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Fairmont Washington D.C. Georgetown

Spring in Washington, D.C.

A City in Full Bloom

Each spring, Washington D.C. reveals a side of itself that rewards those who take the time to find it. The cherry blossoms draw the world's attention — and rightly so. But the season extends well beyond those celebrated blooms, into a rich and generous calendar of events, gardens, performances, and long warm evenings that make the capital, in these months, an unusually compelling place to be. 

Mid-March Through Mid-April

Welcome Cherry Blossom Season

Each spring, for a few extraordinary weeks, Washington D.C. becomes the most photographed city in America. The Japanese cherry trees that line the Tidal Basin fulfill their extraordinary promise — transforming one of the world's great capitals into something altogether more delicate and memorable.

 

Peak bloom typically arrives between late March and early April, lasting just ten to fourteen days. For those fortunate enough to time their visit accordingly, it is among the most singular natural spectacles one can witness in any city in the world. We recommend an early morning at the Tidal Basin — when the light is soft, the air is still, and the city, for a brief and beautiful hour, belongs entirely to you.

  • 1910

    A first shipment of 2,000 trees arrives from Japan but is destroyed on arrival after inspectors discover infestation and disease. The Japanese government graciously agrees to send a second shipment.

  • 1912

    The city of Tokyo gifts Washington D.C. with 3,020 cherry blossom trees as a symbol of friendship between Japan and the United States. First Lady Helen Taft and Viscountess Chinda plant the very first two trees on the northern bank of the Tidal Basin on March 27th — a moment still commemorated today.

  • 1934

    The National Cherry Blossom Festival is officially established, formalizing what had become one of the city's most beloved seasonal traditions.

  • 1952

    Japan gifts Washington D.C. with an additional 3,800 trees, further enriching the Tidal Basin's celebrated canopy.

  • 2012

    Washington D.C. celebrates the centennial of the original 1912 gift with a landmark festival year. Japan presents a further 3,000 trees to mark the occasion.

  • Today

    The Tidal Basin is home to approximately 3,800 cherry trees across 12 varieties. Peak bloom lasts just 4 to 7 days each spring — making every blossom season as fleeting as it is extraordinary.

Follow the Blossoms

Where to Experience Them

Washington D.C. offers multiple locations to experience the cherry blossom season — from the iconic to the wonderfully undiscovered.

  • Georgetown: For those who prefer their spring discoveries a little quieter, Georgetown is without equal. The neighborhood's historic streets — lined with Federal-era architecture and framed by the gentle curve of the C&O Canal — take on an extraordinary quality during cherry blossom season.
  • Tidal Basin: The undisputed centerpiece of D.C.'s cherry blossom season. The Jefferson Memorial reflected in still water, framed by blossoms on every side. Arrive at dawn for an experience of rare, unhurried beauty. 
  • National Mall: Cherry trees line the pathways between the monuments; combine with early morning photography for iconic spring compositions.
  • East Potomac Park: A quieter, longer stretch of cherry trees that Washington residents tend to prefer. Less celebrated than the Tidal Basin — and for that reason, often more rewarding.
  •  U.S. National Arboretum: Azalea collections follow the cherry bloom in April; one of the city's most underrated spring destinations.
  • Dumbarton Oaks Gardens: Ten acres of Beatrix Farrand-designed formal gardens in Georgetown; spring flowering here is extraordinary.
A Season Defined by Exceptional Moments'

Between March and May, Washington D.C. curates a cultural calendar that rewards those who plan ahead. Jazz, theater, art, and the world's most celebrated floral event — the capital in spring is a destination worthy of one's full attention. The following events represent the season's finest offerings, selected for the traveler who wishes to experience the city at its most alive.

  • Late March through Mid-April

    National Cherry Blossom Festival

    The National Cherry Blossom Festival is Washington D.C.'s signature spring occasion — a thoughtfully curated program of cultural events, live performances, and civic celebration that frames the city's most extraordinary natural spectacle. 

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  • Late March or Early April

    Blossom Kite Festival

    Each spring, the skies above the National Mall come alive with color during the Blossom Kite Festival — a cherished annual tradition that brings a sense of joyful ease to one of the world's most iconic public spaces. Set against a backdrop of cherry blossoms and the Washington Monument, the festival is as visually arresting as it is warmly convivial.

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  • May

    Shakespeare Free for All

    Each May, the Shakespeare Theatre Company extends a generous invitation to the city — offering complimentary performances of world-class theater at Sidney Harman Hall. Among the most civilized of spring traditions, Shakespeare Free for All draws an audience as diverse and engaged as the capital itself.

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  • May

    Georgetown Garden Tour

    Each spring, Georgetown's most distinguished residents open their private gardens to the public for a single celebrated weekend — offering a rare and intimate glimpse into some of the city's most beautifully maintained private green spaces. Tucked behind Federal-era facades and cobblestone lanes, these gardens are a testament to the neighborhood's enduring elegance and horticultural ambition.

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  • Mid-March through mid-April

    Cherry Blossom Afternoon Tea at the Fairmont

    As the cherry blossoms reach their celebrated peak along the Tidal Basin, we invite you to mark the season in the most gracious of ways. Our Cherry Blossom Afternoon Tea is a thoughtfully composed celebration of spring — delicate pastries, seasonal flavors, and beautifully crafted teas served in an setting as considered as the season itself.

  • Month of May

    Passport DC

    Every May, Washington D.C.'s embassies open their doors — and the world walks in. Passport DC is a month-long festival of international culture set across the capital's diplomatic community: performances, tastings, exhibitions, and experiences that turn Embassy Row into the world's most accessible cultural destination. 

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