At Mercanta, we believe that exceptional coffee is a journey – a journey from dedicated producers to our customer’s roasteries and to the final consumer. A crucial part of appreciating this journey is understanding coffee seasonality and its impact in availability and quality. Much like fruits have their prime harvesting season, coffee beans have a peak window of freshness tied directly to their harvest cycles around the globe. Timing is everything when capturing the elegant, vibrant, nuanced flavours we seek.
The Global Harvest Rhythm:
Coffee harvesting follows an almost predictable rhythm, generally moving southward across the globe as the year unfolds. Understanding this cycle is key to sourcing and enjoying coffee at its absolute best.
It is important to note that each coffee-growing region has its own unique harvest window influenced by factors like elevation, rainfall, temperature, harvesting method (manual or mechanic) and coffee variety. In mountainous areas, coffee at different altitudes ripens at different rates, which creates the need for the ripe berries to be harvested by hand, which in turn extends the overall harvesting period.
Below is more detailed information county by country:
South America
Brazil ~
As the leading exporter of coffee, the Brazilian harvest is an important time for the global coffee industry and key in understanding coffee seasonality.
The Brazilian harvest, typically occurring between May and September depending on farm location and altitude, significantly impacts the global coffee market. Following processing, these beans are usually in transit from September to December, arriving at most ports between October of the harvest year and January or February of the next.
Given that Brazil produces just under 40% of the world’s coffee – around 66.4 million 60-kilogram bags which translates to 3.7 million metric tons annually – this harvest period is crucial. This immense production naturally yields a wide spectrum of qualities, from natural Robusta to the mild Santos screen 17/18 and to high end Specialty coffee. Through our trusted in-country partners, we can offer our clients an extensive selection of Brazilian coffees, ranging from large macrolots to meticulously sourced microlots, ensuring access to this significant origin at its freshest.
Colombia ~
Colombia presents a unique case in coffee seasonality due to its multiple harvests, ensuring a near year-round availability of fresh crops.
Since the early 19th century, Colombia has cultivated a reputation for producing coffees celebrated for their full body and bright acidity. The country’s diverse coffee-growing regions, characterized by varied microclimates and altitudes, contribute to its ability to meet global demand continuously.
The primary harvest takes place from September to mid-January in the centre and centre south of the country (Antioquia, Quindío, Risaralda, Caldas), with these beans typically arriving at ports in mid-January through March after about a month at sea. Additionally, Colombia has a significant second harvest, known as the “Mitaca,” or flycrop occurring in April, May, and June, which then arrives in August and September.
The harvest times mentioned above reverse for the south of the country (Huila, Nariño), which have their main harvest when the centre of the country have their Flycrop when the centre of the country has their main harvest.
This allows for a consistent supply of Colombian coffee throughout the year.
Peru ~
Peru’s primary coffee harvest begins in May and extends over several months, typically concluding by early September. Following processing, the journey by sea to ports generally takes one to two months. As a result, freshly harvested Peruvian coffee becomes available from mid-November to early January, making it a noteworthy origin to anticipate towards the end of the year.
It is important to notices that Peru’s coffee-growing regions, primarily located on the eastern slopes of the Andes (including Amazonas, Cajamarca, San Martin in the north, Junin in the central region, and Cusco, Ayacucho, and Puno in the south), experience slightly different microclimates and harvest timings within the broader window.
It is noteworthy that Peru stands out as the world’s largest exporter of organic Arabica coffee. The country’s remarkably high altitudes, combined with its fertile soils, provide ideal conditions for its dedicated smallholder farmers to cultivate some truly exceptional specialty coffees. This commitment to organic practices and high-quality production makes Peruvian coffee a distinctive and sought-after origin.
Ecuador ~
Positioned between Colombia and Peru, Ecuador has ideal coffee-growing conditions in its interior mountain ranges, characterized by high altitudes, favourable weather, and rich soil. Prioritizing quality over quantity, the country’s diverse terroir, spanning the Andes, Amazon, and coastal regions, combined with farmers’ innovation and collaborative efforts, is increasingly gaining international recognition for its exceptional specialty coffee.
Ecuador’s coffee harvest extends from early May through September, aligning with other South American countries like Bolivia, Brazil, and Peru, which also see their primary harvests during these months. Like other equatorial producers (e.g., Kenya, Sumatra, Brazil), Ecuador can sometimes have coffee available throughout much of the year, though the main flush is still April to October.
