When Are Cherries in Season? A Month-by-Month Guide

Cherries are one of the most anticipated fruits of late spring and summer. Their bright color, sweet flavor, and short harvest period make them a favorite for fresh eating, baking, and home gardening. But cherry season does not begin on the same date everywhere.

So, when are cherries in season? In many parts of the United States, fresh cherries are available from May through July, with some late varieties extending into August. The exact timing depends on the cherry type, growing region, weather, and local conditions.

A month-by-month look makes it easier to understand when fresh cherries are likely to appear.

May: The Cherry Season Begins

May often marks the beginning of cherry season in warmer parts of the United States. California is one of the earliest major cherry-growing regions, and some early sweet cherries can reach markets during this month.

The exact start can change each year. A warm spring may bring fruit to market earlier. Cool weather can delay the harvest.

Early-season cherries are often highly anticipated because they are among the first fresh summer fruits to arrive. If you live in a warmer area, May is a good time to start checking local farmers' markets and orchards.

For shoppers asking when are cherries in season, May is an important month to remember, especially in southern and western growing areas.

June: Peak Cherry Season Begins

June is one of the most important months for fresh cherries. By this point, many growing regions have started their main harvest.

Washington and Oregon are major producers of sweet cherries. Their crops often become widely available during June. Other states may also begin harvesting their early and mid-season varieties.

The fruit becomes easier to find at grocery stores, roadside stands, farmers' markets, and local farms.

June is also a good month for home gardeners to watch their trees closely. Cherries can move from almost ripe to fully ready in a short time.

When considering when are cherries in season, June is often the safest month to expect a good supply of fresh fruit in many U.S. regions.

July: A Major Harvest Month

July continues the cherry season across much of the country. In some areas, it can be the busiest harvest period.

Michigan is well known for tart cherries, while Washington and Oregon continue producing sweet cherries. Cooler northern areas may also reach their main harvest during July.

Late varieties can help extend the season. This gives growers and shoppers more time to enjoy fresh cherries.

Weather still plays an important role. A cool spring may push the harvest into July, while an unusually warm season can bring some crops forward.

For many regions, when are cherries in season has a simple answer: June and July are the months when fresh cherries are most widely available.

August: Late Varieties May Continue

By August, the main cherry season has ended in many areas. However, some late varieties may still be available, especially in cooler growing regions.

Availability can vary greatly from one location to another. Local farms may continue selling cherries even after supermarkets in other areas have stopped carrying fresh crops.

Late-season fruit can be a welcome treat for people who want to enjoy cherries a little longer.

If you are wondering when are cherries in season in August, the answer depends heavily on your location and the varieties grown nearby.

What Determines Cherry Season?

Several factors affect the timing of a cherry harvest.

Weather is one of the biggest influences. Warm spring temperatures can speed up fruit development. Cool weather can delay it.

Cherry variety also matters. Early varieties ripen before mid-season and late varieties. This allows growers to spread the harvest across several weeks.

Location makes a difference too. Warmer regions usually begin harvesting earlier than cooler areas. Higher elevations may also have a later season.

Rain can affect ripe fruit. Heavy rain near harvest may cause some cherries to split or become more difficult to handle.

Because of these differences, a calendar can only provide an estimate.

Sweet Cherries vs. Sour Cherries

Sweet and sour cherries can have slightly different harvest periods.

Sweet cherries are usually enjoyed fresh. They often have dark red, purple, or nearly black skin when ripe. Some varieties may be ready in May or June, while later types mature in July.

Sour cherries are more tart and are often used in pies, jams, sauces, and baked dishes. Their main harvest can occur around June or July, depending on the region.

So, when are cherries in season depends partly on the kind of cherry you want.

How to Tell When Cherries Are Ripe

The calendar is useful, but the fruit itself provides better clues.

Look at the color first. Ripe cherries usually have strong, even color. The exact shade depends on the variety.

Next, check the texture. Good cherries should feel firm and full. Fruit that is very soft, leaking, or damaged may be past its best.

Taste is another useful test. Sweet cherries should have a rich, sweet flavor. Sour cherries should have a clear tart taste without an overly harsh flavor.

Growers often check their trees regularly as harvest approaches. This helps them pick the fruit at the right stage.

Where to Find Fresh Cherries During the Season

Farmers' markets and local orchards are good places to look for cherries during peak harvest. Local growers can often tell you when their crop is ready.

Grocery stores also carry cherries during the main summer season. However, availability depends on where the fruit is being harvested at that time.

Buying locally can be a good way to find cherries that were recently picked. It can also help you learn more about the varieties grown in your area.

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Tips for Enjoying Fresh Cherries

Fresh cherries are best stored in the refrigerator. Keep them dry until you are ready to eat them. Wash the fruit just before serving.

Cherries make an easy snack and can also be added to yogurt, salads, oatmeal, desserts, and baked dishes.

If you have more cherries than you can eat quickly, consider freezing or preserving them. Removing the pits before freezing can make them easier to use later.

Why Cherry Season Is So Short

Unlike some fruits that remain available for many months, fresh cherries have a limited harvest period.

The short season is part of their appeal. When local cherries appear, many people look forward to enjoying them before the crop disappears again.

The timing also makes each region's harvest unique. A warm-weather area may enjoy cherries in May, while a cooler location may not see its best fruit until June or July.

That is why when are cherries in season is best answered by looking at both the calendar and your local growing conditions.

Final Thoughts

So, when are cherries in season? For most U.S. regions, the main window runs from May through July, while some late crops can continue into August.

May brings early cherries to warmer areas. June marks the start of a wider harvest. July remains an important month for many regions, while August offers a smaller selection of late-season fruit.

The exact timing changes with weather, variety, and location. For the freshest cherries, watch local farms and markets, and pay attention to what the trees are showing you. A little patience can lead to a much better harvest and sweeter summer fruit.

Frequently Asked Questions

When are cherries in season in the United States?

Fresh cherries are generally in season from May through July, with some late varieties available into August. California often begins the season, while cooler regions harvest later.

What is the best month for fresh cherries?

June and July are often excellent months for fresh cherries because many U.S. growing regions are in their main harvest period.

Are cherries available in May?

Yes. Some early sweet cherries can be available in May, particularly in warmer regions such as California.

Are cherries still available in August?

Sometimes. Late varieties may remain available in August, especially in cooler areas. However, availability is usually more limited than in June and July.

When are cherries in season for home gardeners?

For home gardeners, harvest timing depends on the tree variety and local climate. Checking the fruit regularly is more reliable than following a general date.