When Will DC Cherry Blossoms Bloom in 2017?

Relatives or friends planning to come into town for a visit during the National Cherry Blossom Festival this year? While the official dates for the festival are just a little over a month away, March 20-April 16, no one is quite sure yet when the famous blossoms will bloom around the Tidal Basin.

Earliest peak bloom? March 15

So when is the best time to view the cherry blossoms? During "peak bloom," when 70 percent of the blossoms (Yoshino Cherry trees), are open, according to the National Park Service.

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, the park service points out. Extraordinarily warm or cool temperatures have resulted in peak bloom as early as March 15 (in 1990) and as late as April 18 (in 1958).

Here are the peak bloom dates for the past 10 years:

• 2016: March 25
• 2015: April 10
• 2014: April 10
• 2013: April 9
• 2012: March 20
• 2011: March 29
• 2010: March 31
• 2009: April 1
• 2008: March 29
• 2007: April 1

The Yoshino trees typically bloom for a period of several days. The length of the blooming period depends on weather conditions, the NPS says. Cool, calm weather can extend the length of the bloom, and a rainy, windy day can bring an abrupt end to the blossoms, the park service notes. A late frost can prevent the trees from blooming at all.

Look for forecasts to begin in early to mid-March

The guessing game for peak bloom could begin as early as March 5. Forecasting peak bloom is almost impossible more than 10 days in advance, according to the Park Service. The cherry trees' blossom development is dependent on weather conditions, which are inherently variable. National Park Service horticulturists monitor bud development and report the status of the blossoms.

Once green buds are showing, you're about 25 days away from peak bloom.

Cherry Blossom Festival events

No matter when the trees decide to pop out their blooms, there are plenty of fun events planned during the festival, including:

• Tickets are on sale now for one of the festival’s largest spectator events, the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade presented by Events DC, which runs along Constitution Avenue from 7th to 17th streets, NW on Saturday, April 8, from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. Standing room along the parade route is free and open to the public, but grandstand seats ensure the best view. Giant colorful helium balloons, elaborate floats, marching bands from across the country and performers parade down Constitution Avenue in a grand spectacle of music and showmanship seen only once a year during the nation’s premier springtime parade.
• Check out the kite festival, also a part of the festivities, on Saturday, April 1 on the grounds of the Washington Monument. The seventh annual Blossom Kite Festival showcases the creativity of kite makers and skill of fliers from across the US and other countries through a variety of competitions and demonstrations, Rokkaku Battles and the Hot Tricks Showdown. You can bring your own kites or children can make a kite at an activity station (while supplies last) to fly on the Public Field.
• Southwest Waterfront fireworks are set for April 15. Head over in the afternoon, from 2 – 9:30 p.m., at the District Wharf, for live music, beer garden, food trucks, all ages hands-on activities, and more. Festivities continue from 6 – 9 p.m. at The Titanic Memorial for pre-fireworks entertainment.

Find lots more events planned at this year's festival on the official Web site.

PHOTO of Tidal Basin crowds during cherry blossom festival, courtesy of National Cherry Blossom Festival; photo by Darren Barnes, winner of 2012 photography contest.