When is apple picking season? Varieties by month

Updated Nov 2026 · 3 min read · By the U-Pick Near team

Quick answer

Short version: apple picking season is roughly Aug to Oct, and which apples you can pick depends on the week. Early varieties like Zestar! and Paula Red come in August, Honeycrisp and McIntosh in September, and late apples like Fuji, Golden Delicious and Mutsu in October.

Which apples are ripe each month?

From Iowa State and University of Minnesota Extension lists (Midwest timing; warmer areas run earlier):

August: Zestar!, Paula Red, Pristine, Redfree, early Gala.
September: McIntosh, Honeycrisp, Cortland, Haralson, Jonathan.
Late September to October: Golden Delicious, Red Delicious, Jonagold, Liberty.
October: Mutsu, Enterprise, Goldrush (late October), Fuji.

Does apple season vary by region?

Yes. Ripening varies by variety and even within one tree, says Minnesota Extension. Orchards post which varieties are open each week; check before you go.

Where can you pick apples?

We list 1,373 apple orchards, including:

Albrecht's Nursery and Orchard LLC, Chippewa Falls, WI
Cenco Farms Inc dba Afton Apple Orchard, Hastings, MN
County Line Orchard, Kempton, PA
Dickie Bros. Orchard, LLC, Roseland, VA
Hollenbeck's Cider Mill, Virgil, NY
McCollum Orchards LLC, Lockport, NY
Munster Orchard, Burlington, WI
Pierson Orchard, Orleans, MI
Solebury Orchards, New Hope, PA
Susquehanna Orchards, Delta, PA
Bishop's Orchard, Garfield, WA
Chile's Peach Orchard, Crozet, VA

See the apple orchards hub. Then read how to pick and store apples.

Quick questions

What month is best for apple picking?

September is the peak for many orchards, but early apples start in August and late ones run through October.

When are Honeycrisp apples ripe?

Usually mid September to early October in the Midwest.

Sources

General guidance, not advice for a specific farm. Farm rules, prices and dates vary, so check with the farm.