The best time to buy outdoor furniture is typically at the end of summer or during the autumn months, specifically from late August through September. This is when major retailers, home improvement stores, and online marketplaces begin clearing out seasonal inventory to make room for holiday decor, winter gear, and indoor furnishings. As demand for outdoor living products like garden sun lounger, outdoor bed, and outdoor table set drops, so do prices — often by 30% to 50% or more.
Why Late Summer to Early Fall is Ideal
Retailers operate on seasonal cycles. Outdoor furniture is considered a spring and summer category, with peak demand from April to July. By August, stores need to liquidate remaining stock to avoid warehousing costs. This creates a buyer’s market. In addition, Labor Day sales (first Monday of September) are a major discount event in the U.S., often rivaling Black Friday for patio and garden items. You’ll find deep price cuts on everything from cushions to complete sets.
Other Strong Buying Windows
Early spring (February–March) is another good time if you want the freshest selection, but prices will be higher. Some retailers offer “pre-season” sales around Presidents’ Day. However, discounts are modest (10–20%) compared to end-of-season clearance.
Black Friday and Cyber Monday (late November) can also yield good deals, particularly on high-end brands. But selection is more limited, and you’re mainly finding left-over seasonal stock or bundled items. That said, if you live in a warmer climate where outdoor living continues year-round, post-Thanksgiving sales can be worthwhile for items like outdoor bed or garden sun lounger.
January is another hidden gem. Retailers are desperate to clear last year’s models before new inventory arrives in February. You’ll see clearance prices, though selection is sparse, and you may need to buy floor models or odd-season colors.
What to Avoid
Avoid buying from April through July. That’s when demand peaks, and you’ll pay full retail or close to it. Also, avoid December for general outdoor furniture, unless you’re shopping for clearance, as many stores have shifted focus to indoor holiday items.
Specific Product Notes
Garden sun lounger: Best bought in September. These are highly seasonal; people want them for summer tanning. By early fall, prices drop sharply. Look for adjustable aluminum or teak loungers—they hold up better and store easily.
Outdoor bed: Often treated like luxury patio furniture. End-of-summer clearance (August–September) or early spring pre-season sales at high-end retailers (e.g., West Elm, Crate & Barrel) in February. Since outdoor beds are bulky, retailers are motivated to clear floor space.
Outdoor table set: This includes dining tables with chairs or benches. August and September are prime times for discounts on full sets. If you want a specific material (like cast aluminum or all-weather wicker), buy in fall. For larger sets (6-seat or more), January can yield massive discounts as stores clear oversized items.
Additional Tips
Check online vs. in-store: Online prices may drop later than in-store clearance. Use price tracking tools like CamelCamelCamel for Amazon items.
Consider floor models: By late August, stores are eager to sell display models at an extra 20–30% off clearance prices.
Look for warranty and assembly: Buying off-season may mean no assembly service, but discounts often outweigh that inconvenience.
Storage matters: If you buy in autumn, you’ll likely need to store the furniture through winter unless you live in a mild climate. That’s fine for materials like teak, aluminum, or resin; less ideal for untreated wood or fabric cushions.
Regional Considerations
In warm climates (Southern California, Florida, Arizona), outdoor furniture selling season extends into October. Clearance may start a bit later—early October. In colder regions (Northeast, Midwest), clearance begins as early as mid-August. Online retailers like Wayfair and Overstock follow national patterns but offer free shipping, making them good options for late-season purchases.
Summary
For the best combination of price and selection, late August through September is unbeatable. You’ll find garden sun lounger units at half price, outdoor bed deals from both budget and luxury brands, and outdoor table set markdowns that include matching chairs, umbrellas, and sometimes fire pits. Set a budget in July, monitor prices weekly, and strike when you see a 40% or greater drop. Avoid waiting until October unless you’re willing to accept limited colors or display models. With smart timing, you can furnish your entire patio or garden for a fraction of springtime cost.
