2020 bloom is March 27-30, 2020.
Tidal Basin
So you’ve heard about how Washington DC has the best cherry blossoms, right? Washington is filled with thousands of people each year coming from all over the world to see them. And this doesn’t include the locals! It’s not for the faint at heart because crowds and traffic can be gridlock, but so worth it.
Tidal Basin
I like to keep an eye on the National Park Service’s Bloom Watch website. Here you can get up to date information on the blooming period. The length of the blooming period always depends on the weather. I have seen snow and freezing rains which have prevented them from blooming at all. It’s not a pretty sight. Cool, calm weather extends their life while rains and winds can bring an end to them. So coming to DC to see them is very tricky as forecasting peak bloom is almost impossible more than 10 days in advance. Peak has been as early as March 25 and as late as April 10. Once you’re here, though, you will see why everyone talks about Washington’s cherry blossom season
Come early: This could mean getting to the Tidal Basin before the sun rises. But don’t be afraid because you won’t be alone.
Come late: Go later in the evening and catch the golden hour of blooms.
Transportation and Parking: Traffic can be a nightmare and totally can come to a stop which makes getting there hard. Mid day can be easier on parking but make sure you keep track of your meter. I use ParkMobile for that. The “Smithsonian” Metro Station is the closest to the Tidal Basin and that whole area from the Washington Monument and across from the Holocaust Museum are filled with groves of beautiful trees.
