When Is the Best Time to Buy Patio Furniture?

You’d think buying patio furniture would be simple. Pick a set you love, hit checkout, done. But if you’re after that perfect balance of style, quality, and value, timing your purchase makes all the difference. 

The right moment can unlock serious savings or give you first dibs on the newest designs. 

So, when exactly is the best time to buy patio furniture?

Let’s break it down season by season — because creating your dream outdoor space shouldn’t come with guesswork.

Understanding how patio furniture follows the seasons

Spoiler: Outdoor furniture shopping has seasons, just like fashion week or allergy flare-ups. 

The industry works on a predictable cycle, driven by climate, holidays, and the human urge to be outside the minute the sun peeks out.

Furniture retailers typically stock up in advance of the warm months, launch fresh collections in spring, run promos in summer, and clear out stock as soon as pumpkin spice lattes return.

Timing is everything.

Spring: Go early for first dibs and full choice

If you’re someone who wants it exactly right, spring is your time to shine. Retailers start launching their patio furniture collections as early as March, so this is when you’ll find the freshest designs, the boldest color palettes, and complete collections. 

Think matching outdoor tables, lounge chairs, cushions, and even umbrellas that go together.

The catch is that you’ll likely pay higher prices for patio furniture during this time. Retailers know the weather’s warming up and we’re all itching to turn our patios into personal sanctuaries. 

Still, if you don’t mind paying a little more for choice and availability, your space will be perfectly ready for peak hosting season.

Recommended read: 7 Backyard Decorating Tips to Prepare for Spring

Summer: High season, limited promotions

By summer, outdoor living is in full swing and demand for outdoor furniture remains high. While you’ll still find plenty of patio furniture in stores and online, discounts aren’t really the main character here.

Unless, you wait till mid-summer for sales like 4th of July or Memorial Day weekend. These are typically when you'll see seasonal promos, flash sales, or bundle deals — just don’t expect major markdowns. 

The best stuff might already be gone, so if you’re picky, you may need to compromise.

Late summer to early fall: This is your golden window

Here it is: the sweet spot.

If you’re asking yourself when is the best time to buy outdoor patio furniture at a great price, late August through October is the answer. 

Retailers are eager to make room for fall and winter collections, which means you can score high-quality sets at significantly reduced prices.

But, just be ready to act fast — styles, sizes, and color choices may get picked over quickly or long gone in earlier months. 

Still, if you live in a warmer climate (or you're just playing the long game for next year), the savings are well worth it.

Winter: Off-season steals for the ultimate planners

When most people are bundling up indoors, savvy shoppers are quietly scoring next season’s patio setups for a fraction of the cost.

Yes, winter is a wildcard. Selection is sparse, and you’ll need a place to store your new treasures until spring rolls around. But if you’re a planner — or just love a good deal — this is the best time to purchase patio furniture for those willing to think ahead.

You might find deep clearance items, open box or last season designs, or online retailers slashing prices to clear space. 

It’s a bit of a treasure hunt. But the thrill of landing that teak dining set for half-price? Worth it.

Pro tip: Ensure you have proper storage space and double-check return or warranty policies, especially if you're buying clearance or final-sale items. 

Quick guide on the best times to buy patio furniture

How to shop smart (any time of year)

We live for a good furniture hunt. And we’ve learned a few tricks along the way:

• Price-match between online and in-store: Some retailers run exclusive discounts on their site that aren’t available in showrooms.
  
  

• Go for quality: Buying cheap outdoor furniture can mean replacing it next season. Opt for durable outdoor materials like teak wood, powder-coated aluminum, or weather-resistant wicker that hold up best.
  
  

• Think in bundles: Outdoor sets that include matching chairs, tables, or even coffee tables usually come with better pricing per piece — and help you nail that cohesive look.
  
  

• Sign up for mailing lists: Yes, the marketing emails. They’re often the first place promo codes drop.
  
  

• Don’t sleep on floor models: If you don’t mind a few scuffs, you can snag major savings.

Plan ahead, relax later: Timing your outdoor furniture purchase

The best time to buy patio furniture depends on what matters most to you.

If you’ve got your heart set on a specific look or need your setup by spring brunch season, shop early. If you’re budget-conscious or flexible, wait until the end-of-season sales for the best prices. 

And if you love a gamble, winter could land you the deal of the year.

Either way, plan ahead and take your time. With a little timing, a bit of planning, and the right set of furniture, you’ll be living your best outdoor life in no time.

Frequently asked questions about patio furniture

When is the best time to buy patio furniture?

Spring’s your window if you want the latest styles and full selection (but expect to pay full price). Late summer to early fall is where the real deals are hiding. And if you’re cool with playing the long game, winter’s off-season steals are hard to beat.

How to clean outdoor patio furniture?

Warm water and mild soap will handle most messes effectively. Use a soft brush, give it a rinse, and you’re golden. Got stubborn stains? Try baking soda or white vinegar (just spot test first). Bonus tip: Citronella or natural sprays help keep unwanted bugs off your patio furniture.

Should patio furniture be covered during winter? 

Yes! If you don’t have space to store it indoors, it’s even more necessary to protect it from the elements, preventing damage from the snow. Even if your furniture is weatherproof, using outdoor furniture covers can provide an extra layer of protection and reduce the need for frequent cleaning.