India is the mango capital of the world. It produces about 40% of the global mango supply across more than 1,000 varieties. But unlike Australia, where mango season is a simple September-to-March window, India's mango season is staggered across states — meaning different varieties peak at different times.
When Does Mango Season Start in India?
Mango season in India officially starts in March with the arrival of the Alphonso mango in Maharashtra. From there, the season cascades across the country through July and August, with different states harvesting different varieties at different times.
The peak of the Indian mango season is May to July, when the majority of varieties are available simultaneously.
Indian Mango Season by State
| State | Key Varieties | Season | Peak |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maharashtra | Alphonso (Hapus), Pairi, Kesar | March–June | April–May |
| Uttar Pradesh | Langra, Dasheri, Chausa, Fazli | May–August | June–July |
| Gujarat | Kesar, Alphonso | April–June | May |
| Andhra Pradesh | Banganapalli, Neelam, Totapuri | March–July | April–May |
| Tamil Nadu | Imam Pasand, Banganapalli, Neelam | March–July | April–May |
| Karnataka | Alphonso, Totapuri, Neelam, Raspuri | March–July | April–May |
| Bihar | Langra, Bombai, Fazli | May–August | June–July |
| West Bengal | Langra, Himsagar, Fazli | May–August | June |
| Kerala | Neelam, Alphonso, Mundappa | March–June | April–May |
The Timeline: What's Available Each Month
March–April: Early Season
The season kicks off with Alphonso (the "King of Mangoes") from Maharashtra and Karnataka, and Banganapalli from Andhra Pradesh. These are the first premium mangoes of the year and command the highest prices.
May: Peak Season Begins
By May, the season is in full swing. Kesar from Gujarat hits the market alongside Alphonso. This is when prices start to drop and availability widens.
June–July: Peak Season
The heart of mango season. Langra and Dasheri from Uttar Pradesh arrive, along with Himsagar from West Bengal. Every major variety is available, and prices are at their lowest.
August: Late Season
Chausa and Fazli from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar are the last varieties of the season. These are typically eaten as the season winds down.
The Big Three: India's Most Famous Mangoes
| Variety | Brix (Sweetness) | State | Why It's Famous |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alphonso (Hapus) | 18–22 | Maharashtra | Considered the best mango in the world — rich, creamy, saffron-coloured |
| Langra | 16–19 | UP, Bihar | Thin skin, fibreless flesh, lemon-honey flavour |
| Kesar | 17–20 | Gujarat | Saffron-coloured pulp, intense aroma — the "Queen of Mangoes" |
India vs Australia: How the Seasons Compare
India and Australia are on opposite mango seasons due to their positions in the Northern and Southern hemispheres:
- India: March–August (Northern Hemisphere summer)
- Australia: September–March (Southern Hemisphere summer)
This means there's always fresh mango season happening somewhere in the world. For the Australian mango season guide, check our post on when mangoes are in season in Australia.
Can You Buy Indian Mangoes in Australia?
Why Indian Mangoes Are So Special
India's mango culture is unlike anywhere else in the world. Mangoes are the national fruit of India, mentioned in ancient texts dating back 4,000+ years, and celebrated with festivals during peak season. Here's what makes Indian mangoes unique:
- Incredible variety: India has over 1,000 mango varieties, though only about 30 are grown commercially. Each region has its own prized local variety with a distinct flavour profile.
- Cultural significance: Mango leaves are used in Hindu ceremonies, mango motifs appear in traditional art and textiles, and giving someone a basket of Alphonso mangoes is a gesture of deep respect.
- Breeding history: Many of the world's best mango varieties originated in India. The Kensington Pride (Australia's most popular mango) has Indian ancestry, as do most commercial varieties grown globally.
- Flavour diversity: Indian mangoes range from the honey-sweet Alphonso to the tangy Totapuri (used in pickles) to the fibreless, lemon-honey Langra. The flavour range is far wider than in Australia.
