Best time to carve depends on your climate and how long you want the jack-o’-lantern to last. Here’s a practical guide you can use for Halloween 2025:

• Cool or temperate climates
  • Carve about 3–7 days before Halloween for a fresh look that lasts through Trick-or-Treat night. If you want the pumpkin to look pristine for several days of display, aim for the 3–5 day window before Halloween.
• Warm or humid climates
  • Carve closer to Halloween, typically 1–3 days before, to minimize spoilage and mold. If you’re celebrating with activities earlier in the week, plan for the carving session no more than 2 days ahead.
• Very hot days or high humidity
  • Consider carving the day before Halloween and keep the pumpkin in a cool, shaded place or indoors when not on display. Using a clean, dry surface and avoiding direct sun helps preserve the carved features.

Tips to extend life after carving

• Clean and dry the interior thoroughly before carving to reduce surface bacteria.
• Disinfect the cut surfaces with a mild bleach solution (1 tablespoon bleach per quart of water) or a vinegar-water spray, then let dry.
• Keep carved pumpkins out of direct heat and away from bright sun; place in a cool, shaded spot or indoors when possible.
• Use LED or battery-operated candles instead of real flames to reduce heat and drying.
• Consider sealing exposed flesh with a thin layer of petroleum jelly or a pumpkin-safe sealant to slow dehydration.
• If you’re carving early, you can refrigerate uncarved pumpkins until carving day to maximize freshness.

If you share your location (city or region) and whether you’ll display outdoors or indoors, I can tailor the timing more precisely for your Halloween schedule.