We all love that tropical burst of flavor, but have you ever bought a pineapple that tasted like… nothing? Or worse, sour wood?
The secret to getting that candy-sweet, juicy fruit isn’t luck; it’s knowing the pineapple season. While you can find them in stores all year round, there is a specific time when they are at their absolute peak of flavor and affordability.
In this guide, we’ll tell you exactly when to buy them, where they come from (Hawaii vs. Costa Rica), and how to pick a ripe one every single time.
Table of Contents
When is Pineapple Season?
If you want the absolute best taste, mark your calendar.
While pineapples are harvested year-round thanks to global trade, the peak pineapple season in the Northern Hemisphere (including the USA) generally runs from March to July.
Quick Seasonality Chart
| Region / Source | Peak Season (Best Flavor) | Availability |
| Global Peak | March – July | Best Time to Buy |
| Hawaii | April – June | Year-Round (Small quantities) |
| Costa Rica | December – February (Winter Crop) | Year-Round (Major Exporter) |
| Caribbean | December – February | Seasonal |
Pineapple Season by Region: Where Do They Come From?
To understand the season, you have to look at where your fruit is grown.
1. Costa Rica (The King of Pineapples)
If you are buying a pineapple in a US supermarket today, there is a 90% chance it came from Costa Rica.
- The Season: Thanks to their tropical climate, they harvest year-round. However, they often have a “winter crop” that hits shelves in December and January, making pineapple a surprising favorite for holiday fruit platters.
2. Hawaii (The Gold Standard)
Pineapple season in Hawaii is legendary. While production has slowed down over the years, Hawaiian pineapples (like the “Maui Gold”) are famous for their low acidity and high sugar content.
- The Season: They grow all year, but the locals will tell you the fruit is sweetest from April to June.
How to Know When Pineapples Are Ripe? (3 Secrets)
Unlike bananas or avocados, pineapples do not ripen after they are picked. They stop producing sugar the moment they are cut from the stem. This means you have to choose carefully at the store.
Here is the checklist for a perfect fruit:
- The Smell Test (Most Important): Smell the base of the fruit. It should smell sweet and tropical. If it smells like vinegar or alcohol, it’s over-ripe (fermented). If it has no smell, it’s under-ripe.
- The Squeeze: Give it a gentle squeeze. It should be firm but have a little “give” (like a ripe orange). Rock-hard means no juice.
- The Color: Green pineapples can be ripe, but a golden-yellow color moving up from the base usually indicates a higher sugar content and better flavor.
about pineapple
Is pineapple in season right now?
A: Likely, yes! Because major producers like Costa Rica and the Philippines stagger their crops, you can find fresh options almost any month. However, for the best price and flavor, aim for spring (March-May).
How do I store a pineapple?
A: If you buy it ripe, eat it ASAP! If you need to hold it, keep it in the refrigerator (whole) for 2-3 days. Once cut, it must be refrigerated in an airtight container and eaten within 5 days.
Can I freeze fresh pineapple?
Yes! Cut it into chunks and freeze them on a baking sheet before bagging. Frozen chunks are perfect for smoothies when the fresh pineapple season is over.
Final Bite of Wisdom
Knowing the pineapple season is the difference between a bland fruit salad and a tropical explosion of flavor. While you can enjoy this spiky treat year-round, keep an eye out from March to July for the sweetest, juiciest deals.
Now that you’ve bought the perfect pineapple, the next challenge is opening it!
Don’t let the spikes scare you. Learn the easy way in our guide: How to Cut a Pineapple (Like a Pro).
