Cherry Blossom DC Guide 2022 | DC Cherry Blossom Watch

Skip to content Washington DC Cherry Blossom Watch Menu Washington DC Cherry Blossom Watch Menu

2026

Cherry Blossom Watch Washington DC

Photo by David Coleman

Latest Updates

Tidal Basin Bare Cherry Trees Winter Snow Sunlight Washington DC United States. Photo by David Coleman - cherryblossomwatch.com

Cherry Blossom Watch Update: February 8, 2026

It has been very cold, and the cherry buds are still in their dormant phase. But in a few weeks, we’ll start getting the first peak bloom forecasts.

Tidal Basin Seawall Reconstruction Project Phase 1 Completion Washington DC. Photo by David Coleman - cherryblossomwatch.com

Cherry Blossom Watch Update: December 2025

The winter has so far been colder than normal, Phase 1 of the seawall reconstruction is complete, and the cherry trees are all hunkered down for the winter.

Washington Monument Tidal Basin Autumn Colors Washington DC. Photo by David Coleman - cherryblossomwatch.com

Cherry Blossom Watch Update: November 2025

After a beautifully colorful start to November, most of the leaves on the cherry trees have now fallen. The trees are now bare and ready for winter. Long-range winter forecasts are in. And the Tidal Basin construction project is moving along nicely.

Jefferson Memorial In Fall Washington DC. Photo by David Coleman - cherryblossomwatch.com

Cherry Blossom Watch Update: October 2025

Progress on the Tidal Basin Reconstruction Project seems to be progressing well, and the trees are showing some fall color.

Kwanzan Cherry Blossoms in East Potomac Park Washington DC on April 17, 2025. Photo by David Coleman - cherryblossomwatch.com

Cherry Blossom Watch Update / Kwanzan Edition: April 17, 2025

The Kwanzan cherry blossoms are still going strong, helped by the colder temperatures we’ve had lately. But warmer temperatures coming up will accelerate the process of them leafing out as we head into next week.

Tulips at the NPS Floral Library on April 17, 2025. Photo by David Coleman - cherryblossomwatch.com

Tulips at the Floral Library Update: April 17, 2025

The tulips at the NPS Floral Library, next to the Tidal Basin, are looking especially lovely right now.

Washington DC Cherry Blossoms April 17, 2025 CHERRYBLOSSOMWATCH.COM. Photo by David Coleman - cherryblossomwatch.com

Cherry Blossom Watch Update: April 17, 2025

The Tidal Basin looks very different than it did just a few weeks ago. The famous Yoshino cherry trees are now covered in fresh green leaves.

Kwanzan Cherry Blossoms in East Potomac Park Washington DC. Photo by David Coleman - cherryblossomwatch.com

Cherry Blossom Watch Update / Kwanzan Edition: April 8, 2025

It’s cold and windy, but the Kwanzan cherry blossoms are now in full bloom and looking wonderful.

Washington DC Cherry Blossoms March 30, 2025 CHERRYBLOSSOMWATCH.COM. Photo by David Coleman - cherryblossomwatch.com

2025 Cherry Blossoms Wrap-Up

The 2025 DC cherry blossom bloom was beautiful, as usual, but it was also unusually brief.

. Photo by David Coleman - cherryblossomwatch.com

Reader Photos 2025

Here are the reader photos for this year. Thanks to all who shared their beautiful photos!

Washington DC Cherry Blossoms April 4, 2025 CHERRYBLOSSOMWATCH.COM. Photo by David Coleman - cherryblossomwatch.com

Cherry Blossom Watch Update / Kwanzan Edition: April 4, 2025

The main cherry blossoms are pretty much done, but the later-blooming Kwanzan cherry blossoms are just getting started. There are fewer of them, but they’re especially pretty.

Washington DC Cherry Blossoms April 4, 2025 CHERRYBLOSSOMWATCH.COM. Photo by David Coleman - cherryblossomwatch.com

Cherry Blossom Watch Update: April 4, 2025

The main bloom of cherry blossoms at the Tidal Basin, of the famous Yoshino cherry blossoms, is basically done.

Washington DC Kwanzan Cherry Blossoms April 1, 2025 CHERRYBLOSSOMWATCH.COM. Photo by David Coleman - cherryblossomwatch.com

Cherry Blossom Watch Update / Kwanzan Edition: April 1, 2025

The later-blooming Kwanzan cherry blossoms in areas near the Tidal Basin are just starting to bloom.

Washington DC Cherry Blossoms April 1, 2025 CHERRYBLOSSOMWATCH.COM. Photo by David Coleman - cherryblossomwatch.com

Cherry Blossom Watch: April 1, 2025

The cherry blossoms around the Tidal Basin are suddenly close to done now. While it’s still possible to still find some nice trees and branches out, it looks nothing like it did just a couple of days ago.

Washington DC Saucer Magnolias April 1 2025 CHERRYBLOSSOMWATCH.COM. Photo by David Coleman - cherryblossomwatch.com

Magnolia Watch: April 1, 2025

The saucer magnolias are done for the season.

Washington DC Cherry Blossoms March 30, 2025 CHERRYBLOSSOMWATCH.COM. Photo by David Coleman - cherryblossomwatch.com

Cherry Blossom Watch Update: March 30, 2025

It’s prime time down at the Tidal Basin. Warm, calm weather, and the cherry blossoms are looking magnificent, all decked out in white.

Washington DC Cherry Blossoms March 28, 2025 CHERRYBLOSSOMWATCH.COM. Photo by David Coleman - cherryblossomwatch.com

Cherry Blossom Watch Update: March 28, 2025

DC’s cherry blossoms have reached peak bloom.

