The mango is often referred to as the “King of Fruits” in India, holding a place of deep cultural and economic importance across the country. The collective mango season is not a single, fixed event but a broad window spanning the late spring and summer months. This period sees the markets filled with a succession of different varieties as the harvest moves from one region to the next.
The General Seasonal Timeline
The overarching mango season for the majority of India typically begins to accelerate in March and gradually concludes by late July or early August. Rising ambient temperatures in the early spring are a necessary trigger for the fruit’s final maturation and ripening process. The peak availability for mangoes nationwide generally falls between May and June, offering the highest volume and greatest variety. The season is often signaled to be nearing its end by the onset of the Southwest Monsoon, as heavy rains can impact the quality and harvesting logistics of the remaining late-season fruit.
Regional Differences in Harvest
The sheer geographical size of India creates a significant variation in the harvest schedule, with the season progressing in a distinct pattern from south to north. The season commences earliest in the southern states, where warmer temperatures arrive sooner and persist longer. States like Kerala and Tamil Nadu often begin their mango harvest as early as March, continuing through May.
The harvest then shifts to the western states, including Maharashtra and Gujarat, where the peak season typically runs from April into June. Moving northward, the mango season starts later, generally beginning in May and extending through July in the major growing regions of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. The eastern states, such as West Bengal, also follow a mid-to-late season pattern, with harvests occurring between May and July. This staggered timing is a direct result of varying microclimates, influencing the precise moment when the mango trees are ready for harvest.
Key Varieties and Peak Availability
For consumers, the mango season is defined by the specific varieties that are available during shorter, distinct micro-seasons within the broader harvest window. The highly sought-after Alphonso, often associated with Maharashtra’s Konkan coast, is an early-to-mid-season variety. Its peak market availability typically occurs from late April through May, when its signature creamy texture and sweet flavor are at their best.
Following closely behind is the Kesar mango, primarily grown in Gujarat, which enters its peak from late May and continues into June. The Kesar is known for its saffron-colored pulp and intensely sweet profile, making it a favorite for desserts.
The season concludes with the late-harvest varieties, which dominate the market from June into August. The Dasheri, originating from North India, and the Langra, known for retaining a greenish hue even when ripe, are staples of this period. These late-season mangoes extend the season well into the monsoon period, providing a final abundance of fruit.