How Indian Mango Season Works
India's mango season is staggered across states because of the country's size and diverse climates. Here's how it flows:
- February–March: Early varieties like Alphonso arrive in Maharashtra. These are the most expensive mangoes of the year, often gifted and exported.
- April–May: Peak season begins. Kesar from Gujarat, Banganapalli from Andhra Pradesh, and more Alphonso flood the markets. Prices start to drop.
- June–July: Full peak. Langra and Dasheri from Uttar Pradesh, Himsagar from West Bengal. Every variety is available, and prices are at their lowest.
- August: Late varieties like Chausa and Fazli close the season. These are the last fresh mangoes until the following March.
This staggering means India has a 6-month mango season — compared to Australia's 7-month season (September–March), but the peak density of varieties is much higher in India.
The Alphonso: King of Mangoes
The Alphonso (locally called Hapus) is India's most famous mango, and for good reason:
| Attribute | Alphonso Details |
|---|---|
| Brix (sweetness) | 18–22 (among the sweetest in the world) |
| Colour | Saffron-orange pulp |
| Texture | Creamy, fibreless, butter-like |
| Flavour | Rich, honey-like, with hints of apricot and melon |
| Season | March–June (Maharashtra) |
| Price | Premium — 3–5× the price of other varieties |
| Export | Exported worldwide (not to Australia fresh) |
Alphonso mangoes are so prized that they have a GI (Geographical Indication) tag, meaning only mangoes grown in specific regions of Maharashtra can legally be called "Alphonso." This is similar to how only sparkling wine from Champagne, France can be called "Champagne."
Indian Mango Varieties You Should Know
| Variety | State | Brix | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alphonso (Hapus) | Maharashtra | 18–22 | Eating fresh, desserts, aamras |
| Kesar | Gujarat | 17–20 | Eating fresh, juice, "Queen of Mangoes" |
| Langra | UP, Bihar | 16–19 | Eating fresh, lemon-honey flavour |
| Dasheri | UP | 15–18 | Eating fresh, very fragrant |
| Banganapalli | Andhra Pradesh | 14–17 | Eating fresh, large and fleshy |
| Totapuri | South India | 10–13 | Pickles, juices (tangy, not sweet) |
| Chausa | UP, Bihar | 16–19 | Late season, very sweet |
For the Australian mango Brix comparison, see our which mango is sweetest guide.
Can You Get Indian Mangoes Outside India?
Indian mangoes are exported to many countries, but availability depends on biosecurity agreements:
- UK and Europe: Alphonso mangoes are available in Indian grocery stores from March to June.
- USA: Limited imports of irradiated Indian mangoes are available in some specialty stores.
- Middle East: Widely available, especially in UAE and Saudi Arabia.
- Australia: Fresh Indian mangoes are NOT available due to strict biosecurity laws. However, you can find Alphonso pulp (canned or frozen), mango pickles, and dried mango at Indian grocery stores.
For fresh mangoes in Australia, the best varieties are Kensington Pride (Brix 15–18) and Honey Gold (Brix 16–19) — see our Australian mango season guide for when to buy them.
Mango Festivals in India
Mangoes are so important in India that they have their own festivals:
- International Mango Festival (Delhi, July): Showcases 500+ varieties with tasting competitions, mango-eating contests, and cultural performances.
- Alphonso Festival (Maharashtra, April–May): Celebrates the start of Alphonso season with farm tours and tastings.
- Mango Mela (various states): Local markets and fairs during peak season where farmers sell directly to consumers.
Due to strict biosecurity laws, fresh Indian mangoes are generally not available in Australia. However, some processed Indian mango products (like Alphonso pulp and mango pickles) are available at Indian grocery stores. For fresh mangoes, Australian-grown varieties like Kensington Pride and R2E2 are your best bet — available from September to March.
Frequently Asked Questions
Mango season in India starts in March with the arrival of the Alphonso mango in Maharashtra. The season runs through August, with different varieties peaking at different times. Peak season is May to July, when the most varieties are available simultaneously and prices are at their lowest.
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