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How long will cherry blossom peak bloom last?

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The cherry blossom trees have finally reached peak bloom. Temperatures have a large impact on how long the flowers will last.  “We know that warmer temperatures move us more quickly through the bloom cycles, so ideally, we want cooler temperatures once we hit peak bloom,” Mike Litterst, a spokesperson for the National […]

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The cherry blossom trees have finally reached peak bloom. Temperatures have a large impact on how long the flowers will last

“We know that warmer temperatures move us more quickly through the bloom cycles, so ideally, we want cooler temperatures once we hit peak bloom,” Mike Litterst, a spokesperson for the National Mall, said. 

The National Mall announced peak bloom, which is when 70% of the Yoshino blossoms are open, on March 28th. Litterst predicts peak bloom will last for only a couple days due to storm chances and the warmer temperatures expected.

“The forecast for this weekend is temperatures in the 70s, even mid-80s,” Litterst said. “There’s a thunderstorm chance by Monday or Tuesday. So all of that could contribute to a shorter peak bloom than we saw last year.”

Cherry Blossom tree flowers in full bloom
Cherry Blossom trees along the Tidal Basin in Washington, D.C. (Amy DeLaura / Washington Examiner)

The chilly weekday temperatures didn’t deter people from pouring through the city to catch a glimpse and snap a picture of these fleeting beauties.

However, visitors to the tidal basin will see fewer cherry blossoms and more construction this year. Beloved internet sensation Stumpy and many others were cut down almost a year ago due to a $113 million refurbishment project expected to conclude in 2027.

“We’re well past the halfway point now,” Litterst said. “There’s 500 feet plus of new seawall that’s already in place.”

Side by side of the tidal basin showing Stumpy in March 2024 and current construction in March 2025 in Washington, D.C. (Amy DeLaura / Washington Examiner)

2025 DC CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL: ULTIMATE GUIDE

The new seawall is designed to be sturdier and sit well above the water line to keep water levels out of the cherry trees and away from the memorials for the next 100 years. When the walkways are completed, they will be wider to accommodate larger crowds.

Even if you miss peak bloom, the National Cherry Blossom Festival lasts until April 14 with ample opportunities to celebrate. The Washington Examiner has a list of cherry blossom themed activities as well as an ultimate guide to the festival events.

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