If you’re planning to refresh your patio, deck, or backyard oasis, timing is everything. Knowing when outdoor furniture typically goes on sale can mean the difference between paying full price and securing a fantastic deal. The market for outdoor seating, lounging pieces, dining sets, and decorative accents follows seasonal trends, promotions, and consumer demand cycles. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the best times to buy outdoor furniture, both online and in-store, and how to maximize your savings by understanding the rhythm of retail sales.
Understanding the Seasonal Nature of Outdoor Furniture Sales
Outdoor furniture is inherently seasonal, with demand peaking during the warmer months—spring and summer. Retailers align their inventory management and pricing strategies to these patterns. There’s a clear rhythm to when new collections arrive, when markdowns begin, and when end-of-season clearance events happen.
Why Outdoor Furniture Is Seasonal
The seasonal nature of outdoor furniture stems from a few key factors:
- Weather dependency: People are more inclined to use outdoor spaces in warm weather.
- Spring awakening and summer entertaining: As temperature rises, so does interest in backyard entertaining, outdoor dining, and lounging.
- Retail inventory cycles: Stores stock up on new models as the season begins and clear out old stock as it wanes.
By aligning your purchase with these cycles, you can secure high-quality pieces at significant discounts.
The Key Sales Timelines for Outdoor Furniture
January to March: Post-Holiday Clearance and Early Spring Discounts
The beginning of the year is often overlooked, but it’s one of the best times to snag deals on outdoor furniture—particularly from late January through March.
Stores are trying to clear out the previous year’s inventory before new models arrive. Retailers such as Home Depot, IKEA, and Lowe’s often offer early-season discounts during this time.
What to Watch For in Early Spring:
- Clearance on last year’s models
- Inventory reduction sales
- Overstocked items from unseasonably cold fall/winter
This window gives you a strategic opportunity to find bargains before the rush for summer begins.
April to June: Peak Season and Early Special Event Sales
As spring turns into summer, outdoor furniture enters its high season. While prices are generally at or near their peak, this is also the period when manufacturers and retailers launch limited-time promotions tied to major holidays.
Holiday-Based Events to Target:
- Memorial Day (May): One of the biggest sales periods of the year; expect up to 30–50% off select items.
- Spring Clearance Events: Many retailers schedule their spring sales in late April to May.
- Summer Kickoff Promos: Retailers may offer small price drops as the season officially begins.
While you won’t get the deepest discounts during this period, it is a great time to lock in new inventory at reasonable prices before summer crowds drive up demand.
July to August: Mid-Summer Sales and Early Markdowns
By July and August, the outdoor furniture market is still in high gear but beginning to taper slightly. Retailers may start discounting certain items if inventory levels are too high or if they’re testing early clearance ahead of fall markdowns.
This phase often sees promotions like:
- Mid-Season Sales
- Clearance on Discontinued Styles
- Free Shipping and Assembly Offers
If you’re flexible and can wait for the next wave, buying in late July or August may offer more value and still allow time to enjoy your new setup.
September to November: Best Time for Clearance and End-of-Season Deals
This is the golden period for savings. While the days are getting shorter and cooler, retailers are ready to clear out their remaining inventory to make way for fall and winter merchandise. For the smart shopper, September and October often provide up to 60-70% off retail prices.
If you’re not in a rush and can wait until late summer or early autumn, this is one of the most advantageous times to make your purchase.
Best Practices for Fall Outdoor Furniture Shopping:
- Monitor email promotions from your favorite stores.
- Shop online before inventory reaches clearance stores.
- Visit warehouse or offsite clearance locations for local deals.
Where to Watch for Sales
To take full advantage of timing, it’s important to know where to look. Different retailers have different calendars for launching and clearing their seasonal furniture.
Online Marketplaces: Amazon, Wayfair, and Overstock
Platform-based marketplaces like Amazon, Wayfair, and Overstock run frequent promotions, flash sales, and Prime Day specials. These sites offer convenience and a wide variety of brands and models, and they often match or beat end-of-season discounts seen in physical stores.