The coffee is shipped around Autumn, taking one to two months to reach ports, making it typically available from mid-November through January.
Bolivia ~
The Bolivia coffee harvest spans across May through September, allowing for shipment in October. Typically, the journey by sea takes about a month, meaning that Bolivian coffee arrives at ports from late October/early November through January, making them ideal for winter and early spring offerings in consuming countries.
Bolivia is a landlocked country, and exports are usually made from Peru, which means that transport is not entirely straightforward.
Amidst logistical hurdles, Bolivian coffee is normally available 90 to 120 days after it is harvested, meaning that its peak availability is still very much within the season.
Central America and Mexico
Panama ~
Despite its small size in Central America, Panama boasts a relatively long coffee harvest window, stretching from November through early March, across its three principal coffee-growing regions (Boquete, Volcán, and Renacimiento).
The extended harvest period allows for meticulous selection of ripe cherries, contributing to the consistently high-quality Panama is known for.
Given its strategic location and developed infrastructure, Panama generally experiences efficient shipping logistics.
The arrival window between May and July ensures that coffee lovers can often enjoy the latest Panamanian offerings during the Northern Hemisphere’s summer and early fall, at the peak of their quality.
Costa Rica ~
Mirroring its neighbour Panama, Costa Rica’s coffee harvest begins in November and extends until early March in certain regions. Following meticulous processing, the coffee is loaded for its journey, taking approximately one to three months by sea.
Consequently, the freshest Costa Rican coffee is typically available in the months of May, June, and July.
While Costa Rica generally benefits from efficient logistics like Panama, some challenges exist. Its mountainous terrain can complicate transportation from farms to processing centers and ports, particularly during the rainy season which overlaps with the harvest.
Although the country has invested in infrastructure, road conditions in rural coffee-growing regions can still cause delays.
Additionally, while Costa Rica has good port facilities on both its Caribbean and Pacific coasts, global shipping fluctuations and container availability can occasionally lead to increased transit times. Thankfully, the country’s well established export processes often mitigate these challenges compared to some other origins.
Guatemala ~
Guatemala’s extended coffee harvest, running from November through April, is a direct result of its diverse microclimates and varying altitudes across its renowned growing regions like Antigua, Huehuetenango, and Atitlán.
Following processing, the coffee is typically shipped in May, with a sea voyage of around two months leading to arrivals at ports from late July through September.
Guatemala’s well-established shipping routes and access to both Pacific and Atlantic ports generally facilitate relatively smooth logistics.
However, the mountainous terrain, especially in the western highlands where much of the specialty coffee is grown, can present transportation challenges from farms to processing mills and onward to ports, particularly during the rainy season.
Nicaragua ~
Nicaragua’s coffee harvest begins in November and runs through March, aligning with the dry season typical of the country.
Processing is completed by April, and shipments usually depart via Puerto Corinto, Nicaragua’s main Pacific port. Coffees typically arrive at destination markets by late June through July. Logistical execution can be challenging due to rugged terrain, variable drying conditions, Infrastructure limitations and reliance on a single port; though recent improvements at Corinto are helping streamline exports.
Honduras ~
Coffee harvest also begins in November in Honduras and runs all the way through until March, barring any climate-related disruptions, such as dry spells, which are becoming more frequent during the flowering season followed by unseasonal rains, including the effects of Tropical Storms that affect Central America yearly. This impacts both yield and cherry development, particularly in lower-altitude regions.
Despite these challenges, shipping typically starts by April, with arrivals into key markets projected between late July and September.
Some of the logistical challenges the country currently faces are damaged infrastructure, labour shortages and occasional port congestion which may slightly delay shipping times.
El Salvador ~
Like all other Central American origins, coffee harvest in El Salvador begins in November and stretches until March; though in recent years the season has been affected by storms or weather phenomenon such as El Niño, which cause slower ripening and drying; and consequently, stretching the production season.
Labor shortages, exacerbated by rural migration, have further strained harvesting and processing activities.
Despite these challenges, shipping typically begins in April, with coffees landing in key markets between mid-July and September.
On the logistics side, major investments are underway to expand and modernize the country’s main export port, Acajutla, which should enhance future shipping reliability.
