Cherry Blossom Peak Bloom Dates Announced for 2025

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The National Park Service announced Thursday that the iconic cherry blossom trees at the Tidal Basin in Washington, D.C., are projected to reach peak bloom from March 28 to March 31, 2025. This marks a later blooming period than last year, when the trees bloomed from March 23 to March 26.

During a lively event to reveal the anticipated bloom dates, Kevin Griess, the superintendent of National Mall and Memorial Parks, engaged attendees with a light-hearted disclaimer before unveiling the dates. “We’re ready to announce the predicted bloom dates, but first, let’s hear from a very special guest,” Griess quipped, referencing a surprise video appearance by game show host Ken Jennings.

Jennings humorously presented the announcement in the style of “Jeopardy,” asking, “The iconic cherry trees around the Tidal Basin in Washington, D.C., will display a spectacular canopy of white blossoms when they reach peak bloom on these predicted dates in 2025?” Griess then officially confirmed the dates using the game show’s format, posing the question: “When is March 28 to the 31st, 2025?”

Anticipating the 2025 festival, Griess emphasized the cultural significance of the blooms, stating, “There’s an international flavor. I’ve served in many other countries, and the cherry blossom is one thing that just breaks all translations.”

Coinciding with the blooms, the National Cherry Blossom Festival is set to run from March 20 to April 13, 2025, with the Pink Tie Party kicking off the festivities on March 14. The festival celebrates the 3,000 cherry trees gifted to Washington, D.C., by Tokyo in 1912. Last year, the festival attracted 1.6 million visitors, marking a significant rebound from the pandemic.

One notable highlight of the event next year is “Stumpy’s Petal and Paddles Race,” designed to honor a beloved cherry tree that was cut down due to health issues last May. Diana Mayhew, president of the National Cherry Blossom Festival, announced that part of the entry fees for the new race would support the Cherry Tree Endowment Fund, which assists in tree maintenance. “We’ll keep Stumpy’s spirit alive,” Mayhew remarked.

According to Mike Litterst, a spokesperson for the National Park Service, predicting peak bloom is an intricate process that considers factors such as long-term weather forecasts, historical blooming patterns, and the current condition of the trees. Griess explained that his team is deeply committed to the care of the 3,500 cherry trees in the area, expressing awe at their dedication: “They know the little bio of every tree. They know the chemical makeup of the tree.”

Past records show that the park service has had mixed success in predicting peak bloom dates. In the last nine years, only once did the park get it exactly right, when the blossoms peaked on March 23, 2024. High temperatures can accelerate blooming, which occurs in six stages from budding to full bloom.

The cherry blossom season is a significant tourism draw for Washington, D.C., generating over $200 million in local revenue during the festival in past years. Mayor Muriel Bowser highlighted the importance of the festival, stating, “Every year, the festival transforms our city. … This is a hometown celebration.”

As spring approaches, anticipation builds around the blooming of the Yoshino cherry trees, with the peak bloom period being defined as when 70% of the flowers are open. Events during the festival will include live performances at the Tidal Basin Welcome Area, and organizers plan to showcase murals created by local students, further enriching the cultural experience of the celebration.