mason Memorial.

To learn more about Washington, DC’s Magnolia trees, look no further than this excellent resources from the Smithsonian Gardens.

SO, When Do The Cherry Blossoms Bloom?

ANDDDDD, now for the reason that you’ve probably clicked on this post …. when do the cherry blossoms bloom in Washington, DC?! The answer isn’t a one-size fits all response, due to the local weather conditions that vary each year. However, based on the 2022-2025 peak bloom, typically the last week in March-first week in April is your best shot at catching those cherry blossoms blooming. However, before you go booking your ultimate Washington, DC Cherry Blossom vacation, be sure to check out the 2026 Peak Bloom Forecasts by the Cherry Blossom Watch 2026 website, as it offers the most accurate and in-depth look into when do the cherry blossoms bloom in Washington, DC.

Magnolia Trees: The Magnolia trees tend to bloom a bit earlier than the cherry trees. Typically, they bloom the first-second week of March.

Tips for Visiting the Washington, DC Cherry Blossoms at The Tidal Basin

There are several things that one must keep in mind when visiting the Washington, DC Cherry Blossoms at peak bloom. And, while visiting the cherry blossoms is typically packed with visitors both from near and far like yourself, truly, it is an experience of a lifetime!

Note: This section will solely focus on visiting the Washington, DC Cherry Blossoms at the Tidal Basin as well as around the National Mall (specifically near the Washington Monument). It is worth noting that although not mentioned in this section, there are several other locations across the Washington, DC area to view cherry blossoms in peak bloom.

Below, I have listed out some tips for Visiting the Washington, DC Cherry Blossoms at the Tidal Basin:

• Use public transportation to get there! Your nearest stop will be the Smithsonian Metro Station, which is accessible along the Blue, Orange, and Silver lines. When taking Metro, it will be PACKED especially if you go on the weekends. Be sure to plan your trip using Metro’s app + website and allow for extra time.
• The walk from the Smithsonian Metro Station to the Tidal Basin is about 10-15 minutes. The Tidal Basin is behind the Washington Monument which is an excellent place to take photos on your way there (or back!). Walk towards the Washington Monument. Be prepared to walk and follow the crowds to ensure you don’t get lost!
• Be prepared for crowds, especially on the weekends!
• When taking photos, don’t be afraid to be assertive, but, above all else, be kind and mindful of other people.
• If you struggle with seasonal allergies, be prepared and take all the allergy meds beforehand!
• To avoid the crowds, try visiting the Tidal Basin on a weekday and/or before 8am/at golden hour.

Above all else, be sure to enjoy the moment and HAVE FUN!

Wrap-Up

The National Cherry Blossom Festival is one of my favorite events of the year! Personally, I feel extremely lucky to live close to the nation’s capital, so that when the cherry blossoms bloom in Washington, DC, then I am able to go and see them and enjoy them. Truly, visiting the cherry blossoms in full bloom in Washington, DC is such a privilege to be able to do and a great once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for many of us to experience.

XOXO – Katie <3