2018 Cherry Blossoms

Julie

UPDATE: Peak bloom is now forecast for April 8 – April 12, 2018.

A sure sign that spring has arrived in the DC/Northern Virginia area is the cherry blossom trees blooming in our nation’s capital. If you have never seen these beautiful trees in full bloom, you definitely need to add a trip to the tidal basin in Washington, DC to your To-Do list.  This year’s estimated peak dates are April 8 – April 12, 2018.  The peak bloom date is defined as the day in which 70 percent of the blossoms of the Yoshino cherry trees that surround the Tidal Basin are open. This date varies from year to year, depending on weather conditions. You can watch the progress of the blooms at the Blossom Cam.

This year the National Cherry Blossom Festival will be held March 17 – April 15, 2018.  This festival draws crowds from all over the world and celebrates the gift of the cherry blossom trees, and the enduring friendship between the people of the United States and Japan. The festival produces and coordinates daily events featuring diverse and creative programming promoting traditional and contemporary arts and culture, natural beauty, and community spirit.  Events are open to the public and held at various locations around Washington, DC. Some of the festival’s events include:

For more details about the festival, events, programs, tours and travel information, visit the National Cherry Blossom Festival page and the National Park Service page.