Brazil’s fruit seasons explained from summer harvests to winter dormancy

In Brazil, fruit production follows a clear seasonal rhythm shaped by tropical and subtropical climates, long daylight hours, and regional rainfall patterns. Knowing when each fruit tree bears fruit is essential for growers planning harvests, traders managing supply, and consumers seeking peak flavour and quality throughout the year.

Seasonal changes directly influence flowering, fruit set, and maturation. Summer favours heat-loving tropical species, while winter provides the cold exposure required by temperate fruit trees, particularly in southern regions. Spring and autumn act as transition periods, bringing intense flavours, new blooms, and shifting harvest windows.

Summer (December to February) is the most productive season for tropical fruits. Mangoes, avocados, passion fruit, jabuticaba, and lychee dominate orchards in December. January sees strong output of papaya, guava, and watermelon, while February marks peak volumes for acerola, pitanga, banana, and regional fruits such as cashew and umbu in drier areas.

Autumn (March to May) brings milder temperatures and balanced soil moisture. Apples and pears begin harvesting in March, followed by persimmon and loquat in April. By May, citrus fruits take centre stage, with oranges and tangerines supplying markets nationwide.

Winter (June to August) is a quieter but critical phase. Kiwis and late persimmons remain available in June, while stone fruit trees enter dormancy in July. August signals renewal, with early strawberries and blackberries appearing in milder climates.

Spring (September to November) marks the restart of the production cycle. Flowering intensifies across citrus, berries, bananas, and papaya, setting the foundation for the summer harvests that follow.

Understanding these seasonal patterns helps stabilise supply, improve fruit quality, and maximise the value of Brazil’s diverse fruit sector.

source: abrafrutas.org

photo: placestovisitbrazil.com