UK fish seasonality: what is at its best month by month
Wild fish do not follow a fixed calendar. Weather, tides and what the boats land move things around from week to week, so treat this as a general guide to when British species are typically at their best. If you want to know what is good right now, ask at the counter or call the shop.
Month by month: what is typically at its best
| Month | Typically at its best |
|---|---|
| January | Cod, haddock, hake, whiting, lemon sole and scallops. Sprats are typically near their peak. |
| February | Cod, haddock, hake, brill, monkfish and lemon sole. |
| March | Brill, hake, monkfish, John Dory, lemon sole and cuttlefish. |
| April | Plaice, lemon sole, hake and John Dory. The first brown crab of the year typically appears. |
| May | Plaice, lemon sole, John Dory, brown crab and early sardines. Wild bass, subject to landings. |
| June | Turbot, brill, Dover sole, sardines, bass, red mullet and monkfish. |
| July | Turbot, Dover sole, brill, bass, black bream, red mullet, sardines and gurnard. Mackerel is typically in good summer condition. |
| August | Sardines, bass, turbot, Dover sole, brill, brown crab and monkfish. |
| September | Sardines, bass, hake, monkfish, plaice and cuttlefish. The native oyster season typically opens. |
| October | Hake, monkfish, brill, plaice, skate and cuttlefish. Native oysters. |
| November | Scallops, cod, haddock, hake, monkfish and lemon sole. Mussels are typically excellent in the colder months. |
| December | Cod, haddock, hake, Dover sole, turbot, brill, scallops and oysters. |
What is available year round?
Farmed salmon, rock oysters and rope-grown mussels are available most of the year, and staples such as cod, haddock and hake are landed in most months even when they are outside their typical peak. Availability on the counter still depends on what the market offers on the day.
When is brown crab at its best?
The first good brown crab typically appears in April and the season runs through summer into autumn. Many cooks rate early summer crab for sweetness, though condition varies year to year.
What months are native oysters in season?
The traditional native oyster season runs from September to April, the months with an R in them. Rock oysters are farmed and available year round.
Which British fish are typically at their best in winter?
Cod, haddock, hake, lemon sole, brill and scallops are typically in good condition through the cold months. Winter is a strong time for white fish generally, as many species firm up in colder water.
What fish is typically in season in summer?
Dover sole, turbot, bass, sardines, red mullet and black bream typically show well from June to August, and brown crab is usually in good supply.
Why does availability change from week to week?
Because the fleet can only land what the weather allows. A few days of hard blow keeps boats in port and thins the market, whatever the calendar says. That is why we buy what is good on the day rather than promising a fixed list.
Does seasonality affect price?
Generally yes. When a species is landed in volume it tends to cost less, and when weather cuts supply it tends to cost more. Buying with the seasons is usually the better-value way to eat fish.
Cooking for an occasion? See Christmas seafood, Good Friday fish, New Year oysters, summer BBQ seafood and dinner party seafood.
