Eating fruits and vegetables that are in season offers a wealth of benefits. When produce is harvested at its peak, it’s not only bursting with the best possible flavor, making each bite a delight, but it’s also packed with the highest levels of nutrients. Choosing seasonal produce often means you’re supporting local farmers and enjoying fresher, more environmentally friendly options, often at a better price than imported items. If you’re looking to make the most of seasonal eating, this guide will walk you through the fruits that are in season right now and throughout the year, helping you make the best choices on your next grocery run or farmers market visit. Remember, seasonal availability can slightly vary depending on your specific location and climate.
Seasonal Produce: Month-by-Month Fruit Guide
Here’s a breakdown of fruits that are typically in season each month. Use this as a guide to plan your meals and snacks around the freshest, most flavorful options available.
January
January is a prime time for citrus fruits. These vibrant fruits bring a burst of sunshine and essential vitamins during the colder months.
Fruits in Season:
- Oranges
- Grapefruit
- Tangerines
- Lemons
February
February continues to offer the citrus bounty of January, ensuring you can keep enjoying these vitamin-rich fruits throughout the winter months.
Fruits in Season:
- Oranges
- Grapefruit
- Tangerines
- Lemons
March
As spring begins to hint at warmer days, March brings in some exciting additions to the fruit selection, alongside the tail end of the winter citrus season.
Fruits in Season:
- Strawberries
- Mangoes
- Kiwi
April
April expands on March’s offerings, continuing the availability of spring fruits as the weather warms up further.
Fruits in Season:
- Strawberries
- Mangoes
- Kiwi
May
May marks the beginning of the transition into summer fruits, with the arrival of some early summer gems alongside the continued spring favorites.
Fruits in Season:
- Apricots
- Strawberries
- Mangoes
- Kiwi
June
June is when summer truly arrives, bringing with it a delicious array of juicy and refreshing fruits perfect for the warmer weather. Farmers markets become particularly vibrant this month.
Fruits in Season:
- Cherries
- Blueberries
- Blackberries
- Raspberries
- Peaches
- Plums
- Cantaloupe
- Watermelon
July
July continues the summer fruit extravaganza of June, making it the peak of the season for many beloved fruits.
Fruits in Season:
- Cherries
- Blueberries
- Blackberries
- Raspberries
- Peaches
- Plums
- Cantaloupe
- Watermelon
August
August is still firmly in the summer fruit season, offering a last chance to savor the abundance of berries, melons, and stone fruits before the season begins to shift.
Fruits in Season:
- Berries
- Peaches
- Melons
- Mangoes
- Apricots
- Kiwi
September
September signals the transition from summer to fall, introducing the first of the autumn fruits like apples and pears, while some late summer fruits may still be available.
Fruits in Season:
- Cranberries
- Grapes
- Apples
- Pears
- Pumpkin*
- Pomegranates
October
October firmly embraces the fall harvest, with a focus on fruits that can withstand cooler temperatures and offer rich, comforting flavors.
Fruits in Season:
- Grapes
- Cranberries
- Apples
- Pears
- Pomegranates
November
November continues the autumnal fruit theme, adding oranges back into the mix as citrus season begins to return, perfectly complementing the fall flavors.
Fruits in Season:
- Grapes
- Cranberries
- Apples
- Pears
- Pomegranates
- Pumpkins*
- Oranges
December
December brings the year full circle, focusing on hardy fruits that are perfect for the winter months, including citrus and pomegranates, setting the stage for the next January’s citrus bounty.
Fruits in Season:
- Pears
- Pomegranates
Seasonal Fruit Chart: Quick Reference Guide
For a quick overview of what fruits are in season throughout the year, refer to this handy chart. It’s perfect for planning your grocery shopping or deciding what to pick up at your local farmers market.
* These foods are usually eaten as a fruit or vegetable but are technically classified as the opposite.
