Any thoughts on this? I am busy the first weekend in April, and think the 2nd weekend may be too late.

http://www.nps.gov/nacc/cherry/index.htm

I'd say it's way too soon for anyone to be able to guess for this year. The first part of January was incredibly warm (70 degrees + on Jan. 1), and it's been bitter for the past week and a half. We'll have 8 inches of snow tomorrow.

At the 25th-27th, you will see something on the branches, but it's been around peak at that time only 3 times in the past 12 years.

It all depends on the weather. See
http://www.nps.gov/nacc/cherry/index.htm

for explanations, history, and forecasts.

kgh8m must have been composing just before me. First time I was in DC near Blossum Festival time was 2000 and there was nothing left. Good luck with your timing ... they are beautiful, but I'd never plan on them to be the focus of my trip, just an extra benefit.

I think it is too early and that the 9th would be just a much better bet. Better than March and better than April 2. The blossoms' peak may be only a couple of days, but the blossoms last for a while.

Was just looking at the Japan- America Society of Washington webpage this morning and saw that their Sakura Matsuri is April 9.

More info is here:
http://www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.com

The blossoms generally do not appear in March.

anyone knows how many cherry trees are in Washington DC?

http://www.nps.gov/nacc/cherry/index.htm

According to this site, approximately 3,700 cherry trees are around the Tidal Basin and park.

There are two types of cherries, and the famous ones that the festival is about are the earlier type. Last year, we stayed at the Marriott Wardman Park, up by the zoo, and their cherry trees were in bloom in mid-April even though the other type was done. So I woudl recomend the second weekend in April for you, it's earlier than our trip was last year.

Can you tell me about your stay at the Marriot Wardman-did you stay in the historic rooms or the new ones? Were there restaurants near you and how long did it take you to get to the mall and monumnet areas? Thanks!

I stayed in the older wing, which is a bit remote from the front desk but has its own street exit very handy to the Metro stop and to a row of interesting restaurants. Just a couple of stops on the Metro to get to any of the popular destinations (Mall etc.). Our room -- and bathroom -- had a great view of their elaborate landscaping, including thouands of tulips and a blooming cherry tree right outside the window!

We will be there April 2-5. Do you have any recommendations as to what floor, etc. I should request? How was your room in general, and the rest of the hotel?

It was a Marriott like any other. Big conference hotel, huge lobby. Rooms were OK, a bit gaudy but comfortable. I have no record of the room number, but the gardens and cherry trees would be more visible from the lower floors. Some of the rooms had balconies. I got it for about $60 on Priceline.

Thank you--hope things are blooming!