The best time to buy patio furniture depends on one question: do you care more about price or selection? If saving money is the priority, late August through September will get you up to 70% off. If you want every color, size, and style available, shop between February and April.
Most people buy at the worst possible time. They see the first warm weekend in May, get excited, and pay full retail. We've watched it happen year after year. So we put together this month-by-month breakdown to help you time your patio and outdoor furniture purchase right, whether you're shopping for a full dining set or a simple conversation group.
February Through April
New outdoor furniture collections typically land between January and March. By February, showrooms are fully stocked. Every size, every configuration, every fabric option is on the table.
This is the right move if you're designing a full outdoor space from scratch, or if you know exactly what you want and don't want to risk it selling out. You'll pay closer to retail, but some brands run early-season promotions in the 10–20% off range, especially around Presidents' Day.
For buyers in colder climates (Northern Europe, the U.S. Northeast), spring shopping also gives you time to receive and set up furniture before the outdoor season starts. No rushing, no scrambling.
May Through July
Late spring and early summer are peak patio furniture seasons. Demand is highest, prices are firmest, and popular items sell out fast. The U.S. outdoor furniture market is projected to hit $7.41 billion in 2026, and a big chunk of that spending happens in this window.
We get it. The weather's nice, you're hosting a barbecue next weekend, and that empty patio is staring at you. But if you can resist the impulse buy, you'll save hundreds (sometimes over a thousand) by waiting just a few months.
The one exception: if you spot a Memorial Day deal on exactly what you need, that's worth jumping on. Outside of that, May through July is the most expensive time to shop.
Late August Through October
This is your window if you want the biggest discounts. Period.
After Labor Day, retailers need floor space for fall and holiday inventory. Outdoor sets that sat at full price all summer suddenly drop 40–60%. By October, you might see markdowns as steep as 70–80%, though at that point, you're picking from whatever's left on the shelf.
The trade-off? Limited selection. Popular finishes, cushion colors, and frame styles sell out first. If you're flexible about exactly what you get, late summer is hard to beat. But if you have a specific look in mind, like a matching 7-piece aluminum dining set with Sunbrella cushions, don't wait this long.
Holiday Sales Actually Worth Your Attention
Not all holiday sales are equal. Here's how the major ones stack up for patio furniture deals:
|
Holiday |
Typical Discount |
Selection |
Our Take |
|
Presidents' Day (Feb) |
10–20% off |
Full |
Good for early birds who want first pick |
|
Memorial Day (May) |
20–35% off |
Strong |
Best balance of price and variety |
|
4th of July |
25–40% off |
Moderate |
Decent mid-season savings |
|
Labor Day (Sep) |
30–60% off |
Thinning |
Best single sale weekend of the year |
|
Black Friday (Nov) |
20–50% off |
Less varied |
Worth checking if you are open on selection |
How to Time Your Patio Furniture Purchase
Timing matters, but it's not the only factor. A few practical tips:
- Know your "must-haves" early. Browse collections in January or February. Figure out the exact set, size, and finish you want so you're ready to move when prices drop.
- Sign up for brand newsletters. Many outdoor furniture companies announce seasonal offers to email subscribers before posting them publicly.
- Don't ignore quality for the sake of a deal. A $400 set that rusts in two years costs more long-term than a $2,000 aluminum set with a 5-year warranty. Materials like powder-coated aluminum and Sunbrella fabric hold up across seasons without constant maintenance.
- Think about the full setup. A dining set under a pergola creates a completely different outdoor experience than chairs on an open patio. If you're planning a bigger project, coordinate your purchases to get the most out of your space.
- Buy online in winter. January and February can be a hidden gem. Most retail stores pull patio furniture off the floor entirely, but online shops still carry stock, sometimes at steep discounts. You just need somewhere to store it until spring.
Related article: How to Choose Outdoor Furniture That Looks Great Under a Pergola
Best Time to Buy Patio Furniture: What to Do Next
- If you want the lowest price, shop late August through September. Labor Day weekend specifically.
- If you want the best selection, shop February through April. New collections, full range.
- If you want a balance of both, Memorial Day weekend in late May hits that middle ground.
And if you feel like you have already missed the window, don't stress. Good outdoor furniture lasts years. Buying the right set at a fair price beats buying a cheap set on clearance that falls apart in two seasons. Ready to start looking? Browse Mirador's outdoor furniture collection to find the right fit for your patio.
FAQs
What month is patio furniture cheapest?
September is typically the cheapest month. End-of-season clearance pushes discounts to 40–60% off retail, especially right after Labor Day. August is close behind and usually has better selection. If you can wait even longer, January sometimes offers a second clearance window, but choices are very limited by then.
Is Labor Day really the best time to buy outdoor furniture?
Yes, and it's not even close for holiday-specific sales. Labor Day falls right when stores are already clearing summer inventory, so you get planned holiday discounts stacked on top of existing markdowns. Expect 30–60% off, with decent selection still available if you shop the first day.
Should I buy patio furniture in winter?
You can find good deals, but it requires shopping online. Brick-and-mortar stores usually pull outdoor furniture from the floor by November. Online retailers, however, still carry stock and some offer discounts of up to 70% during the off-season.
Does buying cheaper patio furniture actually save money?
Not usually. Budget sets made from thin steel or low-grade wicker often need replacing within 1–3 seasons. A well-built aluminum set with weather-resistant cushions and a solid warranty (look for at least 5 years on the frame) will outlast two or three rounds of cheap furniture. The per-year cost ends up much lower.
When do new patio furniture collections come out?
Most brands release new collections between January and March. If you want first access to the latest styles, finishes, and configurations, shop in that early-spring window before peak season drives items out of stock.
