Seeing azaleas in early April this year

Question

Hi there

We are planning a trip to Savannah to see azaleas. We have time the week of April 7. Would that be too late?

How has the weather been this winter? Do you expect a late spring?

Thanks

Answer

Visiting Savannah in early April to see the azaleas is generally a great time to enjoy the beautiful blooms. Azaleas typically peak in March, but they often continue to bloom well into April, especially if the weather has been mild. However, the exact timing of the bloom can vary depending on the weather conditions leading up to spring. The week of April 7th could still offer a great chance to see azaleas in full bloom, but it may be slightly later than the peak bloom period.

Regarding the weather, Savannah has experienced a relatively mild winter overall, with temperatures fluctuating between cooler spells and warmer periods. Winter temperatures in Savannah are typically moderate, but there have been some cooler-than-usual periods recently. These fluctuations could lead to a slightly delayed spring, but it’s unlikely that you will miss the azaleas altogether by early April. Typically, azaleas can bloom well into mid-April, especially if the weather has been cooler.

Factors that can affect the bloom timing include:

Temperature: If the winter was mild and the early spring temperatures are warm, the azaleas may bloom earlier. Conversely, a cooler than usual spring can delay the blooming by a week or two.
Rainfall: Adequate rainfall can also affect the health and timing of the azalea blooms. A dry winter or early spring might result in fewer blooms, but it shouldn’t affect the timing too much unless it’s extremely dry.

In general, the azaleas in Savannah should still be beautiful during your visit, but to be safe, I would recommend checking closer to your travel dates. Local gardens like the Savannah Botanical Garden, Forsyth Park, and the Historic District’s garden areas will be great places to see the azaleas, even if they’re just past peak bloom.

If you’re particularly keen on seeing them at their peak, you could also consider visiting a little earlier in April, but the week of April 7th should still offer plenty of beautiful displays to enjoy! Have a wonderful time in Savannah!