Costco's Main Patio Furniture Sale Seasons

Costco patio furniture typically goes on sale twice a year: in spring (March through May) and late summer (August through September). The spring sale aligns with when people start planning outdoor spaces after winter, while the late-summer sale clears inventory before fall arrives. These are the windows when you'll see the deepest discounts and the widest selection of marked-down items.

The exact timing varies slightly by location and year, but Costco's warehouse managers generally follow these seasonal patterns. Spring sales tend to start in mid-March and run through May, with the heaviest discounts appearing in April. Late-summer sales typically begin in late July or early August and continue through September, with the steepest markdowns in August.

Outside these two main windows, Costco does mark down patio items occasionally—usually when a specific item is being discontinued or when a new shipment arrives and older stock needs to move. These smaller sales are unpredictable and vary by warehouse, so they're harder to plan around.

Key Takeaways

  • Spring sales (March through May) and late-summer sales (August through September) are when Costco marks down patio furniture the most.
  • Costco's online warehouse inventory differs from in-store stock, so check both to see what's on sale at your location.
  • Patio furniture marked down at Costco usually cannot be returned after 90 days, even if you bought it on sale, so check the receipt tag before checkout.
  • Signing up for Costco's email alerts and checking the warehouse website weekly during sale season helps you catch deals before popular items sell out.
  • Discontinued items and floor models often have the steepest discounts, but selection is limited and these items typically cannot be special-ordered.

How to Track Sales at Your Local Warehouse

The fastest way to find out what's on sale is to visit your local Costco warehouse in person during the sale windows listed above. Patio furniture is usually grouped in one section, and sale tags are clearly marked with the discount amount. Staff at the warehouse can also tell you if new markdowns are coming that week.

Costco's website shows what's on sale online, but the in-warehouse inventory is often different. Some items are warehouse-exclusive, and some are online-only. Check both your local warehouse's website and Costco.com to see the full picture of what's available. You can also call your warehouse directly and ask if a specific item is currently on sale or expected to go on sale soon.

Costco does not send out a dedicated patio furniture sale flyer, but the warehouse does post weekly deals on its website and app. During spring and late summer, check the "Deals" section of Costco.com or the Costco app at least once a week to catch new markdowns before they're gone.

Spring Sale Timing and What to Expect

The spring patio sale usually kicks off in mid-March, when Costco receives its first large shipment of outdoor furniture for the season. Prices are highest when items first arrive, then drop as the season progresses. By late April and May, you'll see the deepest discounts on items that didn't sell as quickly as expected.

Spring sales include a full range of patio sets, lounge chairs, umbrellas, and outdoor dining tables. Costco typically stocks both budget-friendly options and higher-end pieces during this season. If you're looking for a specific style or size, shopping in early April gives you the best selection, even if the discount isn't quite as steep as it will be in May.

One thing to note: spring is also when Costco introduces new patio furniture lines. These new items rarely go on sale when ready, so if you see something you like that's not marked down, it may not be discounted until late May or early June.

Late-Summer Sale Timing and What to Expect

The late-summer sale typically begins in late July or early August and runs through September. This is when Costco clears out its summer inventory to make room for fall and winter merchandise. Discounts during this period are often steeper than spring discounts because the warehouse is motivated to move stock quickly.

Late-summer sales focus on clearing existing inventory rather than introducing new styles. You'll find deep markdowns on items that have been in the warehouse all summer, but the selection of styles and colors may be more limited than in spring. If you're flexible on color or style, this is the best time to find the lowest prices.

By mid-September, many patio items are either sold out or heavily discounted. If you wait until late September, you may find excellent deals, but you also risk missing out on popular items that have already sold through.

Return Policies for Sale Patio Furniture

Patio furniture purchased on sale at Costco has a 90-day return window, not the standard 120 days. This shorter window applies specifically to marked-down items and is printed on the sale tag at the register. You'll need your receipt and the original packaging to return an item within this timeframe.

Some patio furniture items—particularly outdoor cushions and seasonal items—may have even shorter return windows. Always check the sale tag before you buy to see the exact return important date. If you're buying in April, for example, you have until early July to return it; if you buy in August, you have until early November.

Items that are discontinued or floor models typically cannot be returned at all, even within the 90-day window. The sale tag will state "final sale" or "no returns" if this applies. Read the tag carefully before checkout to avoid surprises.

Discontinued and Floor Model Clearance

Costco occasionally marks down patio furniture that is being discontinued or that has been used as a floor display model. These items carry the steepest discounts—sometimes 40 to 60 percent off—but they come with restrictions. Floor models may show signs of wear, and discontinued items cannot be special-ordered if you want a different size or color.

Discontinued items are usually marked clearly on the sale tag. If you're interested in a floor model, inspect it carefully in the warehouse before buying. Check for scratches, dents, or stains that might affect your decision. Floor models are sold as-is, and Costco will not replace or repair them after purchase.

These clearance items sell quickly because of the steep discounts. If you see something you like, buy it that day rather than waiting, because it may not be there the next time you visit.

Tips for Finding the Best Deals

Shop during the peak sale weeks—mid-April for spring and mid-August for late summer—when the selection is widest and discounts are deepest. Avoid the first and last weeks of the sale season, when either selection is limited or prices haven't dropped as far as they will later.

Check your local warehouse's website before you go. Costco's website shows which items are on sale at your specific location, so you won't waste a trip on something that's not marked down at your warehouse. You can also call ahead and ask if a specific item is in stock and on sale.

Sign up for Costco's email notifications if your warehouse offers them. Some locations send weekly deal alerts that include patio furniture. This helps you stay on top of new markdowns without having to check the website constantly.

Bundle deals sometimes appear during sale season—for example, a patio set with cushions and an umbrella marked down as a package. These bundles often offer better value than buying items separately, but they're only available while stock lasts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Costco ever have patio furniture sales outside of spring and late summer?

Yes, but they're unpredictable. Costco marks down individual items when they're being discontinued or when a new shipment arrives and older stock needs to clear. These sales vary by warehouse and don't follow a set schedule. The spring and late-summer sales are the only reliable, warehouse-wide events.

Can I return patio furniture to Costco if I bought it on sale?

Yes, within 90 days of purchase with your receipt. Sale items have a shorter return window than regular merchandise. Some items marked "final sale" or "no returns" cannot be returned at all, so check the sale tag before you buy.

Is patio furniture cheaper at Costco than at other stores during these sales?

Costco's prices are competitive during sale season, but you should compare specific items to other retailers if you're looking for the absolute lowest price. Costco's advantage is often the quality and warranty on higher-end pieces, not always the lowest sticker price.

What if I miss the spring sale—will patio furniture go on sale again soon?

Yes. If you miss the spring sale, the late-summer sale (August through September) is your next opportunity. Discounts during late summer are often steeper than spring because Costco is clearing inventory more aggressively.

Do online and in-warehouse patio furniture sales happen at the same time?

Usually, but not always. Some items are warehouse-exclusive and some are online-only. Check both Costco.com and your local warehouse's website to see the full range of what's on sale. In-warehouse inventory can differ significantly from online stock.