When you walk through a grocery store, farmers market, or roadside stand, it can look like every fruit is available year-round. Thanks to transportation, storage, greenhouses, and imports, that’s often true. Still, just because you see fruit in stores doesn’t mean it’s in season locally.
Fruit seasons shift throughout the year. In winter, citrus comes from warmer areas. Spring brings strawberries and other early fruits. Summer brings berries and stone fruits, while fall is known for apples, pears, grapes, and cranberries.
So, what fruit is in season right now?
The answer depends on both the month and your location. The U.S. has many different climates, from warm places like Florida and Southern California to colder regions in the Northeast, Midwest, and Mountain West. As a result, harvest times can vary widely across the country.
This 12-month guide gives you a practical look at which fruits are usually being picked somewhere in the U.S. during each part of the year.
Keep in mind: The dates below are general guidelines, not exact harvest times for the whole country. Weather, location, fruit variety, and growing conditions can all make harvests happen earlier or later.
What Fruit Is in Season Right Now in September?
If you’re reading this in September, it’s one of the best times of year for fruit in the U.S.
Depending on your region, September can bring:
- Apples
- Pears
- Grapes
- Plums
- Peaches
- Raspberries
- Blackberries
- Melons
- Late-season blueberries
- Late-season strawberries in some areas
For example, in Pennsylvania, Penn State Extension says apples are in season from late July to late October, grapes from mid-August to October, pears from August to October, peaches through much of September, and plums from mid-August to September. Penn State Extension
Timing will vary in other places, especially in warmer states.
Why Does Seasonal Fruit Vary Across the USA?
The United States doesn’t have just one growing season.
A strawberry farmer in Florida has a very different schedule than one in Minnesota. In Florida, strawberries can peak in winter, while in colder northern areas, they are usually harvested in summer.
Florida’s 2026 Extension information lists its strawberry peak season as December through March. What’s Happening Around Florida
Temperature is just one factor. Rainfall, elevation, fruit variety, winter chill, spring frost, summer heat, and yearly weather changes can all affect when fruit is ready to pick.
The USDA has noted that U.S. domestic fruit and vegetable production is strongly seasonal, with summer and fall bringing particularly large harvests. During colder periods, field production becomes more concentrated in warmer states such as Florida, California, Arizona, and Texas. Economic Research Service
This is why a month-by-month fruit calendar is just a starting point, not a promise.
January: Citrus Takes Center Stage
January might seem quiet for farming in the U.S., but warmer areas are still producing fruit.
Some fruits to look for include:
- Oranges,
- grapefruit,
- mandarins,
- tangerines,
- lemons,
- kumquats,
- kiwi, and
- strawberries from warmer growing areas.
Citrus fruits are especially important in winter.
Florida orange varieties have different harvest periods. Some early oranges run from approximately October through January, while midseason varieties continue through winter. Grapefruit can also be harvested throughout much of the winter and spring. Ask IFAS – Powered by EDIS
Florida strawberries are another winter highlight, with their peak season extending from December through March. What’s Happening Around Florida
So don’t assume strawberries are only a summer fruit. Where they are grown makes a big difference.
February: Citrus and Winter Strawberries.
February is a great time to try different types of citrus
Look for:
- Oranges
- Grapefruit
- Mandarins and tangerines
- Lemons
- Kumquats
- Strawberries from warmer regions
This can be an especially good month to explore different citrus varieties.
Some Florida midseason oranges are harvested during this period, while grapefruit remains in its harvest window. Ask IFAS – Powered by EDIS
Because northern orchards and berry farms are generally dormant during winter, much of the fresh domestic seasonal fruit comes from warmer U.S. growing regions
March: Winter Meets Spring
March is a month of change.
Citrus remains important, but warmer parts of the country begin moving toward spring production.
Fruits you may encounter include:
- Strawberries
- Oranges
- Grapefruit
- Lemons
- Tangerines
- Kumquats
- Late-winter citrus
UF/IFAS notes that late-season citrus such as oranges and grapefruit can remain available into early spring. What’s Happening Around Florida
March is also when late-season Valencia oranges begin their harvest period in Florida. UF/IFAS lists Valencia harvest from approximately March through June. Ask IFAS – Powered by EDIS
April: Spring Fruit Season Begins to Expand
By April, spring is in full swing in many places.
Depending on location, seasonal choices can include:
Strawberries, grapefruit, oranges, lemons, and other citrus, with early berries beginning in some warm regions.
Citrus doesn’t vanish as soon as winter ends. In Florida, some grapefruit can be picked into May, and Valencia oranges last even later into spring. Ask IFAS – Powered by EDI. Fruit trees may only be flowering at this point, so locally harvested fruit selections can still be limited.
