Six Important Apple Dates in October

Updated 6 November 2026 · Standard formula, shown below

October is a pivotal month in the apple calendar, marking the peak of harvest for many varieties, the conclusion of U-pick seasons, and the start of storage and processing for the winter. The six most important apple dates in October are the first Monday (National Apple Day in the UK), the second Saturday (National Apple Day in the US, observed on October 21 in 2024), the third weekend (peak harvest for many late-season varieties), October 21 (Apple Day in the US, also the date of the first Apple computer’s founding in 1976), the last Friday (National Apple Day in the US, observed on October 20 in 2023), and the final weekend (the end of the harvest season for most commercial orchards in the Northern Hemisphere).

Why October Is the Apple Month

Apples are one of the few fruits that store well for months after picking, and October is when the bulk of the Northern Hemisphere’s crop comes off the trees. In the United States, the harvest typically runs from late August through early November, but October is the crossover point: early varieties like Gala and Honeycrisp are finishing, while late varieties like Fuji, Granny Smith, and Pink Lady are reaching full maturity. For growers, October is the month when the majority of the crop is picked, sorted, and moved into cold storage or processing facilities. For consumers, it is the last reliable window to buy truly fresh, tree-ripened apples from local orchards before they are replaced by stored fruit.

The Six Key Dates and What They Mean

While the exact dates shift slightly each year, these six markers consistently shape the apple calendar in October:

First Monday – National Apple Day (UK): Celebrated on October 21 in the UK, this day was established in 1990 by the charity Common Ground to highlight the diversity of apple varieties and the importance of orchards. Many orchards hold tastings, pressing demonstrations, and grafting workshops.
Second Saturday – National Apple Day (US, informal): Many US orchards and farmers’ markets hold their own apple festivals on the second Saturday of October, often featuring cider pressing and variety tastings. This is not an official federal holiday but a widely observed promotional date.
Third Weekend – Peak Harvest for Late Varieties: In most temperate regions, the third weekend of October is when late-season apples like Fuji, Braeburn, and Pink Lady reach their peak sugar and firmness. Orchards that offer U-pick often close after this weekend because the remaining fruit is either too ripe or reserved for commercial picking.
October 21 – Apple Day (US) and Apple Computer’s Founding: In the US, October 21 is sometimes cited as National Apple Day, though it is not federally recognized. On the same date in 1976, Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak founded Apple Computer, giving the date a dual significance for apple enthusiasts and tech historians.
Last Friday – National Apple Day (US, alternate): Some states and orchard associations observe the last Friday of October as an apple day, often coinciding with school harvest festivals and the end of the U-pick season in colder regions.
Final Weekend – End of the Commercial Harvest: By the last weekend of October, most commercial orchards in the Northern Hemisphere have finished their main harvest. This is the deadline for growers to pick apples before the first hard frost, which can damage fruit left on the tree.

How These Dates Affect Your Apple Buying

Knowing these dates helps you buy apples at their best. If you want truly fresh, crisp apples, aim to buy them before the third weekend of October. After that, most apples you see in supermarkets have been in cold storage for at least a few weeks. U-pick orchards typically close by the end of October, so if you want to pick your own, plan for mid-October. For cider makers, the last two weeks of October are the peak pressing period, as the late varieties have the highest sugar content, which ferments well into hard cider.

Common Mistakes and Misconceptions

One common misconception is that all apples are harvested in September. In reality, the harvest spans several months, and October is the prime month for the so-called “storage” varieties—apples that improve in flavor after a few weeks in cold storage. Another mistake is assuming that a frost ruins all apples. Light frosts can actually concentrate sugars, but a hard freeze (below 28°F / -2°C) can damage the fruit’s cell structure, making it mealy. Also, many people confuse the UK’s Apple Day (October 21) with the US’s various state-level apple days, which can fall on different dates in September or October. Always check your local orchard’s calendar rather than relying on a national date.

How to Choose Apples in October

When selecting apples in October, look for firmness, color, and aroma. A fresh October apple should feel heavy for its size and have a taut, unblemished skin. The stem should be intact and slightly green, not brown and dry. If you are buying at a farmers’ market, ask the grower when the apples were picked—fruit harvested within the last two weeks will be noticeably crisper. For baking, choose tart varieties like Granny Smith or Jonathan, which hold their shape. For eating fresh, look for Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Pink Lady, which are at their peak in October. Avoid apples that feel soft near the stem or have any signs of bruising, as they will not store well.

Storage and Preservation Tips

If you buy a large quantity in October, proper storage is key. Apples keep best at 30–32°F (-1 to 0°C) with high humidity. A refrigerator crisper drawer is ideal for short-term storage, but for longer storage, wrap each apple in newspaper and place them in a cool, dark, well-ventilated area. Do not store apples near potatoes or onions, as they release ethylene gas that causes the other produce to spoil faster. For long-term preservation, you can freeze sliced apples (toss with lemon juice to prevent browning), make applesauce, or press cider. Hard cider makers often use October apples specifically because their higher sugar content yields a better fermentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a single official National Apple Day in the US?

No. The US does not have a federally recognized National Apple Day. Various states and organizations observe apple days on different dates, often in September or October. The most common dates are October 21 and the last Friday of October, but these are not official holidays.

Why is October 21 important for apple history?

October 21 is the date in 1976 when Apple Computer was founded by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne. This is unrelated to the fruit, but it adds a coincidental significance for those interested in both apples and technology.

What is the best time to pick apples in October?

The best time is the first two weeks of October for most varieties, especially in cooler climates. By the third week, many U-pick orchards have been picked over, and the remaining fruit may be overripe. Check your local orchard’s website for their specific harvest schedule.

Can I still buy fresh apples after October?

Yes, but they will be from cold storage. Apples can be stored for 6–12 months under controlled atmosphere conditions, so you can buy “fresh” apples year-round. However, their texture and flavor will not match that of a just-picked October apple.

Do apples get sweeter after being picked?

No. Apples do not continue to ripen after harvest; they only soften and eventually rot. The sugar content at picking time is the maximum. This is why October-picked apples, which have had the longest time on the tree, are often the sweetest of the season.

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