Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Tidal Basin Welcome Are?

The Tidal Basin Welcome Area is a central focus of information, services, and activities pertinent to the 2010 National Cherry Blossom Festival.  The Welcome Area is located just south of Independence Avenue and the Survey Lodge Ranger Station and on the east side of the Tidal Basin.  Most services in the Welcome Area are open from 10 am to 7 pm.  Within the Welcome Area you will find an information station, gift shops, food concessions, the Bloomin’ Junior Ranger tent, and a medical aid station.

What is the weather like during the Cherry Blossom Festival?

Washington, DC weather can be quite fickle any time of the year and springtime is no exception.  The weather can be as warm as 75 degrees Fahrenheit or below freezing.  Days may be sunny and bright or filled with drenching rains.  During the springtime, days tend to be windy and thus wind chills can make a cool temperature seem downright cold.  Please check the weather reports the night before your visit to ensure that you remain comfortable on your trip to the Mall.

Where and when do the Lantern Walks start?

Our ever popular Lantern Walks will start at 8pm on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.  Because of their immense popularity, Lantern Walks will start at 8pm from both the Information Tent in the Tidal Basin Welcome Area AND the Washington Monument Ticket Lodge.  No reservations are required.  To join a walk, simply meet at either of the locations mentioned above.  Note that both talks will NOT take the same routing, thus if you have a few days please try both lantern walks for a nighttime view of the beautiful blossoms.  You may wish to bring a flashlight for increased visibility if you like.

When do the trees bloom?

The short answer is that we don’t know yet and will never know exactly when until it actually happens.  The peak bloom period occurs when 70% of the Yoshino cherry trees (the most populous in the park) have their blooms open.  The weather immediately preceding the festival has a great impact on this date.  Cold weather will push the date back farther.  An unusual warm spell may move the date up a few days.  In addition, weather has much to do with how long the blooms last.  The blooms may last a few days or even weeks if the weather stays relatively warm and stable.  Conversely, a good drenching rain followed by a windy storm can bring an abrupt end to many of the blooms.  A dedicated team of park biologists and horticulturalists monitor the progress of the cherry blossoms.  You can check their bloom forecast here.

Visit our Thing's to know section for more information in planning your visit.