ACCESSIBILITYCherry blossom season is here! DC's peak bloom dates for 2025 revealed
WASHINGTON (7News) — Winter is fading, and Washington, D.C.'s cherry blossom season is fast approaching. The National Park Service (NPS) announced Thursday morning the projected 2025 peak bloom dates are March 28-31, kicking off the official countdown to one of D.C.'s most iconic sights.
'Jeopardy!' host Ken Jennings helped make the announcement.
WATCH REPLAY:
RELATED | Princess Ariel to make her debut in DC's National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade
On average, cherry blossoms around the Tidal Basin reach peak bloom between late March and early April, though the exact timing depends on weather conditions. Last year, the cherry blossoms reached peak bloom on March 17.
Ahead of the announcement, 7News spoke to Mayhew and NPS's spokesperson Mike Litterst. Litterst said we'll most likely see a "late peak bloom this year than we had last year."
"You know it's the warmer temperatures that bring out the blossoms. Think about how cold it has been this winter and that's going to delay the arrival of peak bloom," Litterst said.
The bloom unfolds in five stages, according to NPS:
- Green buds appear
- Florets become visible
- Florets extend
- Peduncles elongate
- Puffy white petals emerge
Spring arrives on March 20 and with the first signs of budding expected in the coming weeks, D.C. is now officially on cherry blossom watch! The final stage signals peak bloom, when 70% of the Yoshino cherry trees around the Tidal Basin are in full flower.
The 2025 National Cherry Blossom Festival takes place from March 20 to April 13, bringing weeks of cultural events, parades, and blooming celebrations to the city. 7News is once again a proud media partner of the event.
During Thursday's press conference, Mayor Muriel Bowser also highlighted key festival events, including the annual PetalPalooza and Kite Festival.
“This is a hometown celebration,” Bowser said. “We look forward to seeing you at these events.”
This year’s festival will also introduce a new event in honor of Stumpy the Tree, a beloved cherry tree that captured national attention before it was cut down in May 2024. Diana Mayhew, president of the National Cherry Blossom Festival, announced “Stumpy’s Petal and Paddles Race,” with a portion of the proceeds supporting the festival’s tree fund.
The Waldorf Astoria Washington, DC, also announced a new 1,500-square-foot cherry blossom-themed suite.
For more information on the festival, go here.