National Watermelon Day, celebrated annually on August 3rd, is the perfect time to indulge in this sweet, juicy fruit that epitomizes summer. This day is all about enjoying the refreshing taste of watermelon and maybe even appreciating its numerous health benefits. Whether you’re enjoying a slice at a picnic, trying out new recipes, or participating in fun watermelon-themed activities, there’s no better way to beat the summer heat than with this juicy, hydrating treat. Let’s explore the history, health advantages, and creative ways to celebrate National Watermelon Day!
When Is National Watermelon Day?
National Watermelon Day, celebrated annually on August 3rd, is a fun and refreshing way to enjoy one of summer’s favorite fruits. Here are the dates (inlcuding weekday) for National Watermelon Day up to the year 2030:
| Year | Date (Including Weekday) |
|---|---|
| 2024 | Saturday, August 3 |
| 2025 | Sunday, August 3 |
| 2026 | Monday, August 3 |
| 2027 | Tuesday, August 3 |
| 2028 | Thursday, August 3 |
| 2029 | Friday, August 3 |
| 2030 | Saturday, August 3 |
Mark your calendars and get ready to celebrate this sweet and juicy holiday!
Easy Watermelon Recipes for National Watermelon Day
To celebrate National Watermelon Day, many people look for something a bit more special to do with their watermelons. Here are four quick recipes you could try at home this year:
Watermelon Salsa
Enjoy a refreshing and zesty watermelon salsa that combines sweet watermelon with a spicy kick for the perfect summer dip.
- Ingredients: Diced watermelon, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt.
- Instructions: Combine diced watermelon, finely chopped red onion, minced jalapeño, chopped cilantro, and lime juice in a bowl. Mix well and season with salt. Serve with tortilla chips for a refreshing twist on traditional salsa.
Watermelon Smoothie
Savor a creamy and invigorating watermelon smoothie, bursting with fresh flavors and perfect for a healthy start to your day.
- Ingredients: Watermelon chunks, Greek yogurt, a squeeze of lime juice, and a handful of ice.
- Instructions: Blend watermelon chunks, Greek yogurt, lime juice, and ice until smooth. Pour into a glass and enjoy a cool and hydrating smoothie.
Grilled Watermelon
Try something unique with grilled watermelon, offering a sweet and smoky twist that’s perfect as an appetizer or side dish.
- Ingredients: Watermelon slices, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Instructions: Brush watermelon slices with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill each side for 2-3 minutes until grill marks appear. Serve as a unique and tasty appetizer or side dish.
Watermelon Popsicles
Cool off with naturally sweet and hydrating watermelon popsicles, a delightful treat for hot summer days.
- Ingredients: Watermelon puree, a squeeze of lemon juice, and a touch of honey (optional).
- Instructions: Blend watermelon chunks into a puree and add lemon juice and honey if desired. Pour the mixture into popsicle molds and freeze for at least 4 hours. Enjoy a refreshing and healthy frozen treat.
Fun Watermelon Facts
National Watermelon Day is the perfect occasion to celebrate and share interesting watermelon facts. Here are seven fascinating watermelon facts that make for great social media content and can be shared on your social media platforms to spread the watermelon love on August 3:
- Did you know that watermelons are made up of about 92% water, making them a fantastic hydrating snack during the hot summer months?
- Originating from southern Africa, watermelons have been cultivated for over 5,000 years.
- In Japan, farmers grow square watermelons by placing the fruit in square-shaped containers while they’re still growing; these uniquely shaped watermelons are often given as gifts.
- There are over 1,200 different varieties of watermelon, ranging in size, color, and even flavor.
- The world’s heaviest watermelon weighed in at an astonishing 350.5 pounds, grown by Chris Kent of Sevierville, Tennessee, in 2013.
- Not just the flesh, but the rind and seeds of the watermelon are also edible and packed with nutrients, often used in pickling and roasting.
- Watermelon is the official state vegetable of Oklahoma, despite commonly being considered a fruit due to its sweet taste.
Before You Go:
We have many more national days lists for you to explore.
- Food-related national days: complete list of national food days, pasta & noodles days, vegan & vegetarian days, mushroom days, ice-cream days, pizza days, coffee days, chocolate days, wine days, alcohol & drinking days.
- Non-food national days: National Days Calendar 2025 (check out the printable calendars in my Etsy shop), National Days for Teachers, and a wide array of special lists such as cat days, dog days, animal days, cleaning & organizing days, book days, music days, family & relationships days, national days for women, stationery days and even Harry Potter days.
- Country-specific national days: Australian national days, more coming soon.
