Ethiopian Coffee Seasonal Buying Calendar: When to Order

When Is the Best Time to Buy Ethiopian Coffee?

The optimal buying window runs from January through April, when freshly processed lots from the October-December harvest become available. January-February offers first access to top lots (best for buyers wanting the absolute best quality), March-April provides the widest selection, and May-June offers end-of-season value opportunities.

Month-by-Month Calendar

October – December: Harvest Season

Cherry picking across all major regions. Washed processing begins at washing stations. Natural lots are laid on drying beds. No new-crop coffee available for export yet.

January – February: Early Availability

First washed lots complete processing and begin arriving at dry mills. Early-bird buyers can secure the season's top micro-lots. Pre-shipment samples become available from leading exporters.

March – April: Peak Season

The broadest selection of both washed and natural lots. This is the ideal window for volume buyers—maximum choice at competitive pricing. Most natural-processed lots complete their extended drying during this period.

May – June: Late Season

Remaining inventory from the current harvest. Value-conscious buyers can find excellent deals on residual lots, though selection narrows. This is also when early harvest forecasts for the next season begin to emerge.

July – September: Off-Season

Limited fresh-crop availability. Focus on forward contracting for the upcoming harvest and reviewing samples from early-harvest regions. Good time for origin visits and supplier relationship building.

How Does Freshness Affect Cup Quality?

Green coffee quality degrades over time, with most Ethiopian specialty lots maintaining peak cup quality for 6-12 months after processing. Washed coffees tend to hold their vibrancy longer than naturals, which can begin fading after 8-10 months.

For logistics planning to maximize freshness, see our shipping guide, or explore the full sourcing process in our Complete Guide.