The best time to buy patio furniture is late summer through early fall, when retailers clear inventory before winter

Patio furniture prices drop most sharply in August and September. Retailers need to move stock before the season ends, and manufacturers stop producing outdoor pieces for the year. You will see markdowns of 30 to 50 percent on in-stock items during this window. The second-best window is late winter into early spring — February through March — when stores discount remaining inventory and prepare for the new season, though markdowns tend to be smaller than in fall.

Buying in May or June, when the season is in full swing, means paying full or near-full price. July can be a transition month with some discounts starting, but August is when the real price drops begin. If you wait until October, many styles and colors will already be sold out, even at discount prices.

Key Takeaways

  • August and September offer the steepest discounts — typically 30 to 50 percent off — because retailers need to clear summer inventory before fall.
  • February and March are the second-best buying window, with smaller but still meaningful markdowns as stores prepare for spring.
  • Buying during peak season (May through July) means paying full price, and waiting until October leaves you with limited selection even at discount prices.
  • End-of-season clearance sales are more reliable than holiday sales, which often focus on indoor items rather than outdoor furniture.
  • Checking store websites in early August for clearance sections can help you find deals before popular styles sell out.

Why August and September have the deepest discounts

Retailers order patio furniture in bulk for the warm months and must move it before the season ends. Warehouse space is expensive, and holding unsold inventory into winter costs money. Manufacturers also stop production in late summer, so stores cannot restock popular items — they must discount what remains to clear it out.

The discount accelerates as August moves into September. A piece marked down 25 percent in early August might drop to 40 or 50 percent off by late September. This is when you will find the best prices, but also when selection shrinks. Popular colors, sizes, and styles sell out first, even at discount.

Why February and March work as a secondary buying window

Winter inventory clearance happens in late winter as retailers prepare for spring delivery. Stores have been holding patio furniture through the slow months and need the floor space for incoming spring stock. Discounts in February and March typically run 20 to 35 percent, which is meaningful but less aggressive than fall clearance.

The advantage of buying in late winter is that you have more time before you actually need the furniture — you can wait for spring weather to use it. The disadvantage is that selection is already limited after the fall clearance, and you may find only the pieces that did not sell in August.

What to avoid: peak season pricing and holiday sales

May, June, and July are the worst months to buy patio furniture. Retailers know demand is high, so they hold prices steady or offer only small discounts. You will pay full retail price for almost everything during these months.

Holiday sales — Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day — are often overstated. While some stores do run promotions around these dates, the discounts are usually 10 to 20 percent, which is less than what you will find in late August without the holiday rush. Black Friday and Cyber Monday focus heavily on indoor items and electronics, not outdoor furniture. Patio furniture does appear in these sales, but the deals are not better than end-of-season clearance.

How to track prices and spot real discounts

Start checking store websites in early August. Most major retailers — Wayfair, Overstock, Home Depot, Lowe's, and Costco — have dedicated clearance sections. Prices update weekly as inventory moves. Sign up for email alerts from stores where you have seen furniture you like; they will notify you when items go on sale.

Compare the original price tag to the sale price. Some retailers inflate the "original" price to make the discount look larger. If a piece was never sold at the higher price, the discount is misleading. Check the item's price history on price-tracking sites like CamelCamelCamel (for Amazon) or Keepa to see what it actually cost in previous months.

Look for floor models and display pieces. Stores often discount these heavily because they have been handled and may have minor cosmetic wear. If you do not mind a small scratch or dent, floor models can save you 40 to 60 percent.

Material and durability matter more when buying on sale

A steep discount is only a good deal if the furniture lasts. Teak and high-quality aluminum hold up for 5 to 10 years with basic care. Particle board and low-grade plastic may fail in 2 to 3 years, even at half price. When you are buying clearance, check the material and construction before assuming the discount makes it worth buying.

Cushions and fabric degrade faster than frames. If you are buying cushioned furniture on clearance, factor in the cost of replacement cushions — they often cost 30 to 50 percent of the original furniture price. Sunbrella and other solution-dyed fabrics last longer than standard outdoor fabric and resist fading better.

Outlet stores and online-only retailers for year-round deals

Outlet furniture stores and online retailers like Wayfair, Overstock, and Wish often have lower baseline prices than big-box stores, even outside the clearance season. These sites do not have the same inventory pressure as physical retailers, so they can discount steadily rather than in seasonal spikes. Shipping costs can offset the savings, so calculate the total delivered price before buying.

Costco and Sam's Club rotate patio furniture inventory throughout the year and often price competitively, though selection is smaller. If you have a membership and see something you like, the price is usually fair even if it is not technically on sale.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it worth waiting until September if I need furniture now?

If you need furniture in May or June, buying then is the practical choice. The 30 to 50 percent savings in August are significant, but only if you can wait. If you are hosting a summer gathering in June, paying full price in May makes more sense than missing the event.

Do online retailers have better prices than physical stores?

Online retailers often have lower baseline prices and wider selection, but shipping costs can be high for large items. Calculate the total delivered price, including any assembly fees. Physical stores sometimes match online prices during clearance, so check both before deciding.

Should I buy last year's models when new ones arrive?

Yes, if the style still appeals to you. Manufacturers release new designs in spring, and stores discount previous-year models heavily to clear them. The quality is the same; only the color or pattern is older. You can save 40 to 50 percent this way.

What if the color or size I want is sold out during clearance?

Waitlists are rarely worth it for patio furniture — most stores do not restock clearance items. If your preferred option is gone, either choose a different color or wait for the next season. Buying a piece you do not love just because it is on sale usually leads to regret.

Are scratch-and-dent sales a good option?

Scratch-and-dent furniture can be an excellent value if the damage is cosmetic and does not affect function. Inspect the piece in person if possible, or ask the store for detailed photos. A dent in the frame is usually fine; cracks in the seat or back are not.