Mango season in Australia: when to buy, what to pay and how to get the best value

Australian mango season runs from October to March

Australian-grown mangoes are available from October through to March, with peak supply and lowest prices typically occurring from late November through January. The Northern Territory and Queensland are the main growing regions, with harvest moving progressively through different varieties as the season progresses.

Understanding when supply peaks — and which varieties arrive when — helps you buy at the best price and quality.

When prices are lowest

The highest prices for mangoes occur at the very start of the season (October and early November) when supply is limited and the first boxes command a premium. Prices drop significantly as harvest ramps up through late November and December.

The cheapest time to buy mangoes is typically:

• Late November to December: Kensington Pride (the most common commercial variety) hits full supply. Boxes are available from greengrocers and some supermarkets at their seasonal low price per fruit.
• January: The season is mature, prices remain low, and variety expands.

If you are planning to use mangoes for Christmas entertaining, buying in late November when supply is high is usually cheaper than buying in the first week of December when demand spikes.

Common varieties and what to expect

Kensington Pride (Bowen): The most widely sold variety in Australia. Yellow-green skin that does not turn fully red when ripe — judge ripeness by feel, not colour. Available from October through to January.

R2E2: A large, round mango with red-green skin. Firm flesh, less fibrous than Kensington Pride, good for slicing cleanly. Arrives in November and December.

Honey Gold: Bright yellow skin, sweeter flavour profile, no turpentine aftertaste. Available from October onward and remains popular through the season.

Calypso: Red and yellow skin, fiberless flesh, consistent flavour. Available from November into February.

How to choose and ripen at home

A ripe mango gives slightly to gentle pressure — similar to a ripe avocado. If the mangoes available are firm, they will ripen at room temperature over two to three days. Do not refrigerate unripe mangoes; cold temperatures halt ripening and can damage the flesh.

Once ripe, mangoes can be refrigerated for a few days or cut and stored in a sealed container in the fridge for two to three days.

When frozen mango is the better buy

Outside of peak season (or when fresh prices are high), frozen mango offers good value. Frozen mango is cut and frozen at peak ripeness, making it suitable for smoothies, frozen desserts, and cooking. It is generally significantly cheaper per kilogram than out-of-season fresh mango and has no waste.

Our frozen seafood and frozen produce guide covers the broader case for frozen over fresh when seasonal prices are high.

Supermarket vs greengrocer vs markets

During peak season, greengrocers and produce markets often offer better per-unit pricing on trays and boxes of mangoes than supermarkets. If your household goes through a significant volume of mangoes — common with children at home — buying by the tray from a greengrocer or market during peak season is worth considering.

Supermarkets are convenient for single or small quantities and their prices are easier to compare online. Run a search on TrolleyChecker to check current supermarket mango pricing.