🍋 Free guide: juice yields, substitutions & more. Get the Citrus Cheat Sheet →
Get the Newsletter

Start typing to search recipes and guides by name, cuisine, or tag.

Citrus season

When Is Lime in Season?

Quick answer: In the Northern Hemisphere, lime is available fresh all year. In the Southern Hemisphere, lime is available all year, and the best fruit comes from January to April.

Lime season by month

Northern HemisphereAll year
Southern HemisphereAll year
  • Peak
  • In season
  • Limited or imported

In Australia, Citrus Australia says the best limes arrive from January to April. In the north, supply is steady all year, so there is no clear peak.

Dates are typical and rounded. They vary by variety, region and weather. See the full calendar for every fruit.

About lime season

The common Persian lime is sold year-round in most stores. Key limes, the small aromatic ones used for Key lime pie, are a more limited specialty fruit.

How to pick and store it

A good lime feels heavy for its size and has smooth, thin skin. A little yellowing is fine and usually means the fruit is fully ripe, while hard, shriveled or dry-looking limes give less juice.

Limes keep longer in the fridge than on the counter. Roll one firmly on the counter before cutting to help it release its juice.

Cook with lime

Read more

Nutrition and terms

Common questions

When is lime in season?

In the Northern Hemisphere, lime is available fresh all year. In the Southern Hemisphere, lime is available all year, and the best fruit comes from January to April.

Is lime available all year?

Yes. Lime is sold fresh all year, because different growing regions supply different months.

How do I pick a good lime?

A good lime feels heavy for its size and has smooth, thin skin. A little yellowing is fine and usually means the fruit is fully ripe, while hard, shriveled or dry-looking limes give less juice.

How do I store lime?

Limes keep longer in the fridge than on the counter. Roll one firmly on the counter before cutting to help it release its juice.

Other citrus fruits