Signs of Spring in NYC Parks

The first day of spring is Thursday, March 20, 2025

We're counting down to springtime! Take a look at our timeline of some of the signs of spring to look for in New York City:

Tag us in your Spring Photos!

Snowdrops

As winter winds down, snowdrops emerge out of the frozen ground as one of the earliest signs of spring. They can usually be spotted as early as late January

Hellebores aka Lenten Roses

Hellebores commonly blossom in the middle of winter. Although not really a sign of spring, it is a sign that spring is near! Hellebores are also called Lenten roses because their petals usually open up around the 40-day Lent which starts on Ash Wednesday and ends on the Thursday before Easter Sunday. 

Delacorte Clock

This musical clock is a favorite stop for kids walking by the Central Park Zoo. On March 2, the clock switches to its spring playlist, featuring songs such as “It Might As Well Be Spring” and “Little Nut Tree”.

Crocus

The crocus is one of the first spring bulbs to bloom in our parks, in late February and early March. Even after they’ve started to open up to the warmer weather, you may see these flowers close again as they are thermonastic, meaning on colder days their flowers close to protect their internal organs during the start of Spring. 

Daffodils

Many New Yorkers look to the blossoming of daffodils—NYC's official flowers—as a sure sign that springtime is arriving in NYC. They are often spotted in early March.

Timberdoodles

The presence of woodcocks also known as "timberdoodles" is a sign that their spring migration to the north has begun. Their peak arrival time is usually around mid-March. As springtime nears, our parklands will welcome warblers, songbirds, and many more feathered friends migrating to NYC.

Spring Forward: Daylight Saving Time

Time springs forward one hour on the second Sunday of March! We look forward to welcoming more daylight hours and later sunsets!

Red Maple Trees

Red maple trees are usually one of the first trees to bloom in NYC. Look for tiny red buds on the branches. Look for flowers on New York City's streets in early to mid-March. Use the NYC Street Tree Map to find a red maple tree near you.

Cornelian Cherry

Cornelian cherry trees (actually part of the dogwood family) bloom during early spring. Their blossoms look like clouds of mustard, like these Cornelian cherry tree blooms at Prospect Park years back.

Magnolias

For many New Yorkers, it's officially springtime in NYC when the saucer and star magnolia trees in Central Park are in bloom. These magnolias usually bloom within a week of spring's arrival to mark the unofficial start of springtime.

Glory-of-the-Snow flowers

At its peak, these pretty lavender-blue flowers blanket the woodland floors at Wave Hill, adding a magical experience to walk around the garden grounds. These are usually some of the first spring flowers to bloom around late March, often even in the snow.

Cherry Trees

NYC's cherry trees are the highlight of spring! The most commonly-spotted cherry tree species in NYC include Kwanzan (pink and double-flowered), Yoshino (tiny white flowers that smell like almonds), and Okame (tiny deep pink flowers with a reddish-brown calyx that encloses the petals). Various Cherry trees bloom during different times of the season usually around the first week of March. There are early bloomers (Okame Cherries), mid-season bloomers (Yoshino), and late bloomers (Kwanzan or Kanzan cherries). Explore our list of the best parks to see cherry blossoms in NYC to find some near you! 

Tulips

Tulip season peaks around late April to early May, adding pops of colors along our walkways as spring turns into summer weather.

Eastern Redbud

Unlike all the other flowering plants, eastern redbud flowers grow directly from the branches (not from stems)! Their unique lavender-pink clusters of flower buds look like pom-poms on its branches. We usually spot Eastern redbuds in bloom in mid-April, while buds have appeared in late March.

Crabapple

Crabapple trees bloom single or double-digit white, pink, or purple clusters of sweet-smelling blossoms on the tree's gnarled, craggy branches. They are an important source of pollen for pollinators and food for birds. Look for them to bloom in mid-April.

Flowering Dogwood

These unique "flowers" (the petal-like structures are actually leaves) vary in color from white to pink to pale red. The bark of this tree is dark brown, smooth, and very aromatic which blooms by mid-April. 

Azaleas

Azaleas have small funnel shaped flowers ranging from whites to purple hues and some others might smell like honeysuckle or slightly like carnations. They typically bloom in Spring, from late March to May, depending on the varieties and climate.