Want to stop overpaying for big purchases? Knowing the best time of year to buy things helps you score deals on everything from electronics and furniture to clothing and tools.
This month-by-month guide reveals when prices drop the most, so you can plan your shopping and stretch every dollar further all year long.
January: Electronics & Fitness Gear
Retailers kick off the year with clearance events and fitness-focused deals. It’s the perfect time to refresh your tech and home workout setup.
- Best for: TVs, soundbars, fitness trackers, treadmills
- Pro Tip: Super Bowl sales slash prices on big-screen TVs
- Also buy: Bedding, holiday décor, winter apparel (deep clearance)
February: Indoor Furniture & Jewelry
Presidents Day brings serious markdowns on home items. Plus, Valentine’s leftovers make jewelry more affordable after the 14th.
- Best for: Mattresses, recliners, dining tables
- Pro Tip: Wait until mid-February for post-Valentine’s jewelry sales
- Also buy: Winter coats, small appliances
March: Winter Clothing & Gardening Tools
As retailers prep for spring, March is your last chance to grab winter gear at rock-bottom prices.
- Best for: Coats, boots, snow equipment
- Pro Tip: Big-box stores quietly discount gardening tools this month
- Also buy: Digital cameras, leftover electronics
April: Outdoor Gear & Spring Sales
Spring deals bloom on patio sets, grills, and lawn care. April’s also a great time to prep for summer travel.
- Best for: Grills, patio furniture, garden tools
- Also buy: Spring clothing, hiking gear, vacuums
- See our guide on How to Find Clearance Deals for more tips and tricks
May: Appliances & Tools
Memorial Day sales dominate May, with price cuts on large appliances, power tools, and early summer gear.
- Best for: Washers, dryers, dishwashers, lawnmowers
- Pro Tip: Stack store promos with mail-in rebates for extra savings
- Also buy: Jewelry (Mother’s Day sales)
Read More: 6 Shopping Windows That Can Save You Hundreds on Electronics and Appliances
June: Outdoor Essentials & Gym Equipment
June brings deals on fitness gear and summer must-haves before Fourth of July pricing spikes.
- Best for: Tents, bikes, weights, patio furniture
- Pro Tip: Use loyalty programs to snag early access to summer markdowns
- Also buy: Sunglasses, workout shoes
Read More: 10 Tips to Find the Ultimate Deals on Your Wedding
July: Tech & Apparel
Mid-summer sales and back-to-school deals hit shelves early. Grab what you need before August demand spikes prices.
- Best for: Laptops, tablets, school supplies
- Pro Tip: Amazon Prime Day brings sitewide savings on electronics and gadgets
- Also buy: Summer clothing (clearance)
August: Grills & Furniture
August wraps up summer inventory, making it ideal for final markdowns on seasonal items.
- Best for: Grills, patio sets, camping gear
- Pro Tip: Shop for indoor furniture before fall collections arrive
- Also buy: School bundles, storage bins, fans
September: Home Goods & Clothing
Fall fashion drops while summer stock clears. Home improvement gear goes on sale after Labor Day.
- Best for: Dishwashers, ranges, denim, boots
- Pro Tip: September is great for buying last year’s iPhone model
- Also buy: Tools, flooring, decor
October: Camping Gear & Appliances
Retailers discount cold-weather gear and large appliances to clear space for holiday inventory.
- Best for: Outdoor gear, space heaters, washers and dryers
- Also buy: Fall fashion, luggage, Halloween clearance
- Related term: off-season shopping
November: Electronics & Toys
Black Friday and Cyber Monday make November the cheapest month for big-ticket gadgets and holiday gifts.
- Best for: TVs, gaming consoles, kitchen gadgets
- Pro Tip: Use price trackers like CamelCamelCamel to spot true discounts
- Also buy: Toys, home decor, clothing
December: Gift Sets & Fitness Gear
The year ends strong with last-minute markdowns and post-holiday clearance.
- Best for: Tools, gift sets, holiday décor
- Pro Tip: Buy fitness gear now because prices rise in January
- Also buy: Cold-weather accessories, planners, calendars
Why Timing Matters
Knowing the best time of year to buy things helps you make smarter spending choices, not just cheaper ones.
Timing your purchases around seasonal markdowns and retail cycles means you get more value without sacrificing quality. Use this month-by-month sales guide to plan ahead, avoid impulse buys, and keep more money in your pocket all year.
Read More: 6 Reasons You Should Always Use Guest Checkout When Online Shopping
