Every durian lover in Singapore and Malaysia has the same question right now: when does the 2026 season peak, and what’s it going to cost?
We’ve been talking to our orchard partners in Raub, Balik Pulau, and Segamat to get the full picture. Here’s what we know.
When Is Peak Season?
Malaysia typically has two durian seasons each year:
- Main season: June to August (the big one)
- Minor season: December to February (smaller harvest, limited varieties)
For 2026, early indicators from our Pahang orchards suggest the main season will start in mid-June, roughly in line with previous years. Flowering has been healthy, and rainfall patterns through Q1 have been favourable.
The peak — when supply is highest and prices are most competitive — is expected around early to mid-July.
Price Forecasts
Durian prices fluctuate based on supply, demand, and weather. Here’s what we’re expecting for the 2026 main season compared to last year:
| Variety | 2025 Peak Price/kg | 2026 Forecast/kg |
|---|---|---|
| Musang King | $55-65 | $55-62 |
| Black Thorn | $65-75 | $65-72 |
| D24 | $28-35 | $28-34 |
| Red Prawn | $35-42 | $35-40 |
Prices are expected to be stable or slightly lower than last year, thanks to a strong flowering cycle. However, if there’s heavy rain during the fruiting period (June), supply could tighten and push prices up — as happened in 2024.
Which Varieties to Watch
Musang King (D197)
Always the headliner. Early reports from Raub suggest a strong harvest this year. The trees recovered well from last year’s minor season and flowering has been dense. Expect good availability from late June onwards.
Black Thorn (D200)
Black Thorn remains the premium pick for connoisseurs. It’s more weather-sensitive than Musang King, so availability can be unpredictable. Our Balik Pulau partner expects a moderate yield — enough to fulfil orders but likely to sell out during peak weeks.
D24
The crowd-pleaser. D24 trees are hardy and prolific, so supply is rarely an issue. This is always the best value variety during peak season, and 2026 should be no different. Great entry point for first-time durian buyers.
Red Prawn (D175)
Red Prawn has been gaining popularity in Singapore over the past two years. The caramel-like sweetness and distinctive reddish-orange flesh make it a favourite for those who find Musang King too intense. Supply is expected to be healthy this season.
How Weather Affects the Season
Durian is highly sensitive to weather patterns:
- Dry spells trigger flowering (good)
- Moderate rain during fruiting helps the fruit develop (good)
- Heavy rain or storms during drop season causes fruit to fall prematurely or develop unevenly (bad)
So far, 2026’s weather has been cooperative. The dry spell in February triggered strong flowering across Pahang, and March rains have been moderate. If April and May stay on track, we’re looking at an excellent season.
Pre-Season Tips
- Order early in the season — the first harvest fruits are often the best quality, as trees have had the longest recovery period
- Don’t wait for the cheapest prices — mid-season prices drop but so does the average quality, as orchards start shipping lower-grade fruit to meet demand
- Try something new — if you always order Musang King, this might be the year to try Black Thorn or XO. The 2026 harvest is shaping up well for both
Stay Updated
We’ll be posting weekly updates throughout the season on availability, pricing, and orchard conditions. Follow our Durian Diaries for the latest.