Big-Box Retailers: Home Depot, Lowe’s, and IKEA
Major retailers like Home Depot, Lowe’s, and IKEA clear out stock aggressively after the summer season. Physical store returns can also create online pricing disparities that savvy buyers can capitalize upon.
Department Stores: Macy’s and Target
Though not the first place people think to shop for sets like rattan sofas or teak dining tables, these big-name stores offer compact collections, especially patio chairs and umbrellas, and they tend to roll out promotions around key dates like Labor Day.
Furniture Specialty Retailers
Stores like Ethan Allen, Restoration Hardware, and Castlery also follow seasonal pricing structures. High-end furniture brands may run limited-time offers during early September to entice buyers before holiday shopping begins.
Regional Differences in Sale Timing
Sale timing can vary by climate zone and region. Retailers in northern areas may begin clearance events earlier than stores in warmer southern regions.
When the Season Ends in Different U.S. Regions
| Region | Typical Clearance Start | Last Possible Time to Buy |
|---|---|---|
| Northeast | Early September | Late October |
| Midwest | Mid-September | October |
| Southeast | Late September | Mid-November |
| West Coast | Mid-September | Late November |
This guide gives you a better sense of when to act based on your location and how long retailers in your area are likely to carry inventory.
How Weather Affects Sale Timing
An unseasonably warm or cool year can shift sale calendars. A shorter summer season may cause retailers to begin clearance events earlier, while an extended fall season can prolong availability.
Additionally, supply chain fluctuations resulting from holidays, natural disasters, or economic instability can affect pricing. In recent years, global events have shown that outdoor furniture is not immune to price increases or inventory shortages, making timing even more crucial.
Knowing this, it pays to check sale calendars earlier than normal in unpredictable years—especially if early demand depletes inventory or delays shipment dates.
Early Bird Strategies: Pre-Season Shopping
While waiting for fall clearance gives the biggest deals, the best availability—particularly for high-end or signature collections—can be found during early spring. Planning ahead ensures you can preview and wait for deep discounts when demand fades.
January and February: Monitor Online Deals
Many retailers like Wayfair and Amazon offer “off-season” deals in early calendar months. Though still early in the outdoor season, these platforms may bundle chairs with cushions or offer modest early discounts on select styles.
March: New Arrivals and Inventory Reduction
As the weather warms up, stores receive new arrivals while simultaneously discounting older units. This dual approach can provide variety and flexibility for both style-focused shoppers and those in search of value deals.
Sales for Specific Types of Outdoor Furniture
Different types of outdoor furniture follow slightly different calendars depending on popularity, price point, and consumer behavior.
Outdoor Dining Sets
Dining sets—which often include tables, chairs, and sometimes even storage or umbrellas—are among the most sought-after purchases around holidays like Memorial Day and the Fourth of July.
Deals can go deep by Labor Day, often undercutting early summer prices.
Patio Loungers and Chairs
Loungers and recliners tend to be more flexible in pricing. Because these items are smaller and more interchangeable across setups, clearance sales tend to be more aggressive and widespread.
Fire Pits, Ottomans and Side Tables
Accessories and accent furniture often go on sale later in the season, as part of bigger sets or decor promotions. September to October may be best for standalone pieces.
Umbrellas and Canopies
Since umbrellas can often be used through early fall, clearance on these might not begin until late September to November, depending on geography. Watch for combo packs near end-of-season sales.
Online vs In-Store Outdoor Furniture Deals
Both online and in-store avenues offer unique advantages.
Why Go Online?
- Broader selection: Shop dozens of brands with just one search.
- Price tracking: Tools like camelcamelcamel (Amazon) let you view price trends.
- Seasonal promo codes: Retailers often layer coupon codes for extra savings.
- Warehouse deals: Platforms like Amazon Warehouse and Overstock feature customer-returned items at extreme discounts.
Why Go In-Store?
