I need to go to Washington DC in early March (March 9 and a few days after) and was wondering if there will be any cherry blossoms out then. I know the festival starts later in the month, but will there be any cherry blossoms to see in early March? Thanks

I think we'd have to have a very mild winter. It varies each year, based on the temperatures, and it's way too early to know.

The festival doesn't start until March 28th, so I think you might be a little bit early.

http://www.nationalcherryblossomfest...dex.php?id=404

That would be very early. The National Park Service comes out with a forecast, but I don't think they announce it until March.

http://www.nps.gov/nama/planyourvisi...ossom-page.htm

http://nationalcherryblossomfestival...dex.php?id=404

Alas, mid-March is too early. Scroll down this page to see helpful illustrations and finally a chart of historic dates for peak bloom and the various prediction-related phases:

http://www.nps.gov/nama/planyourvisi...ssom-bloom.htm

There are other varieties of blossoming cherries, but most of those bloom later, not earlier, than the Yoshinos.

Washington does a lot with spring bulbs, always a welcome sight for those of us who have to wait a month longer for spring to arrive up north. I especially enjoyed the display at the Marriot Wardman Park hotel.

Our family went last April 4-6'08 and the cherry blossoms were perfectly open and full. It really does depend on the rain and temperatures...but I expect you're wanting to enjoy "peek" blossoms and it's not likely that early..still, nice trip, wonderful memorials and landscape to enjoy!