Best time to travel to Washington, D.C.

Cherry Blossoms in Washington, D.C. 2026

This grandiose celebration comes to the US capital with the arrival of spring

Best time: mid-March–mid-April

The Japanese tradition of celebrating cherry blossoms has found a new home in Washington. Back in 1912 Tokyo presented the US capital with 3,000 cherry trees, and they keep delighting the crowds in the District of Columbia up to this day.

The blossom period that starts from mid-March and lasts to mid-April provides great photo opportunities at Tidal Basin, Georgetown, and the National Arboretum. More cherry trees can be found at Arlington National Cemetery.

The most spectacular display can be viewed along the Tidal Basin, near the Jefferson Memorial and Washington Monument. The majority of trees there belong to the Yoshino variety. Their peak blossom occurs in early April. Other species, such as Kwanzan, Akebono, and Weeping Cherry reach peak bloom about 10 days later. During the three-week Cherry Blossom Festival, you can also attend several hundred cultural events and parades at various locations.

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