Best Oysters by Month: What to Order Year-Round
Most oysters are at their best from November through January, after they have fattened for winter. Good oysters are sold in every month, though, because farms harvest year-round. Pick a month to find specific oysters that suit the season, from plump cold-water winter varieties to triploids and northern oysters that stay firm through summer. This page is about which oysters to order. For the calendar itself, see when oyster season opens and closes in each region.
Best Oysters in January
24 oysters in seasonBest Oysters in February
24 oysters in seasonBest Oysters in March
24 oysters in seasonBest Oysters in April
24 oysters in seasonBest Oysters in May
24 oysters in seasonBest Oysters in June
24 oysters in seasonBest Oysters in July
24 oysters in seasonBest Oysters in August
24 oysters in seasonBest Oysters in September
24 oysters in seasonBest Oysters in October
24 oysters in seasonBest Oysters in November
24 oysters in seasonBest Oysters in December
24 oysters in seasonBest Oysters by Month FAQ
What oysters are best in winter?
Cold-water Atlantic and Pacific oysters are often at their peak in winter because they are firm, plump, and sweet. Use the December, January, and February guides above for specific varieties.
What oysters are best in summer?
Look for oysters from cold-water regions such as the Pacific Northwest and Atlantic Canada, along with farmed triploid oysters that stay firm because they largely avoid the spawning cycle.
How do I choose oysters for a specific month?
Start with the month guides above, then compare each oyster’s growing region, brininess, size, and flavor profile. Seasonal quality matters, but freshness and cold-chain handling matter in every month.