Washington DC has two outstanding seasons. Late March through May is the cherry blossom window. The National Cherry Blossom Festival runs for several weeks when the Japanese cherry trees bloom around the Tidal Basin. Peak bloom typically falls between late March and mid-April, depending on temperatures. The Festival attracts over 1.5 million visitors and hotel prices rise sharply around peak bloom. Book accommodation two to three months ahead for cherry blossom season. September and October have excellent weather (18C to 24C), manageable crowds at the Smithsonian museums, the National Mall, and the Lincoln Memorial. The National Book Festival in September draws authors and literary fans to the Convention Center. June, July, and August are hot and humid (28C to 34C), with the Fourth of July celebration on the Mall being the city's biggest event. Winter (December to February) is cold (2C to 8C) but the Smithsonian museums and the National Gallery of Art are free and warm. January brings the presidential inauguration every four years.