This Is When Washington, D.C. Cherry Blossoms Will Peak in 2025—Plus How to Plan Your Visit

• The National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, D.C. runs from March 20 to April 13 this year.
• The National Park Service has projected the dates for the 2025 peak bloom to fall between March 28 and March 31.
• Peak bloom is defined as when 70 percent or more of the trees “surrounding the Tidal Basin have opened their buds, gracing DC with those fluffy light pink blossoms.” 

Nothing signals the arrival of spring in Washington, D.C., quite like the blooming of the city’s revered Yoshino cherry trees. Celebrated annually during the National Cherry Blossom Festival—which honors the gift of 3,000 cherry trees from Tokyo’s Mayor Yukio Ozaki to DC in 1912—these stunning blossoms cloak the city’s iconic landmarks in soft pastel pink and white hues.

This year’s festival runs from March 20 to April 13, with the National Park Service predicting peak bloom between March 28 and March 31.

The precise timing of peak bloom, defined as the day when 70 percent of the blossoms are open, varies annually and is influenced by weather conditions. However, historically, the optimal period for peak bloom is between the last week of March and the first week of April. The duration of the peak bloom typically spans several days, but its length is also contingent on the weather.

Regardless of when peak bloom occurs, the festival draws an impressive 1.5 million attendees each year. The Pink Tie Party kicks off the festivities as a prelude event on March 14 at the historic Union Station. Now, in its second year, this pink and floral soirée features live music and a specially curated menu of food and drinks from top DC-area restaurants. Other official festival events include Stumpy’s Petals & Paddles Race, the Blossom Kite Festival, the Sakura Matsuri – Japanese Street Festival, Petalpalooza, and the free Bloomaroo at The Wharf.

Local businesses and organizations are also embracing the cherry blossom spirit with an array of themed events. The Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington’s Spring Wine Fling, running from March 20 to March 31, presents a delightful $55 per person dinner that includes two courses paired with two glasses of wine. On April 5, City Cruises DC will hold its inaugural City Cruises Live concert cruise along the Potomac River, with performances by Joey Fatone of NSYNC and Wanyá Morris of Boyz II Men. Artechouse has a cherry blossom-inspired exhibit running through the end of April.

Several hotels are incorporating blossom-inspired experiences. Yours Truly DC Hotel invites guests to immerse themselves in the Blossom Garden, an outdoor pop-up dining experience embellished with Japanese sakura flowers. The Jefferson, DC is offering its guests a private boat tour with Embark DC that boasts unobstructed views of the blossoms. The Waldorf Astoria Washington DC has an afternoon tea service with blossom-infused bites and signature cocktails like the Cherry Cotton Candy Kiss.