Ethiopian coffee harvest season: when to buy green coffee for the best lots

Ethiopian coffee follows a single annual harvest cycle tied to the main rainy season. Unlike origins with two main crops or year-round harvesting models, Ethiopia's crop calendar is concentrated, which means the buying window for new lots is finite.

The Ethiopian coffee crop calendar

| Stage | Months | |---|---| | Flowering | March-May | | Cherry development | June-September | | Harvest (cherry picking) | October-January | | Pulping and fermentation (washed) | October-January | | Sun drying | October-March | | Dry milling, grading, export | January-June | | Export window (FOB Djibouti) | February-July |

The export window is compressed. Most high-grade new-crop lots from Yirgacheffe and Sidama are export-ready by February and committed to buyers by April.

Origin-by-origin harvest windows

Yirgacheffe

At altitudes of 1,700-2,200m, cherry ripens slowly, with peak harvest running November to January. Washed Yirgacheffe requires 24-72 hours of fermentation followed by raised-bed drying.

Export-ready window: February-April for washed lots. Natural-process Yirgacheffe typically exports March-May.

The best lots — named washing-station selections with SCA scores above 87 — are allocated to buyers who have relationships in place before February.

Sidama

Sidama is the largest coffee-producing region in Ethiopia by export volume. Growing altitudes range from 1,500m to above 2,000m.

Export-ready window: February-May for washed; April-June for natural.

Sidama is the best origin for roasters who need volume: Ethiopian Arabica can supply full-container orders (275-300 bags) of Grade 1 Sidama washed from the new crop.

Guji

Growing altitudes above 2,000m and a mix of heritage varietals produce coffees with notable complexity.

Export-ready window: March-May for washed; April-June for natural.

Guji lots are available in smaller quantities than Sidama. Buyers wanting named Guji microlots should place enquiries by February.

Harrar

Harrar is produced almost exclusively as natural process, with the characteristic wild blueberry and wine-fruit profile. Peak cherry picking runs December-January.

Export-ready window: March-June.

Jimma

Jimma coffees grow at altitudes of 1,400-1,800m. Grade 1 washed Jimma has a clean cup with mild acidity.

Export-ready window: March-June.

When should you contact an Ethiopian exporter?

October-December: No lots are export-ready, but this is the right time to contact your exporter to discuss origin preferences and volumes for the coming crop year.

January-February: Early new-crop washed lots from Yirgacheffe and Sidama become available for green sampling. Roasters who want first selection of Grade 1 named lots should be requesting samples and confirming allocations during this period.

March-April: Peak buying window. Most origins have export-ready lots. The widest selection of named cooperatives, cup-scored microlots, and process variants is available.

May-June: Later harvest lots (Harrar natural, Jimma natural) are available. Yirgacheffe and Sidama washed selection is narrowing.

July-September: Old-crop lots only.

How does the buying window affect pricing?

For roasters who want consistent access to Grade 1 specialty lots at competitive FOB prices, the practical approach is to establish a relationship with an Ethiopian exporter before the buying window opens, agree on allocations during the harvest period (October-January), and confirm orders in January-March.

Frequently asked questions

When does the Ethiopian coffee harvest happen?

Ethiopia's main coffee harvest runs from October to January, depending on the origin and altitude. Yirgacheffe and Guji (higher altitudes) reach peak cherry ripeness in November-January. Lower-altitude areas such as Jimma and parts of Harrar begin harvesting from October.

When is the best time to buy Ethiopian green coffee?

The optimal buying window is February to April for washed lots from Yirgacheffe, Sidama, and Guji, and March to June for natural-process lots and Harrar/Jimma origins. Buyers who want the widest selection should be in contact with their exporter by January.

Is there a second harvest in Ethiopia?

No. Ethiopia has one main harvest per year. There is no secondary harvest or fly crop comparable to some other origins.

Can I order Ethiopian coffee outside the harvest season?

Yes, but you will be buying old-crop coffee. The best Grade 1 named lots from any given crop year are typically sold out by July-August.

How do I place an enquiry for new-crop Ethiopian coffee?

Contact Ethiopian Arabica at info@premium-ethiopian-coffee.com or WhatsApp +251 911 598 197. Share your volume requirements, preferred origins, and any specific cup profile or processing preferences.

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To secure Grade 1 Ethiopian Arabica for the 2026 new-crop season, contact Ethiopian Arabica at info@premium-ethiopian-coffee.com or WhatsApp +251 911 598 197. Early enquiries receive first access to named cooperative lot allocations across Yirgacheffe, Sidama, Guji, Harrar, and Jimma.