National Park Service Reveals Peak Bloom Dates for Washington, D.C.’s Cherry Blossoms

The National Park Service (NPS) has predicted that Washington, D.C.’s iconic cherry blossoms will hit peak bloom—when 70 percent of the flowers are open—between March 23 and March 26, 2024. While blossoms will begin to open earlier, these dates in late March are expected to be the prime time for viewing the trees in full bloom this year.

Typically, peak bloom in Washington, D.C. occurs in the last week of March or the first week of April. In 2023, peak bloom was recorded on March 23 (aligned with the forecast of March 22–25), while in 2022, it was on March 21. In both instances, buds started to emerge about two to three weeks before peak bloom.

What are the dates for the National Cherry Blossom Festival?

The National Cherry Blossom Festival will be celebrated in the nation’s capital from March 20 to April 14, 2024, marking the 112th anniversary of the Mayor of Tokyo's gift of the iconic cherry trees to Washington, D.C.

Key events for the 2024 festival include the opening ceremony and annual lantern lighting in collaboration with the Japan Foundation on March 23 at the Warner Theatre; the Blossom Kite Festival on March 30 at the Mall; and the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade on April 13 (tickets are currently available for $25–$40 per person).

Alongside the famous Cherry Blossom Festival at the National Mall, the National Wharf will host its own cherry blossom-themed event called Bloomaroo, featuring live music and fireworks on March 23, 2024.

Tips for Cherry Blossom Viewing

If you get the chance to experience the cherry blossoms in person, please help keep the blossoms thriving by refraining from picking them (it's actually illegal) and avoid touching them while taking pictures.

For visitors heading to Washington, D.C. for the cherry blossoms, it’s advisable to stay at a hotel within walking distance of the National Mall and Memorial Parks—the prime viewing locations—since parking can be scarce. Nearby hotel options include:

• The Willard InterContinental
• Salamander Washington DC
• Canopy by Hilton Washington DC the Wharf

If you can’t witness the blossoms in person, the NPS, which manages the National Mall and Memorial Parks, will broadcast the blooms live through its 24-hour BloomCam.

This article was first published online in 2019 and was most recently updated on February 29, 2024.