Washington DC Cherry Blossoms March 27, 2025 CHERRYBLOSSOMWATCH.COM. Photo by David Coleman - cherryblossomwatch.com

Cherry Blossom Watch Update: March 27, 2025

They’re close to peak bloom now. More trees are out now with their fresh white flowers, and they’re looking lovely.

Planning

Photo of Washington DC Cherry Blossoms - March 24, 2016 taken by David Coleman.

What Peak Bloom Means and Why It (sort of) Matters

So what exactly is “peak bloom” anyway? When does it happen? And does it matter?

Photo of Cherry Blossoms in Washington DC taken by David Coleman.

2026 Cherry Blossom Peak Bloom Forecasts

The latest information and forecasts on when Washington DC’s cherry blossoms around the Tidal Basin will reach peak bloom in Spring 2026.

Jefferson Memorial in Washington DC. Photo by David Coleman - cherryblossomwatch.com

What to Expect at the Jefferson Memorial in Spring 2026

In the lead-up to the 250th anniversary of American Independence in 2026, there’s more construction activity than usual on and around the National Mall. This post is one of a series I’ll be posting in the coming days to give a sense of what you can expect if you’re visiting the cherry blossoms in 2026, especially if you’re bringing a camera.

Tidal Basin Seawall Construction Project Washington DC. Photo by David Coleman - cherryblossomwatch.com

What to Expect at the Tidal Basin Construction in Spring 2026

There’s a major construction project on the southern corner of the Tidal Basin to repair and rebuild the seawall to help mitigate the flooding. Here’s how it’s looking as we start off 2026.

Lincoln Memorial Undercroft Construction as of 18 March 2025. Photo by David Coleman - cherryblossomwatch.com

What to Expect at the Lincoln Memorial in Spring 2026

If you’re coming into town for the cherry blossoms, there’s a good chance you’ll also want to stop by the Lincoln Memorial nearby. Here’s what to expect with the current construction project.

The Wharf Washington DC. Photo by David Coleman - cherryblossomwatch.com

Where to Stay in Washington DC for the 2026 Cherry Blossoms

Here are my local recommendations on where to stay if you’re visiting from out of town to see the cherry blossoms.

Photo of Washington DC Cherry Blossoms: April 12, 2014 taken by David Coleman.

2026 National Cherry Blossom Festival

The 2026 National Cherry Blossom Festival is scheduled for March 20 to April 12, 2026. Here’s a quick overview and some dates of key events.

How to Get to the Cherry Blossoms

Information on the best ways to get down to the Tidal Basin to see the cherry blossoms, including by Metro, by car, and by bike.

. Photo by David Coleman - cherryblossomwatch.com

Parking at the Cherry Blossoms

If driving remains your best option, here are a few ideas on where to park when going to the cherry blossoms.

Photo of Washington DC Cherry Blossoms.

Cherry Blossom 10 Miler 2026

The 2025 Cherry Blossom 10 Mile Race is scheduled for April 6, 2025. Here’s a rundown of the impact on visiting the cherry blossoms.

Photo of Washington DC Cherry Blossoms.

Where to Find Stumpy

Stumpy’s days are numbered. If you’d like to say goodbye, here’s where to find them.

Washington DC Cherry Blossoms - March 24, 2016. Photo by David Coleman - cherryblossomwatch.com

Family or Engagement Photos with the Cherry Blossoms – Local Professional Photographers

Looking to hire a professional photographer for family, engagement, or portrait photos with the cherry blossoms? Here are some recommendations.

Tulips at the NPS Floral Library on April 17, 2025. Photo by David Coleman - cherryblossomwatch.com

Floral Library at the Tidal Basin in Washington DC

Consisting mostly of several varieties of colorful tulips, the Floral Library is located at the northeast corner of the Tidal Basin.

Photo of Washington DC Cherry Blossoms: April 12, 2014 taken by David Coleman.

Avoiding the Crowds

Crowds are an integral part of Washington DC’s cherry blossom season. But there are ways you can avoid them and still see flowers.

Photo of Paddle Boats at the Tidal Basin taken by David Coleman.

Paddle Boats at the Tidal Basin

Paddle boats on the Tidal Basin offer a unique way to take in the view of the cherry blossoms in full bloom.

Photo of Washington DC Cherry Blossoms.

What Color are the Cherry Blossoms?

This is a question I get quite a lot. Are they pink? Are they white? Are they both?

Washington DC Cherry Blossoms Vintage Postcard. Photo by David Coleman - cherryblossomwatch.com

Historical Postcards of Washington DC’s Cherry Blossoms

I’ve been collecting vintage postcards featuring Washington DC’s famous cherry blossoms at the Tidal Basin. Here’s a selection of them.

cherry-blossom-progression

How Long Do the Cherry Blossoms Last?

Here’s a timeline of what to expect from roughly a week before the peak bloom to about a week after.

havecamerawilltravel logo@2x

I take photos for a living. Seven continents. Dozens of countries. Up mountains. Underwater. And a bunch of places in between. Based in Washington DC.

Contact

I'm a member of:
asmp logo
ppa member color
  • About Me
  • Photography Reviews & Tips
  • DC in B&W
  • Action Cam Photographer
  • Travel Photography
  • Digital Darkroom
  • Cherry Blossom Prints
  • License Images & Buy Prints
  • Rent or Buy Images as Wall Art
  • Sign Up for My Newsletter
  • Read My Medium Posts
  • Privacy & Disclosure
  • Disclaimer
  • Terms of Service
  • HTML Sitemap
  • XML Sitemap

© 2009-2026 David Coleman | Have Camera Will Travel LLC

Photos by David Coleman. Please contact me for licensing images. Images are registered with the U.S. Copyright Office.

Tag » Are Cherry Blossoms Blooming In Dc