Not Japan: Spectacular Cherry Blossoms Begin Blooming in Washington, DC
Not Japan: Spectacular Cherry Blossoms Begin Blooming in Washington, DC
The cherry blossoms in the US capital, Washington, DC, have started to bloom, marking the early signs of spring. Peak bloom, when 70% of the blossoms are open, is expected to occur between March 28 and 31, according to park officials. The exact timing may change depending on the weather. Cold or warm temperatures can speed up or delay blooming.
Cherry trees typically bloom for just a few days. Calm, cool weather may help the flowers last longer. But wind and rain can cause petals to fall quickly, ending the bloom early.
Roughly 3,800 cherry trees grow near DC’s Tidal Basin and National Mall
The National Park Service reported Sunday that the cherry trees surrounding the Tidal Basin have reached “Stage 5 – Puffy White.” This means the buds are full and pale, and the flowers are nearly ready to open.
Approximately 3,800 cherry trees grow around the Tidal Basin and National Mall. During the brief blooming season, this area attracts visitors from across the country. According to festival organizers and the mayor’s office, nearly 1.6 million people visited Washington, DC, and nearby areas last year to see the blossoms.
The trees were a gift from Japan in 1912. Since then, the cherry blossoms have become a symbol of friendship between the two countries and a sign of seasonal change in the city.
Traditionally, celebrating these blooms began in Japan, where people participate in hanami, which means flower viewing. Friends and families gather in parks during this time to enjoy the blossoms’ beauty. The flowers are known for being both stunning and short-lived.
In Washington DC, the National Cherry Blossom Festival honors this tradition each spring. The festival includes parades, music, and other public events throughout the city.
Live bloom camera around the Tidal Basin
Watch: Cherry blossom trees have become a part of Washington, D.C.'s culture each spring, attracting over 1 million visitors to the nation’s capital. Here’s the story behind them. pic.twitter.com/DxQnqTXZUC
— The Associated Press (@AP) March 21, 2025
The best place to view the blossoms is around the Tidal Basin, near the Jefferson Memorial. However, the city also offers quieter spots for flower watchers. The Washington Tourism Department recommends the National Arboretum, Anacostia Park, Dumbarton Oaks, Stanton Park, and Oxon Run Park.
For those unable to visit in person, a live bloom camera provides real-time views of the cherry trees. The camera, hosted by EarthCam, showcases the Tidal Basin from the rooftop of the Salamander Washington DC hotel.
Google also participated in the celebration this week with a special Doodle. The animated image showed cherry blossoms blooming and blowing away in the wind. When users search for “cherry blossoms,” soft petals fall across their screens in a virtual tribute to the season.
“Spring has sprung, and with it, the breathtaking beauty of cherry blossoms!” Google said in a statement. “This Doodle celebrates the fleeting beauty of these delicate pink blooms, known as sakura in Japanese.”