Washington, DC, Tidal Basin Cherry Trees Reach Peak Bloom

Nature

Check out these stunning pictures that show the annual tradition at its best along the Tidal Basin.

Sean Breslin

•

March 28, 2025

The Jefferson Memorial is seen in the distance as the cherry blossoms bloom along the Tidal Basin, Thursday, March 27, 2025, in Washington.
(AP Photo/Rod Lamkey, Jr.)

"PEAK BLOOM! PEAK BLOOM! PEAK BLOOOOOOOOOOOM!"

The elated announcement came Friday morning via social media from the National Park Service – the cherry blossom trees in Washington's Tidal Basin have officially reached peak bloom. It came right on schedule, as the NPS had projected March 28-31 to be the peak bloom window earlier in the month.

Peak bloom occurs when at least 70% of the D.C. Tidal Basin's trees have sprouted flowers as part of their 17-day development cycle, according to the Washington Post. This year's March 28 peak bloom announcement is tied for the latest in the last six years, but it's still earlier than the historical average, the Post added.

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If you can't make it to the annual festival along the Tidal Basin, check out these photos that will almost make it feel like you're there:

The Washington Monument is seen in the distance as the cherry blossoms bloom along the Tidal Basin, Thursday, March 27, 2025, in Washington.
(AP Photo/Rod Lamkey, Jr.)

People walk under the canopies of cherry blossoms along the Tidal Basin, Thursday, March 27, 2025, in Washington.
(AP Photo/Rod Lamkey, Jr.)

People walking along the Tidal Basin to see the cherry blossoms — People walk along the Tidal Basin to see the cherry blossoms, Thursday, March 27, 2025, in Washington.
(AP Photo/Rod Lamkey, Jr.)

Photo of a statue in front of a baseball stadium surrounded by blooming cherry trees — A statue of Josh Gibson, right, stands outside of Nationals Park as cherry trees blossom before an Opening Day baseball game between the Washington Nationals and the Philadelphia Phillies, Thursday, March 27, 2025, in Washington.
(AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Two people holding a camera pose for a photo in front of blooming cherry trees — People take a photo at the Tidal Basin as cherry trees begin to bloom, Wednesday, March 26, 2025, in Washington.
(AP Photo/Rahmat Gul)

Cherry blossom trees in full bloom are seen in front of the Washington Monument — The Washington Monument is seen as cherry trees begin to bloom, Wednesday, March 26, 2025, around the Tidal Basin in Washington.
(AP Photo/Rahmat Gul)

A person poses for a photo in front of blooming cherry trees — A person poses for a photo amid the blooming cherry trees Wednesday, March 26, 2025, in Washington.
(AP Photo/Rahmat Gul)

The Jefferson Memorial is seen with cherry blossoms along the Tidal Basin, Thursday, March 27, 2025, in Washington.
(AP Photo/Rod Lamkey, Jr.)

Check out these stunning pictures that show the annual tradition at its best along the Tidal Basin.

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