This shows why the term “in season” depends on where you live.
May: Berries and Early Stone Fruits Arrive
May marks the start of the plentiful summer fruit season in the U.S.
Depending on your location, look for:
- Strawberries
- Early blueberries
- Early cherries
- Apricots
- Late citrus
- Early peaches in warmer climates
The exact harvest calendar varies considerably by latitude.
A southern state may already have locally grown berries or stone fruit while a northern fruit farm may still be weeks away from harvest.
If you’re shopping at a farmers market, asking growers what’s being picked that week is one of the easiest ways to discover what’s truly local and seasonal.
June: Berry and Cherry Season
In June, many more fruit options are available across much of the country.
Popular June fruits can include:
- Strawberries
- Cherries
- Blueberries
- Raspberries
- Apricots
- Peaches
- Early blackberries
Penn State’s Pennsylvania calendar, for example, places sweet cherry harvest from the second week of June through the end of July and strawberries from June through early July. Penn State Extension
Farther south, some of these crops begin earlier.
June is a good example of how seasonal fruit calendars can overlap. Strawberries might be ending in one state while just starting in another.
July: Peak Summer Fruit Variety
July is a great month if you love fruit.
Seasonal possibilities include:
- Blueberries
- Blackberries
- Raspberries
- Cherries
- Peaches
- Nectarines
- Apricots
- Plums
- Watermelon
- Cantaloupe
- Early apples in some regions
Stone fruits are especially common now.
Peaches, nectarines, and plums are great for eating fresh. Berries are perfect for breakfast or homemade desserts.
Weather can noticeably affect harvest timing. USDA’s Economic Research Service reported that warmer-than-average spring temperatures caused earlier harvests for several California fruits in 2026, including cherries, peaches, table grapes, strawberries, and watermelon. Economic Research Service
This is another reason to treat seasonal calendars as rough guides.
August: Summer Abundance Meets Early Fall
August brings a great mix of summer fruits and the first signs of fall favorites.
Look for:
- Peaches
- Nectarines
- Plums
- Blueberries
- Blackberries
- Raspberries
- Watermelon
- Cantaloupe
- Apples
- Pears
- Grapes
In Pennsylvania’s calendar, grapes begin around mid-August, pears around the second week of August, and plums around mid-August. Apples have already begun by this point. Because of this overlap, August is a great time to visit local orchards and farmers’ markets.
September: Apples, Pears and Grapes Shine
But summer fruits don’t just disappear on September 1.
Some of the most notable fruits include:
- Apples
- Pears
- Grapes
- Plums
- Raspberries
- Peaches
- Melons
- Blackberries in some regions
Apples are especially important at this time of year.
At the same time, don’t assBut summer fruits don’t just disappear on September 1. Peaches, melons, berries, and plums can still be found well into the month, depending on where you are and the type of fruit. For example, peaches are available through roughly the third week of September, melons through the third week, plums through the end of September, and raspberries return for a fall harvest. Penn State Extension
October: Classic Fall Fruit
October is known for some of the most classic fall harvests in America.
- Apples,
- Pears,
- Grapes,
- Cranberries,
- Raspberries,
- Persimmons,
- Pomegranates,
- and early citrus in warmer regions.
Apples are still one of the main highlights this month.
In Pennsylvania, the apple, pear, and grape seasons can all continue into October. Penn State Extension
Meanwhile, warmer areas are starting to move into their cool-season fruit schedules. Orange varieties, for example, can begin harvesting around October. Ask IFAS – Powered by EDIS
November: Fall Gives Way to Citrus Season
November is another big turning point in the fruit season.
Seasonal fruits can include:
- Cranberries
- Persimmons
- Pomegranates
- Late apples
- Late pears
- Oranges
- Grapefruit
- Tangerines
- Lemons. As it gets colder in the northern states, fewer local fruits are available. But in warmer areas, citrus season is getting started
UF/IFAS lists Florida grapefruit varieties with harvest seasons beginning around November or December and continuing into spring. Ask IFAS – Powered by EDIS
So in November, you can find both late fall fruits and the first winter citrus.
December: Winter Citrus Returns
By December, the fruit season has come full circle.
