Delayed Bloom: When is the Cherry blossom season in DC, New York?

‘Tis the season of Spring and Sakura!

With the spring equinox marking the start of spring, on March 20th, 2025, the cherry blossoms are reaching peak bloom, and the National Cherry Blossom Festival in the United States of America is currently in full swing.


The origin of the cherry blossom and the cherry blossom festival:

While cherry blossoms, or sakura, are believed to have originated in Eurasia, possibly in the Himalayas, with evidence suggesting they reached Japan thousands of years ago, becoming a symbol of the country's culture and identity, they have now become a worldwide phenomenon. So much so that even the United States of America celebrates Spring with the popular Cherry Blossoms Festival.

The cherry blossom festival, or hanami, is a centuries-old Japanese tradition that began in the Nara period (710-794) with the admiration of plum blossoms, evolving to focus on cherry blossoms (sakura) by the Heian period (794-1185).


In the US, the National Cherry Blossom Festival originated in 1912, in Washington, D.C., as a gift of friendship from Japan, with 3,000 cherry trees presented by Tokyo's mayor, Yukio Ozaki, and has since become a major springtime celebration.

Now, the National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, D.C. runs from March 20th to April 13th, 2025, with peak bloom typically occurring between the last week of March and the first week of April.


What is peak bloom?

Cherry blossom season in Washington, D.C. typically runs from late March to mid-April. Peak bloom is defined as the day when 70% of the Yoshino Cherry blossoms are open, and it typically lasts for a period of several days, according to the NPS. The best time to see cherry blossoms is around their peak bloom. Flexibility is key for cherry blossom travels, though.

However, 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. Extraordinary warm or cool temperatures have resulted in peak bloom as early as March 15 (1990) and as late as April 18 (1958).

This year, Washington D.C.'s cherry blossoms reached peak bloom on March 28th while the National Cherry Blossom Festival runs from March 20th to April 13th.

In New York City, cherry blossoms typically bloom from late March to mid-May, with different species blooming at different times.


Key points:

Washington D.C.

Peak Bloom: The National Park Service announced that D.C.'s cherry blossoms reached peak bloom on March 28, 2025.

National Cherry Blossom Festival: The festival, which celebrates the gift of cherry trees from Japan, runs from March 20 to April 13.

Bloom Period: Cherry blossom season in D.C. typically runs from late March to mid-April.

Events: The festival includes events like the Blossom Kite Festival, a 5K run, Petalpalooza, and the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade.



New York City

Bloom Period: Cherry blossom season in New York City typically ranges from late March to mid-May.

Types of Trees: The three most common types of flowering cherry trees in the city are Okame, Yoshino, and Kwanzan.

Bloom Times: The pink-flowered Okame usually blooms in mid- to late March or early April, while the Yoshino's white flowers and the Kwanzan's pink flowers can sometimes still be seen in late April or early May.

Parks: NYC Parks highlights the best parks to see cherry blossoms. You can find cherry blossoms in various parks, including the Brooklyn Botanic Garden and Sunset Park.


Delayed bloom:

Delayed cherry blossom bloom in America, particularly in places like Washington D.C., can be attributed to warmer winters and/or colder than average early springs, which can disrupt the trees' natural blooming cycle.

Historically, as per the NPS, extreme warm or cool temperatures have caused the D.C. blooms to occur as early as March 15 and as late as April 18.

In 2024, peak bloom occurred on March 17 -- the second-earliest peak bloom on record -- due to warmer-than-usual temperatures.

In recent years, the peak bloom date for the cherry trees at the Tidal Basin reservoir has been occurring earlier than it did in the past. According to sata, seasonal shifts, including milder, shorter winter seasons and spring warmth beginning earlier due to human-amplified climate change, are impacting when the cherry trees reach peak bloom.

Global warming has also caused cherry blossoms to bloom earlier in other iconic viewing locations, such as New York City's Central Park and Kyoto, Japan.