Florida · Field & vine

Cantaloupe season in Florida

Typically early April to late June, with peak mid-April through mid-June.

Hatched chalk = early and late shoulders; solid = peak.

A spring crop; summer heat and rain shut it down by early July.

At a glance

Early

From early April — first pickings, lighter supply, best prices come later.

Peak

mid-April through mid-June — full stalls, full flavor. This is the stretch to plan around.

Late

Through late June — quantity for preserving, and the stalls start dealing.

Season length

about 13 weeks end to end, shoulders included.

Cantaloupe

Look: The netting stands out coarse and tan over a golden, not green, background, and there is no stem attached.
Feel: It feels heavy for its size and the blossom end gives just slightly under gentle thumb pressure.
Smell: A ripe one smells sweet and musky at the blossom end before you ever cut it.
Tip: Check the stem scar — a clean, smooth dimple means the melon slipped off the vine ripe; a torn stub means it was pulled early.
Keeps: Let a firm one sit on the counter a day or two, then refrigerate and eat within about five days.

Chasing the season?

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The whole national sweep · everything in season in Florida

Frequently asked questions

When is cantaloupe season in Florida?

In Florida, the cantaloupe season typically runs early April to late June, with peak availability mid-April through mid-June. Exact weeks shift a little with each year's weather.

Can I pick my own cantaloupe in Florida?

Almost never u-pick since judging full slip takes practice — farm stands in melon country are the move. The best market weeks are mid-April through mid-June.

How long does cantaloupe season last in Florida?

about 13 weeks end to end — early April to late June. The early and late shoulders are real but lighter; the solid stretch of chalk on the band is the sure bet.