Penang Durian Seasonal Calendar
Durian harvesting follows seasonal patterns. Plan your visit to Penang during peak seasons for the best experience.
January
- Black Thorn
- D24
- Musang King (Limited)
February
- Black Thorn
- Red Prawn
- D24
- D101 (Limited)
March
April
May
- Musang King
- D24
- Durian Kampung
- D11
- 604
- 600
June
- Musang King
- D24
- Black Thorn
- Red Prawn
- Hor Lor
- Green Skin 15
- D13
- Black Pearl
July
- Musang King
- D24
- Black Thorn
- Red Prawn
- D101
- XO
- Golden Phoenix
- D13
- Green Bamboo
- IOI
August
- Musang King
- D24
- Black Thorn
- XO
- D78
- D15
- Ganja
- Red Prawn
September
- Musang King
- D24
- Dato Nina
- D88
- D17
October
November
December
- Musang King
- Red Prawn (Limited)
- D24 (Limited)
Annual Durian Calendar
| Month | Availability | Common Varieties | Price Range (Estimate) |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | Minor Season | Musang King, D24, XO and 1 more | RM30-80/kg |
| February | Minor Season | Musang King, D24, XO and 1 more | RM30-80/kg |
| March | Off Season | D24, kampung varieties | RM15-100+/kg |
| April | Off Season | D24, kampung varieties | RM15-100+/kg |
| May | Off Season | D24, kampung varieties | RM15-100+/kg |
| June | Main Season | Musang King, Black Thorn, Red Prawn and 6 more | RM8-80/kg |
| July | Main Season | Musang King, Black Thorn, Red Prawn and 6 more | RM8-80/kg |
| August | Main Season | Musang King, Black Thorn, Red Prawn and 6 more | RM8-80/kg |
| September | Off Season | D24, kampung varieties | RM15-100+/kg |
| October | Off Season | D24, kampung varieties | RM15-100+/kg |
| November | Off Season | D24, kampung varieties | RM15-100+/kg |
| December | Minor Season | Musang King, D24, XO and 1 more | RM30-80/kg |
Durian Season Breakdown
Main Season
The primary durian season with the highest volume and variety of durians available. Prices are generally more affordable during this peak season.
Popular Varieties:
Tips:
Best time to visit for durian festivals and farm tours. Book accommodations in advance as this is peak tourist season for durian enthusiasts.
Minor Season
A smaller second harvest with fewer varieties but still good quality. Prices tend to be slightly higher than main season.
Popular Varieties:
Tips:
Less crowded time to visit farms. Quality can be excellent but selection is more limited.
Off Season
Limited availability of durians, mostly from staggered flowering or areas with different microclimates.
Popular Varieties:
Tips:
Expect higher prices and limited selection. Good time to try other tropical fruits like mangosteen and rambutan.
Regional Season Differences
Penang
Balik Pulau area tends to have the most consistent harvests.
Johor
Muar and Segamat are known for excellent Musang King durians.
Pahang
Raub is famous for premium Musang King durians.
Perak
Hulu Perak has some of the oldest durian orchards in Malaysia.
Kedah
Known for some unique kampung varieties not found elsewhere.
Kelantan
Local varieties have distinct flavors from the east coast climate.
Microclimates and Regional Variations
Durian seasons can vary significantly even within the same state due to microclimates and elevation differences. Higher elevations typically see later harvests, while coastal areas often experience earlier flowering periods. Climate change is also affecting traditional harvest timing, with some seasons becoming less predictable.
Popular Variety Timing
| Variety | Early Season | Peak Season | Late Season | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Musang King (D197) | Early June | Late June - July | Early August | Best quality often comes from Pahang state |
| Black Thorn (D200) | Mid June | July | Early August | Limited production makes it harder to find |
| Red Prawn (D175) | Early June | June - July | Late July | Tends to have a reliable harvest in Penang |
| D24 (Sultan) | Late May | June | Early July | Often available during minor Dec-Jan season too |
| XO | June | Late June - July | July | Best aroma when fully ripened on the tree |
| Hor Lor (D168) | Early June | Mid-June - July | Late July | Tends to be more affordable than premium varieties |
Planning Your Durian Trip
Tips for Main Season (June-August)
- Book accommodations at least 3 months in advance, especially in Penang and Raub
- Visit farms early in the day (before noon) for the freshest selection of fallen durians
- Expect crowds on weekends; weekday visits are more relaxed
- Check with farms about their peak harvest days; some have specific schedules
- Try attending durian festivals for a variety of options in one location
Tips for Minor Season (December-February)
- Call farms in advance to confirm availability, as yields are less predictable
- Be prepared for higher prices but potentially better quality fruits
- Consider visiting larger commercial farms that have more consistent off-season production
- Follow social media of popular durian vendors who will announce when fruits are available
- Enjoy a more peaceful durian tasting experience with smaller crowds
Climate Change Impact
Due to changing climate patterns, durian seasons may vary from the historical norms outlined above. In recent years, we've observed seasons shifting by 2-3 weeks and becoming less predictable. We recommend following our news updates for the latest information on current season timing.