What's in season in California in August
Provisioning in San Diego, Marina del Rey, Newport Beach in August? Buy these local — they're at their best, usually cheaper, and keep longer aboard than produce that has travelled.
In season (5)
From the California Department of Food & Agriculture's season chart.
- Apple
- Avocado
- Orange
- Strawberries
- Tomato
Also usually in season (12)
Not on the official calendar — from the general climate-zone calendar Galley Wizard uses elsewhere.
- Basil
- Beetroot
- Bell pepper
- Cucumber
- Eggplant / aubergine
- Fresh chili
- Green beans
- Mango
- Mint
- Raspberries
- Watermelon
- Zucchini / courgette
Probably imported this month (10)
Out of season locally — at the market these have most likely been shipped or flown in. Fine to buy; they may cost more and keep less well.
- Asparagus
- Broccoli
- Butternut / winter squash
- Coriander / cilantro
- Grapefruit
- Green/white cabbage
- Leek
- Lemon
- Spinach
- Sweet potato
Galley recipes for August in California
The recipes that use the most in-season produce, and nothing imported.
- Ratatouille with riceFrench · 55 min · sea 2/5 · vegan
- Soft polenta with ratatouilleFrench · 55 min · sea 2/5 · vegetarian
- Greek braised summer vegetables (briam-style)Greek · 55 min · sea 2/5 · vegan
- Grilled vegetablesMediterranean · 15 min · sea 3/5 · vegan
- Rice noodle salad with coconut-lime dressingThai · 20 min · sea 4/5 · vegan
- BBQ halloumi & vegetable skewersGreek · 20 min · sea 3/5 · vegetarian
- Breakfast tacos with black beans & avocadoMexican · 15 min · sea 4/5 · vegan
- Burrata with cured ham, tomatoes & truffleItalian · 15 min · sea 3/5
Source: California Fruits and Vegetables Seasonal Chart (California Department of Food & Agriculture (via California Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom)). Retrieved 2026-10-07. Only the produce on the chart. Peak season counts as in season; months marked “available” (from store or a smaller harvest) are neither pushed nor flagged; “not available” months are flagged as likely imports.