Look for:
- Oranges
- Grapefruit
- Tangerines and mandarins
- Lemons
- Kumquats
- Strawberries in Florida and other suitable warm regions
- Persimmons
- Pomegranates
- Late-stored apples and pears
Florida’s winter fruit season shows how different fruit calendars can be across the U.S. UF/IFAS lists oranges, grapefruit, tangerines, mandarins, and strawberries as Florida’s winter fruits. What’s Happening Around Florida
Florida citrus more broadly can be harvested from fall through spring, although the exact period varies by fruit and cultivar. What’s Happening Around Florida
12-Month USA Seasonal Fruit Calendar at a Glance
| Month | Fruits to Look For |
| January | Oranges, grapefruit, mandarins, lemons, kiwi, strawberries in warmer regions |
| February | Oranges, grapefruit, mandarins, lemons, strawberries |
| March | Strawberries, oranges, grapefruit, lemons, late-winter citrus |
| April | Strawberries, grapefruit, Valencia oranges, lemons, early berries in warmer areas |
| May | Strawberries, blueberries, cherries, apricots, early peaches |
| June | Strawberries, cherries, blueberries, raspberries, apricots, peaches |
| July | Blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, cherries, peaches, nectarines, plums, melons |
| August | Peaches, nectarines, plums, berries, melons, apples, pears, grapes |
| September | Apples, pears, grapes, plums, raspberries, peaches, melons |
| October | Apples, pears, grapes, cranberries, persimmons, pomegranates |
| November | Cranberries, persimmons, pomegranates, late apples and pears, citrus |
| December | Oranges, grapefruit, mandarins, lemons, strawberries in warm regions, persimmons, pomegranates |
Keep in mind that this chart shows general patterns for the U.S. Your local harvest times might differ by several weeks or even months
If you want the most accurate answer to “What fruit is in season right now?” start by looking at what’s local.
Farmers markets and local orchards can tell you what’s actually being picked in your area. State university Cooperative Extension programs are also great resources, since their information is tailored to your local climate.
Also pay attention to signs at grocery stores. Labels such as “grown in Washington,” “California-grown,” or “Florida-grown” can help distinguish domestically produced fruit from imports.
Remember, just because you see fruit in the store doesn’t mean it’s in season locally. It might be imported, stored from an earlier harvest, or grown in a warmer part of the country.
Is Seasonal Fruit Better?.
Fruit picked during its natural season usually spends less time traveling or sitting in storage before you buy it. When there’s plenty of seasonal fruit, you’ll also find more choices at farmers’ markets and farm stands.
Flavor can be another reason people like to shop seasonally. A ripe peach in local peach season or a fresh apple in the fall can be very different from fruit that’s traveled a long way. Some fruit is unhealthy simply because it isn’t locally in season.
Fresh, frozen, canned, and dried fruits can all be part of a healthy diet. A seasonal calendar is just a guide to harvest times, not a set of rules about what you should or shouldn’t eat.
Frequently Asked Questions
What fruit is in season right now in the USA?
In September, commonly harvested fruits in various parts of the United States include apples, pears, grapes, plums, raspberries, peaches, and melons. Exact availability depends on your region and current weather conditions. Penn State Extension
What fruit is in season during winter?
Winter is especially associated with citrus from warmer U.S. growing regions. Oranges, grapefruit, mandarins, tangerines, and lemons may be available, along with Florida strawberries during their winter season. What’s Happening Around Florida
What fruits are in season during summer?
Summer brings some of the year’s widest fruit variety. Depending on location, strawberries, cherries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, peaches, nectarines, plums, and melons may all be harvested during parts of summer.
When are apples in season?
Apple harvest dates depend on the state and variety. For example, Penn State’s harvest calendar lists Pennsylvania apples from late July through late October. Penn State Extension
When are strawberries in season?
Strawberry season varies dramatically by region. Florida strawberries can peak from December through March, while Pennsylvania’s calendar lists strawberries mainly from June into early July. What’s Happening Around Florida
Why can I buy fruit when it isn’t in season?
U.S. supermarkets obtain fruit from many regions and countries. Modern storage and transportation also extend availability beyond local harvest periods. So what’s available in stores isn’t the same as what’s in season locally.
Final Thought: There’s no single answer to “What fruit is in season right now?” for the whole United States.
America’s size and climate diversity mean strawberries can be a winter crop in Florida and a summer crop farther north. Citrus thrives during cooler months in warm growing regions; berries and cherries become prominent in late spring and summer; peaches and melons define much of summer; and apples, pears, grapes, cranberries, persimmons, and pomegranates help mark the transition into fall.
Use this 12-month fruit calendar as a general guide, but check your local farmers market, orchard, or Cooperative Extension for details about your area.
And remember to check back as the seasons change. There’s almost always something new being harvested somewhere in the U.S.
Sources & Further Reading
Penn State Extension – Harvest Calendar;
USDA Economic Research Service – Fruit and Tree Nuts;
University of Florida IFAS – Citrus Culture in the Home Landscape