Watermelon season is a time time of the year that I look forward to, all year long! You can enjoy sweet, juicy watermelons all year long, but they are so much sweeter when they're in season. So, learn when watermelon is in season in the US (and your state!), along with tips for storing this seasonal fruit and great recipes to try with your watermelons!
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Watermelon is a delicious and refreshing fruit that is reminiscent of the early summer season. It's a great source of vitamins and minerals (vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium) and helps you stay hydrated. It's both sweet and refreshing, and super versatile. Use it in a fruit salad, as a topping on ice cream or yogurt, as a side dish, in smoothies, or simply eaten on its own!
When is watermelon in season?
They are technically available all year round, but really in season from May to September in the US. However, it is best to buy them during the peak of the season for the freshest and tastiest watermelons, and this may may vary based on where you live! Read on to find out more about when watermelon is in season in your state, tips for storing watermelon, and some great recipes!
Watermelon season by state
Watermelon is a very popular fruit in the United States, and its season varies in different states. Here's a chart outlining when they are in peak season by state.
Please use Ctrl + F to find out when watermelon is in season in your state.
| State | Watermelon Season |
|---|---|
| Alabama | June, July, August, September |
| Alaska | No watermelon season |
| Arizona | May, June, July, August, September, October, November |
| Arkansas | July, August, September |
| Northern California | July, August, September, October, November |
| Southern California | July, August, September, October, November |
| Colorado | September, October |
| Connecticut | August, September, October |
| Delaware | July, August, September, October |
| North Florida | March, April, May, June, July, August |
| South Florida | June, July, August, September |
| Georgia | June, July, August, September |
| Hawaii | June, July, August, September |
| Idaho | June, July, August |
| Illinois | June, July, August, September |
| Indiana | July, August, September, October |
| Iowa | June, July, August |
| Kansas | June, July, August, September, October |
| Kentucky | August, September |
| Louisiana | June, July, August, September, October, November |
| Maine | August, September |
| Maryland | July, August, September, October |
| Massachusetts | August, September, October |
| Michigan | August, September, October |
| Minnesota | August, September |
| Mississippi | June, July, August |
| Missouri | June, July, August, September, October |
| Montana | August, September |
| Nebraska | July, August, September, October |
| Nevada | June, July, August, September, October, November |
| New Hampshire | August, September |
| New Jersey | August, September, October |
| New Mexico | July, August, September |
| New York | September, October |
| North Carolina | July, August |
| North Dakota | August, September |
| Ohio | August, September, October |
| Oklahoma | June, July, August, September, October |
| Oregon | July, August, September |
| Pennsylvania | July, August, September, October |
| Rhode Island | July, August, September, October |
| South Carolina | June, July, September, October |
| South Dakota | August, September |
| Tennessee | July, August, September |
| Texas | May, June, July, August, September, October, November |
| Utah | September, October |
| Vermont | August, September |
| Virginia | July, August, September |
| Washington | August, September, October |
| Washington DC | July, August, September |
| West Virginia | August, September |
| Wisconsin | August, September, October |
| Wyoming | August, September |
🍉 FAQs
Watermelon is grown in four main states: Florida, Texas, Georgia, and California.
Yes, watermelon is available year-round. However, it is typically in season from May through September. So if you're looking for the best watermelons, those are the months to buy them. But of course, you can find watermelons at your local grocery stores or a local farmers market any time of year and they'll likely taste just as good.
July is typically the peak of watermelon season, so that's usually the best month to buy them. However, you can find seasonal produce any time from May to September in states like California, Florida, and Texas. So if you live in one of those states, you're in luck!
The watermelon will be deep green in color with no white spots, with a creamy yellow patch at the bottom where it sat on the ground and ripened in the sun. It should also feel heavy for its size, and have a hollow sound. If the sound is dull and has mushy spots, then it's an overripe watermelon.
📋Tips to store watermelon
There is nothing best but to eat fresh watermelon on hot days. To maximize the shelf life of these pre-cut fruits, keep them away from direct sunlight and heat.
- Fresh cut watermelon slices should be stored in an airtight container and can be refrigerated for up to four days.
