Shopping at the right time can make a huge difference, especially for bigger seasonal purchases. If you’ve ever paid full price for a patio set or air conditioner, only to see it marked down weeks later, you’re not alone.
Spring and early summer bring a wave of sales across home goods, outdoor gear, and tools, but not everything is worth grabbing right now.
Some products hit their lowest prices in May, while others drop after the season ends. Whether you’re updating your backyard or replacing appliances, knowing when to buy is the key to saving money and getting what you want.
Here’s a breakdown of ten popular spring items, when to shop, and where to find deals right now.
Bonus: Click here for your chance to claim a Home Depot gift card.
1. Mattresses
May is one of the best times of the year to buy a mattress. Retailers roll out deals for Memorial Day weekend, which has become a go-to time for mattress and bedding discounts.
Many brands release new models in June, so stores clear out older inventory to make room. That means you can get quality mattresses for hundreds off.
If you’re in the market, don’t wait until July—most of the top sizes and models will be gone by then.
2. Outdoor Furniture
Late spring is a smart time to shop for outdoor furniture. The best balance of price and selection happens now. Retailers like Target, Wayfair, and Lowe’s start offering markdowns in May to attract shoppers preparing for summer, but selection drops quickly once the season reaches full swing.
If you wait until August, you might see deeper discounts—but don’t expect the full range of colors, sizes, or shipping windows. If you value choice over the absolute lowest price, buy now.
3. Grills
Grill prices peak right before Memorial Day, then drop steadily through the summer. That makes early June and late August the best times to buy, depending on your needs.
If you want a grill in time for cookouts and family gatherings, early summer deals from Walmart and Home Depot offer strong value. Brands like Weber and Char-Broil usually run discounts in June.
If you wait until August or early September, clearance sales can offer discounts of up to 60%, but inventory becomes limited.
Pro tip: Look for bundle deals that include covers, utensils, or propane tanks for extra savings.
4. Lawn Mowers
Spring is prime time for buying a lawn mower—not just because you need one, but because retailers push deals early in the season. Waiting until summer usually means higher prices or fewer choices.
Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Ace Hardware often run early-season promotions in April and May. Spring is the sweet spot for mower shopping: the machines are in stock, prices are lower, and you’ll get full use out of them during the growing season.
For battery-powered models, compare warranties and runtime before making a purchase—spring is typically when new models are launched.
5. Air Conditioners
Air conditioners are one of those purchases where timing really matters. Prices typically spike in late June, when temperatures soar and demand reaches its peak. That’s why early spring—March through May—is your best window to save.
Retailers know people start preparing for hot weather during this period, so they roll out preseason sales.
Buying now gives you access to more models and shorter delivery times, especially if you live in a hotter region where stock runs out fast by July. Sites like HVAC.com recommend buying early, not just for savings, but to avoid installation delays.
6. Appliances
Appliances like refrigerators, washers, and ovens see deep discounts around Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day. Of these, Memorial Day, in late May, is one of the most consistent sales periods.
Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Best Buy run major promotions during this time, sometimes offering discounts of up to 40% and bonus rebates.
If you’re not in a rush, holding out for Fourth of July might mean a better price, but Memorial Day sales offer more stock and flexible delivery windows. For smaller appliances like microwaves or air fryers, Amazon’s Prime Day in July is another solid option.
7. Tools
Spring is a strong time for tool deals on drills, wrenches, and battery-powered sets. DIY season kicks off as the weather warms up, and retailers like Home Depot and Amazon know it.
Home Depot and Lowe’s often price-match during this time and run their own spring events with discounts and combo kits.
If you’re starting home projects now, this is a good time to buy. Black Friday may offer lower prices, but spring gives you immediate access when you need the tools.
8. Bicycles
Bikes are in high demand during spring and summer, especially for families and commuters. That demand pushes prices up, not down.
If you’re shopping now, look for deals on last year’s models or shop direct from manufacturer websites. However, the best discounts tend to appear in late summer and early fall, when bike shops begin clearing out their seasonal inventory.
If you can hold off until September, you’ll find discounts across most brands.
9. Camping Gear
While camping gear is heavily promoted in the spring, prices remain fairly steady throughout the summer. Brands often offer spring discounts, particularly around Memorial Day and Father’s Day.
If you’re looking for steep savings, wait until September or October. That’s when retailers drop prices on tents, sleeping bags, and camp furniture to make room for fall and holiday inventory.
Spring is an ideal time for first-time buyers seeking a wide selection. Off-season is better for budget-focused shoppers.
10. Garden Essentials
From raised beds to hoses, spring brings out the inner gardener in a lot of us. Walmart, Lowe’s, and Home Depot run rotating discounts on garden gear throughout May and June.
If you need gear now, shop in May. If you’re planning ahead for next year’s garden, wait for the clearance bins in August.
Final Thoughts
Buying the right item at the right time can save you hundreds—and sometimes more. Spring brings plenty of chances to grab outdoor gear, home upgrades, and big-ticket items at solid prices, but not every deal is better now than later.
Consider what you need immediately, what can wait, and where flexibility gives you an advantage. By planning ahead and watching seasonal trends, you’ll get more value from your budget—without the regret of paying full price a month too soon.