Michigan Apple Harvest Dates

Lilly DeLano

| 3 min read

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Key Takeaways
  • Michigan’s apple season runs from early August through late October, with the state harvesting more than 1 billion pounds of fruit each year—making it the nation’s second‑largest apple producer.
  • Key varieties and their peak dates this year include Gala (around Aug. 24), Honeycrisp (around Aug. 31), Cortland (early Sept., region‑dependent), McIntosh and Golden Delicious (around Sept. 7), Fuji (around Sept. 21), Empire (mid‑Sept., region‑dependent) and Braeburn (October).
  • Apples from Michigan are low‑calorie (about 60 calories per fruit), high in fiber, antioxidants and water, and can help stabilize blood sugar, lower cholesterol and reduce inflammation.
It's that time of year; Michigan's apple harvest is right around the corner.
The harvest will be at its peak from early August through late October. Beside our apples, Michigan is known for being a top producer of tart cherries, cucumbers, black and navy beans, squash and asparagus.

Why Michigan apples are popular

Michigan's unique climate creates ideal conditions for apple harvesting. The warm summers and cool nights, along with access to the Great Lakes water supply, help create and produce apples with a balance of sweetness and tartness and the perfect amount of crispness. With more than a dozen types of apples commercially available throughout the state, there is an apple for every taste and recipe.
Michigan is ranked second in the nation for agriculture diversity. Farmers and growers in Michigan produce more than 300 agricultural commodities each year. According to Michigan Apples, the range of apples in Michigan is very wide and changes throughout the season. Michigan is also responsible for producing more than 1 billion pounds of apples each year; ranking Michigan as the nation's second largest apple producing state.

Michigan apple harvest dates

One of the best parts about Michigan in the fall is apple season. The different varieties of apples that ripen throughout the fall give visitors a reason to keep going to orchards every fall. According to Michigan State University's 2026 Apple Harvest Dates, many varieties are expected to be available slightly earlier than normal this upcoming season.

Late August

  • Gala starting around Aug. 24: Gala apples are a customer favorite providing mild sweetness, making it perfect for snacking and lunches.
  • Honeycrisp starting around Aug. 31: Honeycrisp apples are known for their crisp texture and sweetness. It is one of Michigan's most sought-after apples.

Early September

  • Cortland starting early September depending on the region: The perfect apple for baking needs; the apple also stays white longer after slicing, making it great for salads and snacks. The harvest time for this apple varies by region.
  • McIntosh and Golden Delicious starting around Sept. 7: Early fall favorites around Michigan, ready at the beginning of peak apple season.

Late September

  • Fuji starting around Sept. 21: A sweet, crispy apple that is easy to store for long periods of time.
  • Empire starting in mid-September depending on the region: Has a mix of sweet and tart flavors; many enjoy empire apples for fresh eating or baking. Harvest time usually falls during peak fall orchard season.

October

Braeburn: A fan favorite for pies and other baked desserts. Known for its firm texture and balanced flavor. This one is typically harvested during Michigan's peak fall color season.

Health benefits of apples

Along with being tasty, apples have some great health benefits. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, apples have only 60 calories each, depending on the variety, and provide great nutritional value. Apples carry antioxidants, fiber and 85% water. Eating apples can help stabilize your blood sugar, lower cholesterol, reduce blood pressure and ease inflammation.
If you want to plan a fun fall day and collect some of Michigan's delicious apples, visit one of the state's many apple orchards to buy a basket or pick your own.
Photo credit: Getty Images

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