Kinnow season in Pakistan runs from about December to February, with the best fruit usually picked from mid-January to mid-February. The district to go to is Sargodha, in central Punjab, which produces the great majority of the crop. If you want fruit that has not sat in a cold store for weeks, plan a winter trip and buy in or around Sargodha and Bhalwal.
This guide explains the calendar, how to tell ripe fruit from fruit picked too early, what to expect on price, and how to buy close to the orchards.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Season | Roughly December to February; some harvesting into March |
| Best fruit | Mid-January to mid-February |
| Main growing district | Sargodha, central Punjab |
| Unit for bulk buying | Maund (about 40 kg) |
| Best for | Winter trips, road trips on the Lahore-Islamabad corridor |
When is kinnow in season?
The fruit takes about 300 days from flowering to maturity, and harvesting normally falls between December and February, sometimes stretching into March. Colour begins to change from around November, but colour alone is not a guide to sweetness. The Punjab Agriculture Department has advised growers to pick only once the peel has turned fully from green to yellow and sweetness is between 10 and 12 percent.
In practice that means fruit in the shops in November and early December is often early and sharper. January and February are the months to aim for. Kinnow picked in humid weather spoils faster, which is one reason the department warns growers against harvesting in high humidity.
Why Sargodha?
Sargodha is often called Pakistan's citrus capital, and one widely quoted figure is that it produces more than 80 percent of the country's kinnow. Sargodha is also home to the Citrus Research Institute. The kinnow itself is a mandarin hybrid, developed in California in the 1930s and grown across Punjab since. Punjab as a whole accounts for about 95 percent of the country's citrus.
Other citrus-growing districts in Punjab include Mandi Bahauddin, Toba Tek Singh, Okara, Sahiwal, Bahawalpur, Layyah and Dera Ghazi Khan, so fresh kinnow is available well beyond Sargodha in season.
Where to buy kinnow at the source
- Around Sargodha and Bhalwal. These are the main growing areas, and fruit is sold in bulk at mandis and by growers and packers. Ask locally for the fruit market rather than relying on an address from the internet.
- Roadside fruit sellers. During the season you will see fruit for sale on roads through citrus districts. Buy where you can see the fruit and taste one.
- Packers and orchards that sell directly. Some sell boxes to visitors, but arrangements vary and often need a phone call first. We have not verified any specific orchard, so we don't name one.
- City fruit markets. In Lahore and Islamabad the same crop is sold at higher prices after transport and handling.
What does kinnow cost?
Prices swing sharply from one season to the next. In the 2026 season a bumper crop and export problems pushed growers' prices down to about PKR 1,200 per maund or less, against PKR 2,500 to 3,200 the season before, according to Dawn. Some juice factories offered even less. Retail prices for buyers are always higher than what growers get.
For a trip, that means you cannot plan on a fixed price. Ask two or three sellers, check what a maund is going for that week and compare a kilo price before you commit to a large box.
How to pick good fruit
- Feel for weight. Heavier fruit for its size is usually juicier.
- Look for a smooth, evenly coloured skin. Green patches suggest early picking.
- Taste before you buy if the seller allows it.
- Check the bottom of the box. Ask for a sample from the middle, not just the top.
- Avoid fruit with soft spots or mould. It spreads quickly in a car boot.
Combining kinnow with a trip
Sargodha sits close to the Lahore-Islamabad corridor, and the historic walled town of Bhera is nearby; see our Bhera old city guide. Winter is also a good season for Punjab in general, since the cool weather suits walking and road trips. Our when to go guide and places to visit in Punjab in winter help you plan around it. For what to eat along the way, see famous food of Punjab.
Is a trip just for kinnow worth it?
If you live in Lahore or Faisalabad and enjoy a winter drive, a day trip to Sargodha in January is a pleasant errand and gives you fresher fruit than the city markets. If you live further away, buying good fruit locally is easier than driving hours for it. Treat it as a stop on a longer trip rather than the reason for one.
Frequently asked questions
Which month is kinnow season in Pakistan?
Mainly December to February, with the best fruit from mid-January to mid-February. Some picking continues into March.
Where is the best kinnow grown in Pakistan?
Sargodha district, which produces most of the country's crop, with Bhalwal a well-known growing area.
How much is kinnow per maund?
It varies by year and by buyer. In the 2026 season growers were reportedly getting PKR 1,200 per maund or less, after PKR 2,500 to 3,200 the season before. Check current rates before buying in bulk.
How many kilograms are in a maund?
A maund is about 40 kg.
Can I visit kinnow orchards?
Some growers and packers sell to visitors, but access is informal and varies. Ask locally and call ahead rather than turning up unannounced.
