Latest Bloom Prediction
Updated April 20, 2024
Sakura Cherry Blossom watch SUMMARY
The ninth episode of Sakura Watch has been posted (Read the latest update here). The cold temperatures continue, but that isn’t holding back the blossoms! During my latest visit, I can confirm that trees have started to show 75% of open blossoms in some areas while still lagging behind in others. This marks the official beginning of Sakura Hanami in High Park, and hopefully, the weather will warm up over the coming week to enjoy even more blossoms open up with every passing day. Weather permitting, this full bloom started today, April 20, and will continue through to April 26. Anything beyond that will be up to mother nature.
Also, you can drive and park inside High Park on weekdays, but there is NO ACCESS on WEEKENDS. Remember, it will fill up fast, so you may have trouble getting in and around the park. Plan and try taking an Uber, TTC, or other arrangement to make your visit easier and with fewer hassles.
Don’t shake, break or grab branches
Many people may not realize that when they’re trying to get the ‘perfect photo,’ grabbing or pulling down a branch can break or damage them. Do NOT take a small twig for a ‘souvenir’ as you damage the tree and invite pests and disease to enter the broken areas. It’s like you are getting an infection in an open wound.
Also, do NOT shake the branches to knock off petals prematurely, as it shortens the viewing time for others to view the tree and is an incredibly selfish act to perform that does no good for anyone.
You should take photos without touching the trees, enjoy the sights and smells of the blossoms and leave the park the same way you came to see it. This way, we all can get the chance to enjoy the sakura cherry blossom peak bloom.
Thanks for visiting, and watch for more updates soon!
UPDATE April 20, 2024
“Full bloom began on April 20, with some areas showing 75%, and will continue with more blossoms opening daily until April 26, 2024. Weather will determine how long the sakura hanami lasts.”
Past Bloom Dates from 2012 to present
These are the peak bloom dates that I recorded since starting this website in April 2012. Note that in 2016 there was no bloom, with less than 25% of buds flowering. Each year the dates grow to be more unpredictable due to erratic weather changes. Tracking the progress of the buds to blossom is the best way to predict when they will bloom next. Click on a photo to jump to the peak bloom blog post from that year.
2023 Bloom
April 20-28
2022 Bloom
May 5-12
2021 bloom
April 20-28
2020 Bloom
May 3-9
2019 Bloom
May 10-17
2018 bloom
May 7-12
2017 Bloom
April 24 - May 2
2016 BLoom (only 25%)
May 7-12
2015 Bloom
May 5-10
2014 Bloom
May 12-21
2013 Bloom
April 30 - May 6
2012 Bloom
April 10-17
PARK VISITOR TIPS
Enjoy your visit to the park and please remember to respect the trees:
DON'T shake the branches because when you do, the blossoms fall and leave the trees bare - let the bloom last longer and they'll fall naturally;
DON'T climb the trees as you can damage or break the tree branches as happened before;
DON'T break off small blooms or branches - the more you damage the trees, the greater the chance they will be open to disease or insects in destroying them;
DO take pictures respectfully so everyone can enjoy the sakura // cherry blossoms for years to come;
DO keep the park clean by putting waste in its place or even better, only bring in what you are going to take back out with reusable containers.
Thank you all who respect the sakura // cherry blossoms - your care helps ensure that everyone can continue to enjoy them year after year.