Mexico ~
Mexico’s coffee harvest, spanning from November to mid-March across its diverse growing regions like Chiapas, Oaxaca, and Veracruz, offers a steady supply of this origin.
Shipping starts shortly after the harvest, resulting in arrivals at global destinations from May through July.
While Mexico boasts established infrastructure and access to both Pacific and Gulf of Mexico ports, logistical considerations often include transportation challenges from remote, high-altitude farms and occasional port congestion.
Other general and relative ongoing challenges include labour shortages, due to migration or general political and in-country issues.
However, the general shipping schedule typically remains consistent.
Current initiatives aimed at improving logistics and thus, the general supply of the coffee market, include the Interoceanic Corridor project, a major infrastructure initiative that aims to create a new trade route by connecting the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans through the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This corridor includes a railway, highway, and port system, with the goal of offering an alternative to the Panama Canal and boosting economic activity in southern Mexico.
East Africa and Democratic Republic of the Congo
Rwanda ~
The coffee harvest in Rwanda begins in April and typically wraps up by July, with shipments occurring from August through mid-October.
Since the repeal of the zoning policy in 2023—which now allows washing stations to purchase cherries from any region—competition among buyers has increased, driving up cherry prices. However, this shift has also introduced logistical challenges, such as longer internal transport times, which can delay shipments.
As a landlocked country, Rwanda depends on ports in neighbouring nations, adding complexity and time to the export process. Although infrastructure projects are underway to improve road access from growing regions to export hubs, some areas still experience transit difficulties, especially during the rainy season.
Additionally, Red Sea shipping disruptions have forced some shipments to reroute via the Cape of Good Hope, further extending transit times. As a result, Rwandan coffees are generally expected to arrive between late October and January.
Burundi ~
Although quite close to Rwanda, the harvest for Burundi actually begins in March and lasts until July, supported by favourable early-season rainfall. Once processing is complete, shipments typically occur between August and mid-October, with arrivals expected from mid-October through January.
As a landlocked country, Burundi relies on neighbouring ports like Dar es Salaam, and shipping schedules can be affected by regional infrastructure constraints and administrative hurdles, including licensing delays and limited dry milling capacity.
Ageing trees and limited access to agricultural inputs represent additional challenges to the country’s harvest season. But despite these challenges, coffees from key regions such as Kayanza and Ngozi, continue to be available every year in the Fall.
Tanzania ~
Tanzania’s coffee harvest season varies significantly across its regions. According to the International Coffee Organization (ICO), the main harvest typically spans from July to December in the northern and southern regions, while in the west, it usually begins earlier—from May to October. Additionally, some areas experience a secondary harvest, known locally as the “fly” or “Mitaca” crop, which varies depending on microclimates and regional conditions.
Once cherries are harvested, processing can present challenges—especially for farmers located far from central washing stations. While some use hand pulpers to process coffee on their own, many opt to deliver cherries to communal pulping units, which can introduce delays depending on distance and infrastructure.
Tanzanian coffee generally begins shipping in November and December, arriving in international markets between late December and February.
Exports move primarily through the port of Dar es Salaam—one of East Africa’s busiest ports and a critical hub not only for Tanzania but also for neighbouring landlocked countries. The port is known to experience occasional congestion and delays.
Recent reports underscore the need for continued investment in both processing facilities and transport infrastructure to streamline the movement of coffee from farm to port and ultimately to global buyers.
Ethiopia ~
As the birthplace of Arabica, Ethiopia offers one of the most diverse and nuanced coffee landscapes in the world. The country’s harvest season varies by region and altitude, but most coffee harvesting begins in October and can continue through January. Regions such as Sidamo, Yirgacheffe, and Guji often start harvest earlier, while higher-altitude areas may extend further into the new year.
Once harvested, coffees are processed through a mix of traditional washed and natural methods. Washed lots tend to be completed earlier in the season, while naturally processed coffees, which require longer drying times, may extend the timeline slightly. After processing and dry milling, exports typically begin to ship between February and March, with arrival in destination markets between March and May.
Logistics in Ethiopia remain complex. Coffee is transported overland—often across challenging terrain—to the dry mill and then to the port of Djibouti, Ethiopia’s primary export hub. While recent infrastructure investments and port improvements have helped, bottlenecks can still occur due to bureaucratic procedures, internal political dynamics, and fluctuating export licensing systems.
