Watermelon in season in Australia
Watermelon is in season in Australia from October to April, and at its peak from December to March. This is the cooler south; the tropical north has its own calendar.
At its best
Watermelon is sold all year, but peak season runs from October to February. Melons are also part of autumn's supply, so good fruit carries on into March.
At the shop
Look for a deep golden yellow or pale orange patch where it sat on the ground. A white or pale green patch suggests it was picked early. Lift it, as heavier melons of the same size tend to be juicier. Brown webbing, a dry curled stem and a deep hollow sound when tapped are good signs.
Keeping it
Keep a whole melon at room temperature for a few days, or in the fridge. Once cut, always refrigerate it, with the cut side wrapped tightly in cling film or the pieces in an airtight container.
Three dinners
- Watermelon, fetta and mint salad With lime and olive oil.
- Grilled halloumi with watermelon A salty-sweet supper.
- Watermelon granita A pudding for hot nights.
How we decide. Each item carries a score from 0 to 20 for every month of the year. We call 16 or more “at its peak” and 8 to 15 “around”. The scores were checked against Australian growers’ bodies, state government pages and the Sydney and Melbourne markets, and last reviewed on 9 October 2026. Seasons shift a few weeks with the weather and the state, so treat the edges as guides. Spotted something wrong? Tell us at [email protected].
General information only. These guides are not advice about how you should prepare, store or eat any food. Please follow the packaging and the official food-safety guidance from Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) and your state or territory food authority.