- One of my new favorite finds for the summer were these silicone lids. Stretch one of these on top of half of a cut watermelon. Throw the whole thing in the fridge to store! Game changing!!
- Cover a whole watermelon with plastic wrap to avoid them from drying out or having some bad odors that might affect the taste of the watermelon. Whole watermelons can be stored at room temperature for up to two weeks.
Watermelons can also be frozen for up to six months. To freeze, cut it into chunks or slices and store it in a freezer-safe bag or container!
Watermelon Recipes
Here are some watermelon yummy recipes you can follow to enjoy these hot summer days.
Seasonal Watermelon Recipes
Summertime always brings thoughts of watermelon, whether you're looking for a refreshing drink or a sweet and savory dish, we've got you covered. Check out these recipes and get cooking! Here are some recipes to enjoy all summer long!
Sweet & Savory Watermelon Recipes
Whether you’re looking for a savory dish or a sweet treat, we’ve got you covered. So fire up the grill and get ready to enjoy some amazing watermelon recipes!
I love watermelon as a side dish in the summer. This recipe for Watermelon Salad has a great combination of flavors – sweet and salty with a syrupy balsamic glaze and a touch of mint.
Grilled watermelon salad is my go-to for a plant-based BBQ for some years now – it is vibrant, flavorful, easy to prepare and has a satisfying texture that will be appreciated by both vegetarians and meat eaters alike!
Quick, easy and delightfully refreshing, our 3 ingredient yellow watermelon salad is perfect for all those lazy summer gatherings.
Delicious, easy to make and perfect for a heatwave, backyard BBQ, or pool party these Watermelon Popsicles are simply the best!
Sweet, spiced pickled watermelon rinds make a delicious and thrifty summer snack. The sweet, tender rinds are bursting with tart apple cider vinegar and the warmth of cloves, cinnamon and peppercorns
Watermelon Feta Salad with Kalamata Olives is a refreshing summer side dish. With only 5 ingredients, it is quick and easy to make and so refreshing!
Made with fresh juicy fruit, this easy watermelon sorbet is made tasty and smooth in your ice cream maker with only four ingredients: Watermelon, lemon juice, sugar, and water!
With the fresh fruits of summer, a little lime, onion, cucumber, basil, and jalapeno, you can have this fresh fruit salsa with watermelon and mango – the perfect fruity, fiesta, spicy dip for your chips!
Colombian fruit salad is a mix of fresh watermelon and other tropical fruit, topped with grated cheese, decadent ice cream, and a homemade sweet and tangy sauce of mora - Colombian blackberry
Cheeky twist to refreshing Watermelon Fruit Salad with dragon fruit balls and brown sugar boba pearls! A sweet treat for all summer long!
Watermelon Drinks
Have you ever had a watermelon drink? They are delicious and refreshing, and perfect for summer. I've rounded up some of my favorite watermelon drinks - whether you want something with or without alcohol, something cool and refreshing or creative and adventurous, there's something for everyone here!
Enjoy a burst of hydration with this fizzy watermelon slushie recipe! With only three ingredients it's easy to whip up and the perfect way to cool down on a summer's day.
This refreshing Watermelon Lime Slush blends up in 10 minutes and is the absolute best drink for hot summer days! It has frozen watermelon (a perfect way to use up excess watermelon), lime, is sweet, and has a secret ingredient… ginger ale! Best part is it contains no alcohol so everyone can drink it!
Enjoy the refreshing taste of summer in a glass! With its fresh and juicy watermelon, this drink is perfect for hot days!
Homemade Watermelon Mint Lemonade is a fun take on the traditional homemade lemonade recipe — and it couldn’t be more summery with its gorgeous bright pink color! The perfect fruity and refreshing drink for the whole family on a hot day!
This watermelon mojito smoothie is the best way to cool off on a hot summer day. It’s hydrating, refreshing, and easy to make!
This Watermelon Mojito is one of the most refreshing and delicious cocktails out there! With fresh watermelon juice, mint, lime and rum, this drink can't be beat on a hot summer day.
Watermelon vodka cocktail is cool, sweet and so refreshing. Ripe summer watermelon is blended up and flavored fresh cucumber and basil.
Bursting with fresh watermelon flavor, this watermelon margarita is the perfect cocktail to cool down with.
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