Ethiopia’s unique internal auction and ECX (Ethiopian Commodity Exchange) systems also influence how and when coffees become available for export. That said, growing demand for direct trade and traceable microlots has led to increased availability of high-quality, region-specific coffees through vertical integration and private washing station partnerships.
Ethiopia’s peak availability in international warehouses is generally between March and June.
Kenya ~
Kenya is globally renowned for its vibrant, complex coffees and structured auction system—but also for its uniquely staggered harvest calendar. The country experiences two distinct harvest periods, largely shaped by its bimodal rainfall pattern: the long rains from March to May and the short rains around October and November. These seasonal shifts define the main crop and the fly crop, each with regional nuances.
The main crop, accounting for most of the Kenya’s production and harvest volumes, is typically harvested between October and January, with peak exports occurring between February and March. This crop supplies most of the top-tier AA and AB lots highly sought after on the global market.
The fly crop, a smaller and more variable secondary harvest, generally runs from May through July, with exports occurring later in the year, around August to October.
The main harvest is often prized for its vibrant acidity and complex cup profiles while the fly crop lots offer high quality but are typically less consistent and smaller in volume than main crop offerings.
Kenya’s growing regions also follow slightly different seasonal timelines:
In Central Kenya (e.g., Nyeri, Kirinyaga, and the slopes of Mt. Kenya), the main harvest occurs from November to January, with export peaking in February and March.
In East Kenya (e.g., Machakos), harvesting takes place earlier—around August and September—with exports occurring in December and January.
In West Kenya (e.g., Bungoma and parts of the Rift Valley), the harvest spans October through December, with shipping in January and February.
Once processed—typically using Kenya’s meticulous fully washed method—coffees are sold via the Nairobi Coffee Exchange or direct trade routes. Shipments typically begin in February or March, arriving in major markets by mid-April through May.
Kenyan coffee is primarily sold through the Nairobi Coffee Exchange, a weekly auction system that helps establish market pricing and transparency. Increasingly, however, cooperatives and estates are also engaging in direct sales, allowing buyers to establish closer relationships and gain more traceability.
From a logistics perspective, Kenyan coffee is generally shipped through the port of Mombasa. While infrastructure is relatively well developed compared to neighbouring countries, delays can still occur, particularly during peak export months or due to port congestion.
DRC ~
Coffee production in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is concentrated in the eastern highlands near Lake Kivu, where ideal altitude, rich volcanic soils, and heirloom Bourbon varieties create potential for outstanding cup quality. In this region—particularly South Kivu and North Kivu—the main harvest typically runs from April through mid-August.
Once harvested and processed, the coffee is usually shipped starting in mid-August, with transit times that can extend into October. Due to limited infrastructure and the country’s complex logistics environment, coffees often arrive in international warehouses between November and January.
DRC’s coffee logistics present unique challenges, as most coffee must travel overland through neighbouring countries—primarily Rwanda or Uganda—before reaching ports such as Mombasa or Dar es Salaam. Road conditions, border controls, and political instability can cause significant delays.
Despite these challenges, there is a growing infrastructure of washing stations and cooperatives focused on traceable, specialty-grade coffee. International investment and NGO-supported projects have helped re-establish quality control and improve export capacity.
Asia
Vietnam ~
As the world’s second-largest coffee producer—and the leading exporter of Robusta—Vietnam plays a critical role in the global coffee supply chain. The country experiences multiple harvest windows due to its diverse geography and climate, with clear distinctions between Robusta and Arabica production zones.
The main harvest season typically begins in October and runs through January. Robusta, which dominates Vietnam’s production and is grown primarily in the southern Central Highlands (especially in provinces like Dak Lak and Gia Lai), is generally harvested from October through February. Arabica, which represents a smaller portion of the national output, is grown in both the north (e.g., Son La, Dien Bien, Quang Tri) and south (Lam Dong). Northern Arabica is usually harvested from September to mid-December, while southern regions like Lam Dong harvest between January and April.
There is also a secondary harvest period from May to September, though it is smaller and more localized, producing lower volumes of both Robusta and Arabica.
Once harvested and processed, Vietnamese coffees are typically loaded and shipped between February and March, with arrival in consuming markets between April and June. However, logistical pressures persist. Port congestion, container shortages, and export bottlenecks—especially at major gateways like Cat Lai (Ho Chi Minh City)—can lead to delays.
