Cherry blossoms arrived in Washington, DC early this year. See the photos

Sarah Gambles
·2 min read
The Washington Monument is seen from the Tidal Basin amid cherry blossoms, which enter their peak bloom this week in Washington, Monday, March 18, 2024, in Washington.
The Washington Monument is seen from the Tidal Basin amid cherry blossoms, which enter their peak bloom this week in Washington, Monday, March 18, 2024, in Washington. | Mark Schiefelbein

The cherry blossoms bloomed early in Washington, D.C., this year following an unseasonably warm winter in the region.

Cherry Blossoms
A visitor takes a photo of cherry blossoms, which enter their peak bloom this week along the Tidal Basin in Washington, Monday, March 18, 2024, in Washington. | Mark Schiefelbein
Cherry Blossoms
Visitors walk beneath cherry blossoms, which enter their peak bloom this week along the Tidal Basin in Washington, Monday, March 18, 2024, in Washington. | Mark Schiefelbein
Cherry Blossoms
Cherry blossoms flower on a cherry tree, which enter their peak bloom this week along the Tidal Basin in Washington, Monday, March 18, 2024, in Washington. | Mark Schiefelbein
Cherry Blossoms
Visitors walk along the Tidal Basin beneath cherry blossoms, which enter their peak bloom this week in Washington, Monday, March 18, 2024, in Washington. | Mark Schiefelbein
Cherry Blossoms
A visitor takes a photo amid cherry blossoms, which enter their peak bloom this week along the Tidal Basin in Washington, Monday, March 18, 2024, in Washington. | Mark Schiefelbein
Cherry Blossoms
Visitors walk along the Tidal Basin beneath cherry blossoms, which enter their peak bloom this week in Washington, Monday, March 18, 2024, in Washington. | Mark Schiefelbein
Cherry Blossoms
Visitors walk along the Tidal Basin beneath cherry blossoms, which enter their peak bloom this week in Washington, Monday, March 18, 2024, in Washington. | Mark Schiefelbein

“The cherry blossoms are popping! Gorgeous clouds of white and pink blossoms ring the Tidal Basin, creating a splendid spring spectacle,” the National Park Service said on Facebook. “Come enjoy the beauty.”

PEAK BLOOM! PEAK BLOOM! PEAK BLOOM! Did we say PEAK BLOOM?! The cherry blossoms are popping! Gorgeous clouds of white...

Posted by National Mall and Memorial Parks on Sunday, March 17, 2024

Typically the eye-popping colorful display arrives near the last week in March, first week in April, according to The Washington Post. The day 70% of the blossoms opened nearly matched the “earliest peak bloom,” which took place in 1990.

More than 1.5 million people flock to the area to see the spectacle each year, per the Post.

Best spots to see Washington, D.C., cherry blossoms

Here are the best locations to view the 3,800 cherry blossom trees, according to Travel + Leisure:

  • Tidal Basin.

  • U.S. National Arboretum.

  • National Mall.

  • Dumbarton Oaks Gardens.

  • Hains Point Loop Trail.