Conditions on this page are recalculated from the latest forecast every time it is opened, for the current date in the location's own time zone.
Tokyo cherry blossoms are forecast to reach peak bloom between March 25 and April 3, 2026, with the first blossoms (kaika) opening around March 20. Peak is typically 5-7 days after the first blooms appear. Cherry blossoms last 7-14 days from first bloom to falling petals (mankai to chiri). Peak bloom — when 70%+ of flowers are open — lasts only about 5 days. Rain, wind, or warm temperatures can shorten this dramatically. Mild temperatures (10-18°C / 50-65°F), low wind (under 15 km/h), and dry conditions are ideal. Light overcast actually enhances pink color saturation in photos. Heavy rain or wind above 25 km/h ends peak bloom early. Washington DC (Tidal Basin), Vancouver (Stanley Park), Bonn (Heerstrasse), Stockholm (Kungsträdgården), Amsterdam (Bloesempark), and Seoul (Yeouido) all host major cherry blossom seasons. Most peak between late March and early May. Forecasts issued 2-3 weeks before bloom are accurate within 2-3 days. Earlier forecasts (a month out) can be off by a week. Japan Meteorological Corporation and the Japan Cherry Blossom Association issue updated forecasts weekly during March. Golden hour (first hour after sunrise, last hour before sunset) gives the warmest, most flattering light. Overcast midday produces saturated pinks without harsh shadows. Avoid harsh midday sun in clear weather — it washes out the delicate pink tones. No. Bloom timing depends on accumulated winter chill and spring warmth. Southern Japan (Kyushu) blooms in mid-March, Tokyo around late March, and northern Japan (Hokkaido) blooms in early May. Higher elevations also bloom later than valleys. Yes. Bonn (Germany) has one of Europe's most famous sakura tunnels in mid-April. Amsterdam's Bloesempark, Paris's Parc de Sceaux, and Stockholm's Kungsträdgården all peak between mid-April and early May. Bloom dates vary 7-10 days year to year. 2026 cherry blossom peak bloom dates for Tokyo, Kyoto, Washington DC, Vancouver, Stockholm, Amsterdam, Bonn, and Seoul. Weather forecasts, viewing spots, and photography timing. s why a warm February pulls bloom dates earlier, while a cold March delays them. In 2024, Tokyo bloomed nearly two weeks later than 2023 because of an unusually cool late winter. For 2026, the Japan Meteorological Corporation forecasts a near-average season — Tokyo. The cherry blossom season is brutally short — peak bloom lasts about five days, and one bad rainstorm can end it overnight. Knowing exactly when and where to be in 2026 is the difference between an unforgettable trip and arriving to bare branches. Cherry blossom timing follows a deceptively simple equation: trees need a cold winter dormancy, then accumulate warm spring temperatures until they reach a bloom threshold. Meteorologists call this "growing degree days" — a running tally of warmth above ~5°C / 41°F. That's why a warm February pulls bloom dates earlier, while a cold March delays them. In 2024, Tokyo bloomed nearly two weeks later than 2023 because of an unusually cool late winter. For 2026, the Japan Meteorological Corporation forecasts a near-average season — Tokyo's first bloom around March 22–24, peak around March 30. Tokyo is the world's most-watched sakura destination, and the Japan Meteorological Corporation's 2026 forecast points to a near-normal season. First bloom (kaika) is expected around March 22, with full bloom (mankai) reached by March 28. Peak viewing window:. Tokyo's late-March averages: high 14°C (57°F), low 6°C (43°F), about 8 rainy days through the month. Wind is usually mild but can spike during spring fronts. Kyoto blooms 3–4 days after Tokyo on average. For 2026, expect first bloom around March 26 and peak between. . The city's mix of historic temples, mountain backdrops, and lantern-lit canals makes it the most photogenic sakura destination on earth — but also the most crowded. Kyoto's late-March/early-April weather mirrors Tokyo's but tends to be slightly cooler in the evenings — bring a light jacket for hanami picnics. . The 3,000+ Yoshino cherry trees gifted by Tokyo in 1912 transform the National Mall into a pink ribbon for about a week. Early April in DC averages 18°C/9°C (65°F/48°F) highs and lows, with about 9 days of rain across the month. The Cherry Blossom Festival runs March 20–April 14, 2026, with parades, paddleboat rentals, and pink boat tours timed to peak bloom. . Combine with the spring light returning to Scandinavia for unique long-twilight photography.
Scores are capped by dealbreakers — heavy rain, dangerous wind, thick fog or hazardous UV pull a day down no matter how pleasant the rest of the numbers look. Forecast data is Open-Meteo; solar and lunar values are computed for Cherry Blossom Forecast's own coordinates and time zone. Full details on the methodology page.