Watermelon Per USDA FoodKeeper
On the counterCounter
1–2 days
cool, dry place
In the fridgeFridge
3–4 days
at or below 40°F (4°C)
In the freezerFreezer
12 months
at 0°F; quality, not safety
Quick answer
Yes. Watermelon lasts 3–4 days in the fridge and 12 months in the freezer. After that, or sooner if stored badly, it spoils: watch for the signs below.
How to tell if watermelon is bad
Smell
Fermented, sour or musty odour.
Texture
Soft, mushy or leaking spots, or wrinkled skin with soft flesh.
Colour
Dark bruising that spreads, or browning inside.
Mould
White, grey or green fuzz — discard soft produce; cut firm produce generously.
Watermelon past the expiration date
Best-by and sell-by
FoodKeeper gives unopened watermelon 1–2 days in the pantry or 3–4 days in the fridge, counted from the day you buy it. "Best-by" and "sell-by" describe quality and stock rotation, not safety; only infant formula carries a federally required use-by date.
Past the date
Watermelon past its best-by date is usually safe if stored well; check smell, look and taste before using.
How to keep watermelon fresh longer
- Or until ripe.
- Store unwashed; wash just before eating.
- Keep ethylene producers (apples, bananas, avocados) away from produce that over-ripens.
More about watermelon
FAQ
How long does it take for watermelon to go bad?
3–4 days in the fridge, per USDA FoodKeeper.
Can watermelon expire?
FoodKeeper gives unopened watermelon 1–2 days in the pantry or 3–4 days in the fridge, counted from the day you buy it. "Best-by" and "sell-by" describe quality and stock rotation, not safety; only infant formula carries a federally required use-by date.
What happens if you eat bad watermelon?
Usually an unpleasant taste rather than illness, but discard anything mouldy, rancid or smelling off.
How do you keep watermelon from going bad?
Or until ripe.
Numbers on this page come from USDA FoodKeeper and FSIS guidance. Last verified November 2026. How we verify our data · Report a wrong number