Abstract: This study aimed to investigate the effects of programmed cooling and direct cooling on postharvest storage quality of melons. The Xinjiang‘Xizhoumi 25’ melons were used as raw materials, and the effects of different cooling methods on storage quality were evaluated by determining the hardness, ethylene relase, respiratory strength and pulp electrical conductivity of the fruits at different storage periods, and statistical fruit rot index. The results showed that compared with direct cooling storage, programmed cooling could effectively slow down the decline of fruit hardness, inhibit the respiration and ethylene release, reduce the decay rates and electrical conductivity of the fruits, thus delaying the aging rates of melon fruits and improving the qualities. The treatment group B,（12±0.5） ℃,2 d →（10±0.5） ℃, 2 d →（8±0.5） ℃, 2 d →（6±0.5） ℃, 35 d, showed the best preservation effect. In conclusion, programmed cooling is a feasible method for storage and preservation of melons.