DC Cherry Blossoms Reach Peak Bloom For 2025, NPS Says

WASHINGTON, DC — Washington, D.C.'s famed Yoshino cherry blossoms reached peak bloom Friday, according to the National Park Service.

Park service officials previously said the iconic cherry trees would likely be looking their best from March 28 to 31.

According to the NPS, the peak bloom date is when 70 percent of the cherry blossoms are open. While peak bloom varies annually depending on weather conditions, the most likely time to reach peak bloom is between the last week of March and the first week of April.

The trees typically bloom for several days, and the blooming period also depends on weather conditions.

The annual bloom coincides with the National Cherry Blossom Festival, which runs from March 20 through April 13.

Event during the festival this weekend include the 27th Annual Cherry Blossom Freedom Walk to raise awareness of the incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II; the Sakura Taiko Fest; and the Blossom Kite Festival at the Washington Monument Grounds.

Festival President Diana Mayhew said last year's numbers exceeded pre-pandemic peaks for the first time — with about 1.6 million visitors and more than $200 million in revenue for city businesses.

“Every year the festival transforms our city,” D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser last month at an event announcing peak bloom dates. “It's a big, big, big infusion of excitement and economic activity.”

Organizers have planned a host of events, including the annual kite festival March 29, the Petalpalooza celebration with music and fireworks on April 5, and the Cherry Blossom Festival Parade on April 12. Restaurants traditionally roll out various cherry blossom-flavored specialties, from martinis to milkshakes.

The cherry blossoms date back to a 1912 gift of 3,000 trees from the mayor of Tokyo, and the Japanese government remains involved in their care and in the annual festival celebrations; this year, there will be a Japanese Street Festival on April 12 and 13.

Fumito Miyake, minister for public affairs at the Japanese embassy, said his government's decision to contribute an additional 250 trees would be a “birthday present” in advance of next summer’s celebration for the 250th anniversary of American independence.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.