Peak bloom date announced: Best time to see DC’s cherry blossoms in 2026

As a resident of the DMV — the mid-Atlantic region that includes the District of Columbia and the Maryland and Virginia counties surrounding it — for the past 10 years, it's safe to say I've seen my fair share of cherry blossoms.

While I may be a bit biased, the city's famous cherry blossoms are not only impressive to locals like me: More than 1.5 million people worldwide flock to Washington, D.C., annually to see its impressive floral display, according to the organizers of the National Cherry Blossom Festival.

Planning your visit to see Washington's blooming cherry trees can prove challenging, as temperatures play a major part in determining the best time to catch the beautiful blooms. Although the past few years have seen the blooms appear earlier than average, this year, the National Park Service predicts peak bloom — when 70% of the trees around the Tidal Basin have opened their buds — will fall between March 29 and April 1 due to an unusually cold (and snowy) winter.

So, what does this mean for you as you decide the details of your trip? Here's everything to know, whether you're hoping to catch the blooms for the first time or eager to return to see them again.

When to see the cherry blossoms

Though you can't control Mother Nature, you can get some help timing your trip to see the world-renowned blossoms.

While the exact timing varies from year to year, peak bloom generally occurs from mid-March to early April. Once the trees reach peak bloom, the blossoms will remain for at least a few days, if not a week or two, weather permitting.

For 2026, the NPS currently expects the blooms to be at their prime from March 29 to April 1, though the forecast is subject to change, so be sure to frequently check the NPS' Bloom Watch page and social channels for the latest projection.

As for what time of day to check out the blooms, aim to avoid the middle of the day and weekends. The early morning and early evening hours, especially on weekdays, often draw fewer visitors, making it easier to enjoy the blooms and take photos.

Best places to view the cherry blossoms

The most popular place to view Washington's blossoms is along the Tidal Basin, where the bulk of the city's 3,700-plus cherry trees reside, though you can also view them at Hains Point in East Potomac Park and on the National Mall by the Washington Monument.

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However, all three areas, especially the Tidal Basin, can get crowded during peak bloom, so consider branching out for more elbow room. Other local spots with cherry trees include the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in the Brookland neighborhood, Dumbarton Oaks in Georgetown and the U.S. National Arboretum in Northeast Washington.

What to do during the National Cherry Blossom Festival

While you'll be spending a good chunk of your time viewing the beautiful blossoms, Washington's National Cherry Blossom Festival hosts a number of cherry blossom-themed activities and events to also enjoy.

This year's festival kicks off March 20 and runs until April 12. Some event highlights include:

• The festival's opening ceremony, featuring performances from various artists with ties to both Japan and the U.S., on March 21
• The Blossom Kite Festival by the Washington Monument on March 28
• Art- and music-focused Petalpalooza in the Navy Yard neighborhood on April 4
• The balloon- and float-packed National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade on April 11

For a full list of festival experiences, check out the National Cherry Blossom Festival website.

Where to stay near the cherry blossoms

Many points properties throughout the city, including some of Washington's best hotels, offer cherry blossom packages throughout March and April. A full list of options can be found on the National Cherry Blossom Festival's Hotels page, but the following are a few of our favorites.

Hilton

If you're loyal to Hilton, the Conrad Washington, DC is a solid option in the heart of the city. Offering a cool, contemporary museum vibe, this property has an amenity-packed sakura package for guests who don't mind splurging for some bloom-inspired extras to elevate their visit. It includes a cherry-inspired welcome amenity and a 60-minute massage for two with seasonal treats and drinks after, plus a chauffeured tour of the blossoms that includes a picnic lunch. Room rates start at $369 or 85,000 Hilton Honors points per night; adding the cherry blossom package will cost an extra $3,900 (for a two-night stay).

The Waldorf Astoria Washington DC similarly offers special cherry blossom perks, plus an even better location just north of the National Mall. Two packages are available: one for couples that includes a private mixology class and a sakura-inspired amenity at check-in, and another for families that features an origami class for the whole crew and kite kits. Nightly rates for the couples package start at $1,095, while nightly rates for the family package start at $835. To book a stay with points that does not include a cherry blossom package, expect to redeem at least 110,000 Hilton Honors points per night.

IHG

For IHG enthusiasts, the InterContinental Washington D.C. — The Wharf is a great choice during cherry blossom season, as it's about a 20-minute walk from the Tidal Basin. With the property's bloom-focused package, guests can enjoy an 80-minute cherry blossom massage for two and a private yacht charter; they also receive a curated map of the cherry trees. Package rates, which include an upgraded room with a river view, start at $1,073 a night. While the package isn't bookable with points, standard award nights are available for as few as 56,000 IHG One Rewards points per night.

Marriott

Marriott fans have a couple of properties with petal packages to choose from, though few are as highly regarded in the city as The Ritz-Carlton Georgetown, Washington, D.C. A favorite of both locals and tourists due to its tucked-away-but-still-convenient location by Georgetown's Chesapeake & Ohio Canal and its boutique setting — the 86-room, brick-clad hotel occupies a former incinerator and houses a cozy lobby with a fireplace — this Ritz-Carlton outpost is a great option for bloom chasers. Those who book the property's petal package receive a blossom-themed amenity, a $100 credit for on-site charges and access to loaner bikes to easily check out all the city's beautiful blooms. Rates for the package start at $729 a night. If booking with points is preferred, you can reserve a standard room with as few as 72,800 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

A more cost-effective option, Le Meridien Washington, D.C., The Madison offers newly renovated rooms just a few blocks north of the White House. Though not the closest choice to Washington's cherry trees, guests who book the property's cherry blossom package enjoy a guided tour of the blooms, plus sakura-inspired extras like a keepsake cherry blossom mug and two signature cocktails fit for the season. The price of the package (room included) starts at $355 a night. You can also book a room without the package starting at 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

Bottom line

Cherry blossom season is one of the best times of the year for Washingtonians and visitors alike, despite the crowds. Your best bet for viewing the blossoms this year is predicted to be sometime between March 29 and April 1, though rest assured that you can see the blossoms both before and after that period.

While you can't touch or pick these fragile flowers (it's against the city's law), you can admire them close-up and take as many photos as your heart desires.

Related reading:

• The perfect 1-day field trip in Washington, DC, for travelers of all ages
• The 11 best places to see cherry blossoms across the US this spring
• A historic DC treasure with refreshed rooms remains a top choice for IHG loyalists