When Is Strawberry Season? A State-by-State U-Pick Guide
Find out exactly when strawberry season peaks in your state, from Florida's winter harvest to Maine's summer crop. A complete u-pick timing guide.
Strawberries are the most popular u-pick crop in the United States — and for good reason. There is nothing quite like a sun-warmed berry plucked straight from the plant. But timing your visit correctly makes all the difference between buckets of perfect fruit and a disappointing trip to an empty field. Strawberry season varies by as much as six months depending on where you live, so this guide breaks it down state by state.
Why Strawberry Season Varies So Much
Strawberries thrive in cool weather and well-drained soil. They need enough winter chill to set fruit, but too much frost kills blossoms. This creates a rolling wave of harvest seasons that sweeps northward from late winter to midsummer, roughly following warmer temperatures.
Commercial varieties also affect timing. Early-season varieties like Chandler and Camarosa ripen weeks before midseason varieties like Earliglow. Many u-pick farms plant multiple varieties deliberately, stretching their season by four to six weeks.
Southern States: December Through April
Florida
Florida leads the nation in winter strawberries. Plant City, in Hillsborough County, calls itself the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World — and it earns that title. U-pick season typically runs from late December through late March, with peak picking in February. Temperatures in the 60s and 70s keep berries sweet and firm.
Louisiana and Mississippi
Fields in southern Louisiana open as early as mid-March, with the season extending through late April. Mississippi's central and southern counties follow a similar calendar. Both states benefit from mild springs, though a late freeze can push everything back two to three weeks.
Georgia
Georgia's strawberry u-pick season runs from mid-April through May. North Georgia farms in the mountain foothills tend to peak slightly later than flatland farms near Macon or Columbus. A warm April can accelerate things dramatically.
North and South Carolina
Expect farms to open from mid-April through early June. The Piedmont region tends to peak in early to mid-May. Mountain farms in the western counties may not hit peak until late May or even early June.
Mid-Atlantic and Midwest: May and June
Virginia, Maryland, and Delaware
U-pick fields open across this region from late April through mid-June. Northern Virginia farms frequently advertise opening weekends in early May, and these weekends fill up fast. Call ahead or check farm websites.
Pennsylvania and New Jersey
New Jersey's strawberry season — especially in South Jersey — is a beloved regional tradition. Farms typically open from mid-May through mid-June. Pennsylvania fields follow a similar schedule, with some mountain-area farms opening later.
Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois
The Great Lakes weather pattern pushes Midwest opening dates to late May through late June. Ohio farms often see peak season in the first two weeks of June. Wet, cool springs can delay harvest by one to two weeks.
Michigan
Michigan produces significant quantities of strawberries commercially, and u-pick options are plentiful. Expect harvest from mid-June through early July, with the season somewhat variable depending on the spring.
Northeast and New England: June and July
New York
Depending on location, New York farms open from early June through mid-July. Long Island farms tend to open earlier than Hudson Valley or Finger Lakes farms. The season can be surprisingly compressed — often just three to four weeks at peak.
Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island
Southern New England farms typically open in mid-June and run through early July. Local farms fill fast on warm weekends, so weekday visits are often easier.
Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine
Northern New England has the latest strawberry season in the contiguous US. Farms may not open until late June, with some running into late July. The cooler temperatures mean berries develop more slowly but often develop excellent flavor.
West Coast: A Different Pattern
California
California's enormous commercial strawberry industry means u-pick farms are fewer but exist, mainly in coastal areas of Ventura, San Diego, and Santa Barbara counties. Coastal farms can run almost year-round, with peaks in April through June and again in the fall.
Oregon and Washington
The Pacific Northwest has outstanding strawberry growing conditions. Oregon's Willamette Valley peaks in June and July, while Washington farms follow a similar schedule. Varieties like Hood and Totem are beloved by locals for their exceptional flavor.
Tips for Any State
- Call before you go. Weather can shift opening and closing dates by weeks.
- Go early in the day. Berries picked in morning heat are still cool and firm.
- Bring sunscreen. Strawberry fields offer little shade.
- Pick only ripe berries. They will not ripen further once picked. Look for full red color all the way to the stem with no white shoulders.
How Much to Pick
A full flat (about 12 pints) weighs roughly 12 to 14 pounds and is plenty for jam-making. For fresh eating, plan on one to two pounds per person. Berries will last three to five days refrigerated and can be frozen whole after a quick rinse and dry.