Strawberry season is one of the sweetest times of year for fruit lovers. These juicy berries are sweet, versatile and can transform the dishes you make.
You can find strawberries year-round in many stores, but local strawberry season is when they’re usually at their freshest and most flavorful. Timing varies by region, so it helps to know when strawberries are in season where you live.
Peak strawberry season | States |
February | Arizona California Florida Hawaii |
March | New Mexico Texas |
April | Alabama Georgia Louisiana Mississippi South Carolina |
May | Arkansas Delaware Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Maryland Missouri New Jersey North Carolina Oregon Pennsylvania Tennessee Virginia West Virginia |
June | Alaska Colorado Connecticut Idaho Illinois Maine Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New York Ohio Oklahoma Rhode Island Utah Washington Wisconsin |
July | Montana North Dakota South Dakota Vermont Wyoming |
When are strawberries in season?
In the U.S., strawberry season stretches from late winter to midsummer, with the best local strawberries typically available in stores from April through June. In warmer regions, strawberries are ready to harvest earlier. In cooler climates, they may need more time to blossom and sweeten.
In Florida, the harvest can start as early as February, and local berries may peak from late winter into early spring. Nearby southern states like Georgia, Alabama and Mississippi usually follow soon after, with strawberry season picking up in March and April and tapering off by late spring.
The middle of the South (including North Carolina, Arkansas and Tennessee) typically sees strawberries ready to pick in late May or early June, with local berries ripening for a few short weeks before the summer heat sets in.
The seasonality range varies throughout the country because it depends on climate, growing conditions and USDA growing areas. California grows the most strawberries in the U.S., so many grocery stores stock California-grown berries for much of the year, especially outside local peak seasons.
Strawberry season by state [map]
You can identify your state’s strawberry sweet spot by checking available resources, including:
Local berry farm websites or social media pages
State agriculture calendars
Regional planting guides or almanacs
Instacart’s ‘Strawberry Season by State’ map
Just keep in mind that these are mostly estimates. Additionally, strawberries in some states may be available longer because of everbearing or day-neutral varieties, which can produce fruit more than once a year.
How long is strawberry season?
For a single strawberry plant, the main harvest window is usually about 3–4 weeks once berries start to ripen. Most of the picking happens in a short, concentrated stretch during that time.
Regionally, strawberry season typically lasts about a month, though the exact length depends on the type of strawberry being grown.
June-bearing varieties, which are common in many home gardens and farms, produce one large crop of berries over a few weeks. Everbearing and day-neutral varieties may yield smaller crops several times from late spring into early fall.
How to know if your strawberries are ripe and ready to eat
With a quick look at a berry’s color and shine, and a quick sniff, touch, and taste test, you can determine if your strawberries are ready to eat. Here’s what to check for:
Look for a deep red color: Strawberries that are fully red from top to bottom are more likely to be ripe. A little white or green near the stem usually means they need more time.
Check for a glossy surface: Ripe strawberries typically have a natural shine rather than a dull or matte finish.
Smell for sweetness: A ripe strawberry will have a noticeable sweet, fruity aroma at the stem end.
Feel for firmness: Strawberries should feel firm but slightly tender, not hard or mushy.
Inspect the leaves: Fresh green caps that look vibrant (not dry or brown) are a good sign of freshness.
Avoid soft spots or bruising: Any leaking juice, dark patches, or squishy areas can indicate overripeness.
Taste one if unsure: A ripe strawberry will be naturally sweet with balanced acidity and full flavor.
Tips to store strawberries to help them last
Whether you plan to enjoy strawberries over the next few days or save them for smoothies and snacks later, a few simple storage habits can help them stay fresh longer:
Keep strawberries dry: Store strawberries unwashed until you’re ready to eat them to reduce excess moisture that can speed up mold growth.
Remove damaged berries: Check the container and remove any soft or moldy strawberries since one spoiled berry can affect the rest.
Use a breathable container: Transfer strawberries to a container lined with paper towels and leave it slightly open so air can circulate.
Line with paper towels: Place strawberries on a dry paper towel layer to absorb extra moisture and help keep them fresh longer.
Refrigerate promptly: Put strawberries in the fridge as soon as possible after bringing them home to slow down ripening.
Rinse right before eating: Wash strawberries only right before eating or using them to prevent them from becoming waterlogged.
Check for spoiled strawberries daily: Inspect stored strawberries each day and remove any that start to soften to extend the life of the remaining fruit.
Freeze for long-term storage: Spread strawberries in a single layer on a tray to freeze, then transfer to a sealed bag or container to prevent clumping.
Dehydrate for snacks: Slice strawberries thin and dry them in a dehydrator or low oven until chewy for a shelf-stable snack.
Blend and freeze purée: Purée strawberries and freeze in portions for easy use in drinks, desserts or sauces later.
Recipe ideas: What to make with fresh strawberries
Fresh strawberries add a juicy burst of sweetness to all kinds of dishes, with just enough tartness to balance creamy, rich or savory flavors. They fit naturally into breakfast, snacks and dessert, so it helps to have a few go-to ideas ready for when berry season hits.
Some popular strawberry dishes from across the U.S. for inspiration:
Strawberry jam: Simmer fresh strawberries with a bit of sugar and lemon to make a simple jam you can spoon over toast, biscuits, yogurt or ice cream.
Strawberry compote: Cook strawberries gently with a bit of sugar until they soften and release their juices, then spoon the compote over pancakes, waffles, yogurt or ice cream.
Strawberry salad: Toss strawberries into green salads with greens, nuts and a light vinaigrette or mix them with grains and herbs for a fresh side that balances sweet and savory flavors.
Strawberry shortcake: Layer sweetened strawberries with biscuits or cake and whipped cream for a classic dessert that lets the berries shine.
Strawberry cheesecake: Use strawberries as a topping for baked or no-bake cheesecake, or swirl them into the filling for bursts of color and flavor.
Strawberry pound cake: Fold chopped strawberries into a pound cake batter or drizzle slices with strawberry sauce for a dense, buttery dessert with bright fruit notes.
Strawberry popsicles and ice cream: Purée strawberries for simple strawberry popsicles, or churn them into homemade strawberry ice cream for a creamy dessert.
Strawberry drinks: Blend strawberries with water, citrus and a touch of sweetener for a light strawberry agua fresca. For adults age 21 or older, use strawberries in a Tennessee Buck. Or, prepare a strawberry agua fresca or an elderflower refresher for a non-alcoholic option.
Grab it now on Instacart
Order your strawberries before peak season is over
Strawberry season goes by fast in many regions. Order some berries through Instacart now, while they’re at their best. While you’re at it, add a few useful extras to your cart, like glass storage containers for keeping berries fresh a little longer or ingredients for a recipe.
If you want more ideas for seasonal produce, browse in-season fruits through the Instacart app and make the most of what’s available right now.
Strawberry season FAQ
Why can you find strawberries in the winter if they’re out of season?
You can find strawberries at the grocery store during the winter because stores purchase them from growers in warmer climates during the offseason.
How do you make strawberries sweeter?
A simple way to make strawberries taste sweeter is to sprinkle a little sugar on them and let them sit for about 10 minutes. This helps draw out the juices and softens the fruit, which can make the berries taste sweeter and more flavorful.
Are strawberries cheaper in season?
Yes, strawberries are often cheaper when they’re in season because supply is higher. Local berries can be even more affordable since prices are less affected by fuel costs, transportation fees and tariffs.
When does strawberry season end?
Strawberry season ends at different times depending on where you live. In warmer regions, local harvests may wrap up by late spring, while cooler areas often continue through June or early July.
