Average Peak Bloom Date: April 4
Exactly when the buds will open is not easy to predict and it is extremely difficult to give an accurate forecast much more than 10 days before peak bloom. National Park Service horticulturists monitor five distinct stages of bud development and provide timely forecasts and updates.
Festival Partner
The Peak Bloom Date is defined as the day on 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. The Blooming Period is defined as that period when 20 percent of the blossoms are open until the petals fall and leaves appear. The blooming period starts several days before the peak bloom date and can last as long as 14 days, however, frost or high temperatures combined with wind or rain can shorten this period.
Visit the National Park Service‘s website with links to the Blossom Cam, cherry blossom photos, and information on how to donate to the Cherry Tree Replacement Fund.
The following is a comparative record of past bud development. The date listed is when 70 percent of the buds have reached each stage:
- Green Color in Buds: Mid to late February – Early March
- Florets Visible: Early to Mid March, Av. 16-21 days to Peak Bloom
- Extension of Florets: Av. 12-17 days to Peak Bloom
- Peduncle Elongation: Av. 5-10 days to Peak Bloom (Frost Critical)
- Puffy White: Av. 4-6 days to Peak Bloom
| Year | Green Color in Buds | Florets Visible | Extension of Florets |
Peduncle Elongation | Puffy White | Peak Bloom |
| 2016 | 3/8 | 3/13 | 3/15 | 3/17 | 3/22 | 3/25 |
| 2015 | 3/18 | 4/1 | 4/4 | 4/6 | 4/8 | 4/10 |
| 2014 | 3/16 | 3/23 | 3/31 | 4/4 | 4/7 | 4/10 |
| 2013 | 3/11 | 3/17 | 3/26 | 3/31 | 4/4 | 4/9 |
| 2012 | 2/29 | 3/8 | 3/12 | 3/14 | 3/15 | 3/20 |
| 2011 | 2/28 | 3/9 | 3/16 | 3/19 | 3/22 | 3/29 |
| 2010 | 3/14 | 3/19 | 3/21 | 3/23 | 3/26 | 3/31 |
| 2009 | 3/8 | 3/12 | 3/18 | 3/23 | 3/27 | 4/1 |
| 2008 | 2/19 | 3/11 | 3/17 | 3/19 | 3/24 | 3/29 |
| 2007 | 3/5 | 3/20 | 3/25 | 3/27 | 3/28 | 4/1 |
| 2006 | 2/28 | 3/13 | 3/14 | 3/16 | 3/22 | 3/30 |
| 2005 | 3/7 | 3/22 | 3/31 | 4/3 | 4/4 | 4/9 |
| 2004 | 3/4 | 3/12 | 3/15 | 3/22 | 3/27 | 3/31 |
| 2003 | 3/17 | 3/23 | 3/25 | 3/27 | 3/29 | 4/2 |
| 2002 | 3/7 | 3/14 | 3/18 | 3/20 | 3/27 | 4/2 |
| 2001 | 2/26 | 3/11 | 3/20 | 3/25 | 3/30 | 4/6 |
| 2000 | 2/29 | 3/8 | 3/9 | 3/10 | 3/14 | 3/17 |
| 1999 | 3/16 | 3/22 | 3/26 | 3/30 | 4/1 | 4/5 |
| 1998 | 2/13 | 3/1 | 3/8 | 3/10 | 3/23 | 3/27 |
| 1997 | 2/21 | 3/2 | 3/10 | 3/13 | 3/20 | 3/26 |
| 1996 | 2/29 | 3/15 | 3/18 | 3/25 | 3/30 | 4/4 |
| 1995 | 3/8 | 3/17 | 3/20 | 3/22 | 3/27 | 4/2 |
| 1994 | 3/8 | 3/20 | 3/25 | 3/29 | 4/1 | 4/5 |
| 1993 | 3/15 | 3/22 | 3/28 | 4/2 | 4/5 | 4/11 |
| 1992 | 3/7 | 3/15 | 3/23 | 3/31 | 4/1 | 4/5 |
View the NPS Tidal Basin map here.
