Discover When Watermelons Are in Peak Season Across the U.S.

Watermelon is second only to popsicles during the hot summer months. They grace barbeques and picnics, and kids love them. Yes, they are available year-round. But they are at their absolute best when they are in peak season. So, how do you know when that is? Keep reading to find out! We will cover all the details you need to know about the beloved fruit’s peak season in the primary growing regions.

Alabama

The southern state loves the sweet fruit so much that they throw an annual Alabama Watermelon Festival. Russellville, Alabama, hosts the blowout each August. Attendees can enjoy live music, contests, arts and crafts, and, of course, indulge in delicious watermelon. 

The harvest season typically runs from July to September. Many varieties thrive in Alabama’s climate. These include the popular Crimson Sweet, Sangria, Sugar Baby, and Jubilee II.

Florida

Florida is another state where melons thrive. They adore the sunshine and warm weather. One of the ways state residents celebrate the harvest is by attending the Watermelon Festival in Monticello. This festival is a popular event that takes place in late June. Visitors enjoy themed activities, such as seed-spitting contests and watermelon carving competitions. There are also parades, pageants, and a great barbecue.

Florida’s watermelon harvest season begins in April and lasts until mid-July. Some notable melon varieties that grow well in the state include the Charleston Grey 133, Crimson Sweet, Florida Giant, and Sugar Baby.

Georgia

Cordele, Georgia, is known as the “Watermelon Capital of the World.” And for good reason. The city sits in the top watermelon-producing county in the nation (Crisp County, Georgia). And their Watermelon Days Festival marks the height of harvest season every year. It occurs the last weekend in June. Festival-goers can enjoy live music, arts and crafts, watermelon-eating contests, and over two dozen additional activities. 

The watermelon harvest season in Georgia starts in June and continues through September. Some notable Georgia watermelon varieties include the Golden Crown, Mardi Gras, Jade Star, and Jubilee.

Indiana

It may come as a surprise to those outside the Midwest that Indiana produces a notable amount of the nation’s watermelon supply. Its fertile soil and moderate climate make it an excellent growing region for the prized fruit. Multiple themed festivals throughout the state allow residents to celebrate an abundant harvest. And if they cannot make it to those, local farmer’s markets carry a fantastic selection.

The harvest season in Indiana typically runs from July to September. Varieties that grow successfully in the state include the Red Amber, Kingman, and Sugar Baby.

California

It should come as no surprise that produce-rich California is also a prominent watermelon-growing state. The California Watermelon Festival takes place over two days in June. This massive blowout is a way for residents and visitors to celebrate summer’s favorite fruit. There are live bands, unique watermelon dishes, contests, rides, and plenty of watermelons to eat.

California’s watermelon harvest season starts in mid-May and often lasts until October. The state recently started focusing heavily on seedless varieties. Some that get grown in the area include Fandango, Firecracker, Solitare, and Ultra Cool. A few seeded options are Sangria, Sugar Baby, and Yellow Doll.

Texas

The great state of Texas is a top watermelon producer for U.S. consumption. The hot and dry climate in Texas provides favorable conditions for watermelon growth. If you are into seasonal festivals, there are plenty to pick from! The state has plenty of watermelon celebrations to keep you busy.

Texas watermelon season generally begins in May and continues through October. Popular watermelon varieties grown in Texas include the Revolution, Jubilee II, Gold Strike, and Royal Sweet.

North Carolina

North Carolina has a surprisingly vibrant melon production. It ranks roughly 8th in the nation for overall number of watermelons grown, with over 180 million pounds annually. The Annual North Carolina Watermelon Festival in Murfreesboro is a prominent event celebrating this beloved fruit. Visitors can enjoy live music, arts and crafts, and watermelon-themed contests. 

North Carolina’s watermelon season typically begins in March and lasts until August. A few of the watermelon varieties grown in the state include the Sangria, Crimson Sweet, and Royal Sweet.

Delaware

Although Delaware is a small state, it has its fair share of melon production. If you can make it to Evans Farm in August for an epic seasonally-themed festival, you should. But don’t worry. Even if you can’t, the farmers’ markets and local grocery stores offer an abundance of fresh watermelons during the harvest season. 

The melon harvest in Delaware typically occurs from July to September. Some of the many different varieties grown in the state include Laurel, Crimson Trio, and Queen of Hearts.

Arizona

Growing watermelon in Arizona’s warm and dry climate is possible! The trick is to choose more heat-tolerant varieties (though some common ones grow well too). And following this method, the desert state has managed to produce nearly 6% of the nation’s watermelon supply. Watch for local festivals, roadside stands, and farmer’s market supplies to get your fill!

The watermelon harvest season in Arizona typically runs from May to July. However, some varieties are available later, into November. Some of the many well-known varieties that grow in the state include Crimson Sweet, Sugar Baby, and Charleston Gray. But there are also some unique, more heat-adapted options like Desert King.

Watermelon Facts

This beloved fruit belongs to the Cucurbitaceae (gourd) family, which has nearly 1,000 species across 95 genera. Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) is a vining plant that produces various fruit sizes — from small, ice-box sized to giant options. And take your pick between seeded and seedless varieties!

Originating from Africa, this delightful fruit has a long and rich history. It was grown in ancient Egypt and shows up in Egyptian hieroglyphics. Watermelon made its way to Europe through trade routes and eventually reached the Americas during the colonial period. Today, it is widely enjoyed across the world.

It is not only a delicious fruit, but it is also packed with health benefits. It is high in vitamins A and C, calcium, potassium, and magnesium. The fruit is also hydrating, as it consists of approximately 92% water, making it an excellent choice for staying refreshed during hot summer days. But the best part is that it is extremely rich in antioxidants, which offer numerous protective health benefits.

If you are game for eating some watermelon seeds, those come loaded with nutrients. They have zinc, iron, magnesium, and folate. Even the rinds pack a punch with serious fiber content.

There are numerous ways to enjoy watermelon. Slice it up for a lovely snack on its own. But it can also be used in fruit salads, smoothies, and even grilled for a unique twist. Some people enjoy using melon as a base for refreshing summer drinks or turning it into a chilled soup.

Additional fun facts about watermelon:

• Surprisingly, this is a member of the cucumber, pumpkin, and squash family.
• The world’s heaviest watermelon on record weighed over 350 pounds.
• The rinds and seeds are edible and can be pickled or roasted.
• The Japanese have developed square watermelons by growing them in glass boxes, making them easier to stack and store.