D.C.'s cherry blossoms will be at their peak blooming period from March 27 to March 30 this year, so plan accordingly!

The National Park Service has issued its annual official prediction for when D.C.'s cherry blossoms will bloom. According to the National Park Service’s (NPS) National Mall and Memorial Park unit, the cherry blossoms will be at their best between March 27 and March 30. Due to a relatively warm winter, you can expect the show to come a bit earlier than usual this year.

It’s official! Peak bloom is on the way!! Make plans to join us at the Tidal Basin to enjoy the blossoms, and for the full schedule of events for the @CherryBlossFest from March 20-April 12. #BloomWatch #ReadySetBlossom pic.twitter.com/Nr67kVmxlJ

— National Mall NPS (@NationalMallNPS) March 4, 2020

This year's peak bloom coincides perfectly with the National Cherry Blossom Festival, which is being held March 20 to April 12. The whole city will come together to celebrate the blossoms in a myriad of different events. 

You can follow along with the six stages of the cherry blossoms, also known as Bloom Watch for those in the know.

As of right now (March 4), the trees are transitioning between Stage 1 and Stage 2.

It’s Super (Blooming) Tuesday! Polling confirms that 70% of the Yoshinos have reached florets visible – stage 2 of the #BloomWatch! What's your vote for when peak bloom will occur? We’ll announce the projected dates tomorrow a.m. with @CherryBlossFest. Stay tuned… #cherryblossom pic.twitter.com/xw4PymJdzC

— National Mall NPS (@NationalMallNPS) March 3, 2020

Stage 1: Green Buds

Green buds, Courtesy of NPS

Stage 2: Florets Visible:

Florets visible, Courtesy of NPS

Stage 3: Extension of Florets:

Extensions of florets, Courtesy of NPS

Stage 4: Peduncle Elongation:

Peduncle elongation, Courtesy of NPS

Stage 5: Puffy White:

Puffy white, Courtesy of NPS
 

And then, of course, Stage 6: Peak Bloom in all of its glory:

Keep an eye on the Bloom Watch website for up-to-date information, and watch the changing Washington Monument landscape on NPS's cherry blossom cam, too!

And so we wait with bated breath, hoping and praying that the March weather doesn't screw up our cherished cherry blossoms. If you have people coming in from out of town just to see the cherry blossoms, try to make sure they come in for the peak bloom. Don't be worried if they arrive a few days later, though; there will still be plenty of blossoms to admire after the peak dates.

Are you excited to see the cherry blossom trees bloom in D.C.? What are your favorite memories of the National Cherry Blossom Festival? Share your thoughts, memories, and photos in the comments!