The Best Time to Buy Winter Essentials

Aug 08, 2025

Buying cold-weather necessities isn’t just for the winter months. Shopping for winter gear year-round can help you save money and beat the crowds. Here’s when to buy all the winter essentials on your list, whether it’s clothes, shovels or holiday goods.

When to buy winter clothes

The end of winter is the best time to save on coats, boots, gloves and the rest of your winter clothing essentials. Stores often put their cold-weather stock on clearance around President’s Day in February, offering deals of up to 70% on warmer items as they prepare for spring. Consider buying larger clothes for kids around this time so they can grow into them by next winter.

Shopping for winter clothes in August, when new stock begins to ship to stores, can also help you beat the crowds and get the widest selection of items.

When to buy warm linens and holiday gear

If you’re looking to spruce up your home’s look for the winter with new blankets, throws or linens, consider looking around the New Year. Stores traditionally hold “white sales” in January with loads of discounts on household linens.

January can also be a great time to pick up some new holiday decor for next December. Seasonal decorations like wreaths, trees and candy often get discounted as stores leave the holiday season behind. Pick up some last-minute treats like candles or cozy pajamas while stores are trying to empty their inventory. After a season of trying to find the perfect gift for everyone else, take the time after the New Year to find something for yourself.

When to buy winter toys and tools

The best deals on winter sporting goods like skis and snowboards can be found in the summer. During the offseason, you may be able to find deals of up to 40% off before everyone else has started to think about hitting the slopes.

You might also consider getting an annual pass to your local ski resort in the spring as the season winds down. Not only will this get you an early bird discount, but some resorts will also throw in the rest of the current season for no extra charge.

If you’re staying in a cold-weather location this winter, you may want to prepare in case a blizzard blows through. The best time to buy a snowblower is in the summer, before the rush after the first snowfall. You’ll get the best inventory on new models the earlier you buy.

The end of the season may be a great time to stock up on shovels or even a new plow for next year. Consider upgrading to an electric shovel while they’re discounted to get those hard-to-reach spots your snowblower can’t handle.

When to buy other essentials and emergency supplies

Winter storms can hit with minimal warning. It’s important to prepare for any eventuality with flashlights, water, non-perishable food and other supplies in case of emergency.

These supplies can often be cheaper and more widely available before they become necessary. For example, in summer, you can find the widest selection of tire chains. Make sure you understand what equipment works with your vehicle and any restrictions your local municipality might have on their use.

The most important thing to remember when shopping for emergency supplies is to shop early and restock often. You’ve probably seen pictures of bare shelves the night before a storm hits. Don’t wait until the last minute, when you might find yourself out of luck or be forced to buy the most expensive option. While getting a good deal is nice, having supplies on hand is more important.

Save smart in any season with Citi ShopSM

Use the warmer months to research your winter purchases ahead of time. Shop smarter using Citi ShopSM, a browser extension that automatically finds the best deals and discounts on stores across the web, exclusively for Citi® cardmembers. By shopping early, you can avoid last-minute snowy scrambles and save some money along the way.

Disclosure: This article is for general educational purposes. It is not intended to provide financial advice. It also is not intended to completely describe any Citi product or service. You should refer to the terms and conditions financial institutions provide for various products.

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