The best way is to check two things. First is it greenish under the webbing that covers the melon or has it started to turn golden? If it's very green, it's probably not ripe. If it's at least starting to turn golden that's a good sign. Sometimes they keep some green even after they are very ripe. Second, does it smell like a melon? Put the end where the stem was up to you nose and give it a good smell. If you can smell cantaloupe it's probably ripe.
Also, be sure that it has some "give" when you press on the flower end, then end opposite the stem where it was picked from the vine. The cantaloupe should have a smooth appearance overall, and a uniform color.
The above tips are a good guide but there there are exceptions such as, a chilled cantaloupe will not give the odor of a ripe melon. For a definitive answer to ripeness get a great reusable simple tool that has recently been invented called the ripefruitgauge.com. It works great on a number of fruit buy indicating firmness inside the fruit without cutting it open.
When you pinch the top a little and you smell the sweetness like fruity or tropical or when it is not green but, have a color of golden orange. Try picking sweet smelling fruits at the market because most of the time the fruit is pick to early, and because of this sometimes mostly with Oranges they add color to make it look ripe. Hope you enjoy and don't be fooled! ;-)
When it is fully ripe it is sometimes with dark patches on the rind as if it is going to rot soon, and it is heavy for it's size. But do not wait until it is overripe, or else it will be mushy.
How to tell me when a Spanskek is ripe
You can tell if a cantaloupe is ripe by gently pressing on the stem end - if it gives slightly and has a sweet smell, it is likely ripe.
You can tell if an avocado is ripe by gently squeezing it - if it gives slightly under pressure, it is ripe. Additionally, the skin color should be dark and the stem should come off easily when ripe.
You can tell if a cantaloupe is ripe and sweet by gently pressing on the stem end - if it gives slightly and smells sweet, it is likely ripe. Additionally, a ripe cantaloupe will have a golden color and a sweet aroma.
You can tell if plantains are ripe by looking for yellow or black skin with some dark spots. The fruit should feel slightly soft to the touch, similar to a ripe banana.
You can tell when a grapefruit is ripe by its color, weight, and firmness. A ripe grapefruit will have a bright yellow or pink color, feel heavy for its size, and be slightly firm when gently squeezed.
You can tell when cherries are ripe by looking for a deep, rich color, firm texture, and a sweet aroma. Additionally, ripe cherries will easily detach from the stem when gently pulled.
You can tell when eggplant is ripe by checking if it has a shiny, smooth skin and feels firm to the touch. Additionally, ripe eggplants will have a deep color and a slight give when pressed gently.
To tell if an eggplant is ripe inside, gently press the skin with your finger. If it feels firm but gives slightly, the eggplant is likely ripe. Additionally, a ripe eggplant will have a shiny, smooth skin and feel heavy for its size.
You can tell if squash is ripe by checking the skin for a deep color, feeling for firmness, and tapping it to hear a hollow sound.
You can tell if an eggplant is ripe by checking if it has a shiny and smooth skin, feels heavy for its size, and has a firm texture when gently pressed.