Peak bloom—the period when 70% of the Yoshino trees at the Tidal Basin are flowering—is currently predicted for March 28-31. That timeframe is an estimate: Last year’s cherry blossoms reached peak bloom nearly a week before the predicted dates.

The peak bloom date is defined as the day when 70% of the Yoshino cherry blossoms are open. Peak bloom varies annually depending on weather conditions. The most likely time for peak bloom is between the last week of March and the first week of April.