- Immediate availability: Ideal if you need your furniture that weekend.
- Showroom samples: Many big-box retailers sell floor models at heavy discounts.
- Negotiation space: Some big-box stores and small retailers are more flexible with pricing at the end of season.
To get the most out of shopping, consider combining both approaches: browsing and comparing online, then making purchases in-store if delivery or assembly concerns are top priorities.
How to Time Your Purchase for Maximum Savings
Timing your purchase optimally requires a few key strategies to ensure you get the most out of your budget.
Set Alerts for Price Drops
Use browser extensions like Honey or shopping alerts from Amazon or Wayfair to get notified when a product drops in price. You can even monitor multiple items on a price drop board (spreadsheet-style) for the season.
Join Loyalty and Email Programs
Retailers like IKEA Family, Home Depot Pro, and Target Circle, in addition to others, provide early access to sale items. Subscribers to email newsletters also get first dibs and exclusive discount codes regularly.
Combine Coupons, Promo Codes, and Rebates
Many end-of-season sales can be layered with store promotional tools:
- Promo codes may give an extra 10% off.
- Rebates are often in place for early purchases (especially on higher-end sets).
- Credit card offers sometimes partner with retailers for additional % off or cashback.
Make sure you’re aware of all the overlapping opportunities before clicking “buy.”
Be Ready to Act Fast
Because so many buyers look for deals during mid-September to October, popular items can disappear from inventory quickly. If something matches your budget and style within 10–15% of your ideal target price, consider buying it early rather than waiting for more speculative drops.
When to Avoid Buying—And Why
Not every month is ideal for securing the best deals on outdoor furniture. Here are times to avoid:
- December: Retailers are closing down seasonal sections and focusing on holiday merchandise; clearance typically won’t match better months.
- July: While sales still exist, inventory levels aren’t low yet, so markdowns are less aggressive than fall offers.
- Week of Major Holidays (e.g., Labor Day weekend): While sales are active, some retailers actually reduce discounts in the final weekend of clearance events.
Key Takeaway:
To avoid impulse buying or suboptimal timing, always plan ahead and track your favorite pieces for the best mix between price and availability.
Conclusion: Plan Ahead, Save Smarter
Outdoor furniture shopping doesn’t need to be expensive or rushed. By understanding the seasonal nature of sales, planning around major holidays and retailer calendars, and monitoring inventory levels in your region, you can secure the perfect patio furniture at a fraction of the cost.
Whether you prefer early-season browsing, mid-season promotions, or diving into late-season clearance, there’s an ideal time to suit your shopping style and budget. Don’t forget to use discount tools, loyalty programs, and strategic timing to maximize your opportunities.
Remember: a few well-timed clicks or visits could turn a springtime budget into a fall-time dream setup. The best outdoor furniture deals are out there—it’s just a matter of knowing when and where to look.
When is the best time to buy outdoor furniture?
The best time to buy outdoor furniture is typically during the late winter to early spring months, just before the peak outdoor season begins. Retailers often start rolling out their new collections in February or March, making this a prime time to find the latest designs at competitive prices. Additionally, end-of-season sales in the fall—especially during September and October—are excellent opportunities to purchase outdoor furniture at discounted rates as stores make room for new inventory.
Another key time to shop is during major holiday weekends such as Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day, when many furniture retailers offer significant promotions and discounts. Online marketplaces and big-box stores may also offer early access to deals during these periods. It’s important for shoppers to research prices ahead of time and compare offers to ensure they’re getting the best deal possible, especially when purchasing high-end or custom outdoor pieces.
Why do outdoor furniture sales peak during certain times of the year?
Outdoor furniture sales tend to peak during the spring and summer months because consumer demand increases as the weather warms. People are more inclined to spend time outdoors, hosting gatherings, renovating patios, or preparing for summer barbecues. As a result, retailers stock up on inventory and launch marketing campaigns during this period to meet heightened interest.