Indonesia ~
Indonesia’s vast archipelago and diverse microclimates create a uniquely extended and staggered coffee harvest season. The country produces both Arabica and Robusta, with harvest periods that vary widely across islands and elevations.
In general, the main harvest season runs from May through September, though it can start earlier in lower-altitude or more equatorial regions. Key Arabica-growing areas like Sumatra (Aceh and Lake Toba) begin harvesting in May, while Sulawesi, Flores, and Bali often follow with harvests continuing through August or September. The timing of Robusta harvests, primarily from southern Sumatra and Java, can extend into October.
After harvest and processing—much of which involves the traditional semi-washed or “wet-hulled” method known locally as giling basah—coffees are typically shipped between October and November. Arrival in destination markets usually occurs between December and January, though some lots can arrive later depending on origin and exporter schedules.
Indonesia’s fragmented geography presents logistical complexities. Coffee must often travel long distances overland and by sea from rural interior regions to export ports like Belawan (Medan), Surabaya, or Jakarta. Road conditions, port congestion, and unpredictable weather—especially during the rainy season—can all affect shipping timelines. Additionally, political instability or changing export regulations can occasionally cause delays or variability in lot availability.
Indonesia’s harvest calendar provides an important sourcing window that bridges the gap between Central American and East African crops. Peak availability typically begins in late Q4, making it ideal for replenishing blends or introducing seasonal single-origin offerings in early Q1.
PNG ~
Papua New Guinea’s mountainous terrain, high altitudes, and varied microclimates make it a truly unique coffee origin—both in cup profile and harvest timing. The country has a split harvest cycle due to its diverse geography, with producers in different regions harvesting at different times of the year.
The main harvest generally runs from June through September, aligning with PNG’s dry season. This is when most of the coffee—particularly from the Highlands region—is picked, processed, and readied for export. In addition to this primary harvest, many areas experience a smaller “fly crop” from January through March, particularly in lower-altitude zones.
Shipping typically takes place in two waves: lots from the fly crop are on the water by April, while the main crop begins shipping in October through November. As a result, PNG coffees typically arrive in consuming markets around May and December, offering a valuable sourcing window to bridge seasonal gaps between other origins.
Logistically, PNG poses notable challenges. Much of the coffee is grown in remote, rugged regions accessible only by dirt roads or small aircraft. Transporting parchment or green coffee from village-level washing stations to central dry mills—and eventually to ports like Lae or Port Moresby—can be time-consuming and weather-dependent. Heavy rains and limited infrastructure frequently impact internal logistics and can lead to delays in export schedules.
However, recent efforts to improve processing infrastructure, traceability, and export logistics have further increased the availability of high-quality specialty lots.
India ~
India’s coffee production is shaped by the subcontinent’s unique monsoonal climate, biodiverse growing environments, and centuries-old agricultural traditions. Coffee here is cultivated mostly under a dense, two-tiered canopy of shade trees and often intercropped with spices and fruit, giving Indian coffees both environmental resilience and complex flavor characteristics.
The country’s main harvest season begins in November and runs through February, with Arabica typically harvested from November through January and Robusta extending into February or early March. Once processed—typically via washed or natural methods—coffees are prepared for export. Shipments generally occur from March through April, and lots typically arrive in consuming markets by May.
While the southern states of Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu account for the majority of production, there are notable distinctions in microclimates, elevation, and varietals that influence harvest timing and cup profile. Karnataka alone produces over 70% of India’s coffee, with many estates located at altitudes ranging from 900 to 1,600 meters.
Logistically, India is well-positioned with access to major ports like Mangalore and Chennai, allowing for relatively streamlined export. However, coffee often travels long distances from remote estates to coastal dry mills and shipping hubs. Seasonal monsoon rains, which precede the harvest, can impact flowering and fruit development, while transport schedules may occasionally be disrupted by road conditions or internal freight delays.
India also offers unique processing styles, such as Monsoon Malabar, in which beans are exposed to moisture-laden monsoon winds to create a mellow, low-acid profile prized in certain European markets.
While India has been historically known for volume Robusta and commercial Arabica, recent years have seen an increase in traceable microlots, estate-grown specialty Arabicas, and experimental processing methods. These developments, combined with India’s reliable post-harvest logistics, make it a consistent and increasingly exciting origin—especially for spring and early-summer releases.