Many people only think about date prices when Ramadan arrives — yet that is exactly when prices peak. As a price-reference site, we built a 12-month date price calendar for the 2026/2027 cycle so you know when prices tend to be cheapest, when they peak, and when the best time to stock up is. This is not a harvest-season calendar but a price-timing calendar from the perspective of a buyer in Indonesia.
Why Do Date Prices Change Through the Year?
Two main engines drive prices: the import cycle and the Ramadan-Eid calendar. Date imports into Indonesia begin rising about five months before Ramadan; in January 2025 alone imports topped 16.43 thousand tons worth US$20.68 million. Retail demand surges sharply in the weeks before fasting, and prices often rise before Ramadan and do not fall immediately after Eid. Because Ramadan shifts roughly 10–11 days earlier each year, the price window shifts too.
An important note: in 2026 Ramadan falls around February–March, while 2027 is expected to shift to around mid-February. The calendar below uses this general pattern; always adjust to the current year's Ramadan dates.
Monthly Date Price Calendar 2026/2027
| Period | Price Level | Dynamics | Buyer Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| April–June | Cheapest | Post-Eid, demand eases, stock still available | Best time to stock up & try varieties |
| July–September | Low-Stable | Normal demand, calm prices | Safe to buy for routine needs |
| October–November | Creeping Up | Pre-Ramadan imports start arriving | Order early before prices rise |
| December–January | Climbing | Pre-fasting demand builds | Buy before the peak; prices still steadier |
| Ramadan (Feb–Mar) | Peak | Demand surges ~8x normal | Avoid large buys unless necessary |
| After Eid | Gradual Decline | Demand eases, prices normalize | Wait a few weeks for the best price |
This pattern is backed by field data: ahead of Ramadan 2026, date sales at Tanah Abang market surged roughly eightfold over normal volume, and Sukari rose from IDR 70,000 to IDR 90,000/kg. That is why buying outside the peak window is far cheaper.
When Are Date Prices Cheapest?
In general, the friendliest date prices fall in the post-Eid to mid-year period (around April–June). In this phase, the Ramadan demand surge has eased while importer stock is still available, so traders tend to release softer prices. The July–September period is also relatively calm and safe for routine buying.
Months to Avoid for Large Buys
If your goal is to stock up in large quantities (for hampers or resale), avoid buying right at the Ramadan peak, when prices are highest and premium stock sells out fast. It is wiser to order in October–December while prices are still creeping up, rather than once they have peaked.
Timing Strategy for Three Buyer Types
- Families. Buy as needed; for Ramadan stock, secure it before 30 days out to avoid the price peak.
- Resellers / souvenir shops. Order large stock in October–December (pre-Ramadan pre-order) to lock in lower prices before the surge; this also secures premium-grade availability.
- Iftar committees / institutions. Plan wholesale purchases during the creeping-up phase, and choose value varieties like Egyptian dates for large-budget efficiency.
Quick Table: Action by Goal
| Goal | Ideal Buying Months | Suggested Varieties |
|---|---|---|
| Economical family stock | April–June | Sukari, Khalas |
| Reseller Ramadan pre-order | October–December | Sukari, Ajwa, Medjool |
| Large-budget mass iftar | December–January | Egyptian, Tunisian |
| Premium Eid hampers | December–January | Medjool, Ajwa |
Other Factors That Can Shift the Calendar
The calendar above is the base pattern, but several factors can shift it in any given year. It is important to be aware of them so you do not blindly fixate on a particular month:
- The rupiah. If the rupiah weakens sharply against the dollar out of season, prices can rise even when demand is low. The exchange rate is a variable that can cancel a "cheap season."
- Import policy. Changes to import duty or quota rules can shift prices across the whole market, regardless of the Ramadan calendar.
- Global supply disruptions. Extreme weather in producing countries or logistics bottlenecks can tighten stock and raise prices earlier.
- New demand programs. A demand surge from social or institutional programs can add pressure in certain periods outside the usual pattern.
For that reason, the calendar is best used as directional guidance, not an absolute guarantee. Always monitor current prices before buying in large quantities.
Annual Purchase Planning Checklist
To optimize your timing, make these steps an annual routine:
- Mark the estimated Ramadan dates for the current year, then count back three to five months as your early-order window.
- For routine consumption, prioritize buying in April–June when prices are cheapest.
- For Ramadan stock, lock in orders in October–December before prices peak.
- Record the price you pay on each purchase as a personal benchmark for the following year.
- Always compare against current benchmarks before deciding on a large volume.
Closing Note
Date prices do not merely rise during Ramadan and then fall — they follow a predictable annual cycle. By understanding this calendar, you can stock up when prices are cheapest (around April–June), order earlier before the peak, and avoid large buys at the highest prices. Exchange-rate and import-policy factors can still shift this pattern from year to year, so keep an eye on current prices too. For benchmarks across every variety, use our price-list page as a reference, and for volume buying with the right timing, our wholesale price guide helps maximize the saving.