However, while sales volume peaks in warmer months, retailers often see maximum foot traffic and engagement earlier in the year, especially in late winter and early spring. At that point, retailers use strategic promotions to entice early buyers, creating a pre-season sales boost. These early promotions also help retailers gauge the popularity of new designs and manage supply for the peak season, contributing to the cyclical sales pattern observed in the outdoor furniture market.
Are there discounts available during the Christmas or holiday season for outdoor furniture?
Discounts on outdoor furniture are less common during the Christmas and winter holiday season since demand is typically low during colder months. However, some clearance events and year-end sales may feature steep reductions on remaining stock as retailers prepare for new spring collections. These sales are more frequent in regions where winter is especially long or harsh, and they offer a chance for savvy shoppers to snag high-quality sets at deep discounts.
In addition, some online retailers or warehouse stores may include outdoor furniture in their holiday clearance sales, especially if they’re trying to reduce inventory. While selection may be more limited compared to peak season, shoppers who are willing to wait until spring to use their furniture can benefit from these off-season deals. It’s also a good time to look for last-minute deals before retailers finalize their new product lines for the upcoming year.
What are typical end-of-season sale periods for outdoor furniture?
The most common end-of-season sales for outdoor furniture occur during late summer and early fall—usually in September and October. During this time, retailers begin clearing out inventory to make room for upcoming collections, and consumers can find large markdowns on both in-stock and display models. These sales often coincide with back-to-school promotions and the transition to indoor-focused product lines.
Local patio furniture dealers, big-box stores, and online retailers all tend to offer increased promotions during this period. Consumers can expect to find deep discounts on loungers, dining sets, umbrellas, and even fire pits as the outdoor season comes to a close. Shopping during these months is ideal for those who have a specific vision in mind and can wait for next season to use their furniture, as the best deals often come with limited availability and a reduced selection.
Do online retailers and brick-and-mortar stores have different sale schedules for outdoor furniture?
Yes, online retailers and traditional brick-and-mortar stores often have different sales schedules when it comes to outdoor furniture. Online stores may begin their promotions earlier in the year to capitalize on early planning consumers and can extend sales longer than physical locations. They also tend to run flash sales and limited-time offers throughout the shopping season, leveraging real-time consumer data to adjust pricing and promotions.
On the other hand, brick-and-mortar stores often align deals with physical showroom transitions, launching major promotions around seasonal shifts and local weather patterns. These stores also conduct clearance events when they need to make space for new inventory, often leading to deeper in-store discounts around the same key times—spring introductions and fall clearances. While both types of retailers offer competitive pricing, the timing and flexibility of deals may differ, so savvy shoppers should explore both options.
Is it worth buying outdoor furniture during off-season sales?
Buying outdoor furniture during off-season sales can be highly advantageous for budget-conscious shoppers. While the weather might not be ideal for immediate use, the price reductions during these times can be substantial—often ranging from 30% to 60% off retail prices. Retailers are eager to clear inventory, especially in the fall and winter months, making it a great opportunity to invest in high-quality sets without the premium price.
However, buying off-season does require some planning. Shoppers should ensure they have adequate storage space to protect furniture from the elements until it can be used. Additionally, stock may be limited, and certain color or configuration options might no longer be available. Those who know what they want and can make room to store it can benefit from huge savings and possibly even find discontinued pieces at exceptional rates.
How can I find the best deals on outdoor furniture consistently?
To find the best deals on outdoor furniture consistently, start by tracking seasonal trends and aligning your shopping with key sale periods such as early spring introductions and fall clearances. Sign up for retailer newsletters, set up price alerts on online shopping platforms, and follow your favorite home décor and furniture brands on social media to stay informed about upcoming sales and exclusive promotions.
Additionally, compare prices across different retailers—both online and local—and don’t shy away from visiting end-of-season warehouse sales or clearance centers. Shopping at outlet stores or considering slightly imperfect pieces—like floor models or items with minor cosmetic damage—can also lead to major savings. If you’re flexible with your timeline and design preferences, you can maximize your savings without compromising on quality or style.