The amount of time it takes for a cantaloupe to fully ripen depends on several factors, including the variety of cantaloupe and the climate in which it is grown. Generally speaking, most cantaloupes take between 7-14 days to ripen after they are harvested. If you want to speed up the ripening process, you can place your cantaloupe in a paper bag with an apple or banana for a few days. The ethylene gas produced by these fruits will help the cantaloupe ripen more quickly. You should also check your cantaloupe every day during this time and remove any that have become overly ripe. When a cantaloupe is ripe, its skin will have a yellowish hue and it will give off a sweet aroma. If you press gently on the blossom end of the fruit, it should give slightly when ripe.