May 2026 Buying Guide

Should You Buy Outdoor & Camping in May?

May Rating:4/5 - Good

May Verdict

May is a good time to buy outdoor & camping. REI Anniversary Sale (biggest of the year); Memorial Day deals across retailers

Rating4/5

Typical Savings25-40% off

Best MonthSeptember

Month-by-Month Price Calendar

When prices are lowest throughout the year

Best Great OK Wait

Jan

Best

40-60% off

Post-holiday winter clearance; best prices on insulated jackets, ski gear, and winter boots

Feb

20-40% off

Winter clearance continues with thinning selection; Presidents Day sales

Mar

30-50% off

End-of-ski-season liquidation; deep discounts on winter sports equipment

Apr

Wait

10-20% off

Spring gear at full price; REI Garage Sales may occur

May

Great

25-40% off

REI Anniversary Sale (biggest of the year); Memorial Day deals across retailers

Jun

Wait

10-20% off

Peak camping season; most gear at full price

Jul

15-30% off

Amazon Prime Day for accessories; mid-season markdowns begin

Aug

15-25% off

Late-summer markdowns on camping gear begin

Sep

Best

30-50% off

End-of-season clearance on camping, hiking, and three-season gear

Oct

25-40% off

Clearance continues; Prime Big Deal Days for outdoor accessories

Nov

Great

25-40% off

Black Friday discounts on current-season winter gear and premium brands

Dec

15-30% off

Holiday promotions; after-Christmas clearance begins late month

Jan

Best

40-60% offPost-holiday winter clearance; best prices on insulated jackets, ski gear, and winter boots

Feb

20-40% offWinter clearance continues with thinning selection; Presidents Day sales

Mar

30-50% offEnd-of-ski-season liquidation; deep discounts on winter sports equipment

Apr

Wait

10-20% offSpring gear at full price; REI Garage Sales may occur

May

Great

25-40% offREI Anniversary Sale (biggest of the year); Memorial Day deals across retailers

Jun

Wait

10-20% offPeak camping season; most gear at full price

Jul

15-30% offAmazon Prime Day for accessories; mid-season markdowns begin

Aug

15-25% offLate-summer markdowns on camping gear begin

Sep

Best

30-50% offEnd-of-season clearance on camping, hiking, and three-season gearBest

Oct

25-40% offClearance continues; Prime Big Deal Days for outdoor accessories

Nov

Great

25-40% offBlack Friday discounts on current-season winter gear and premium brands

Dec

15-30% offHoliday promotions; after-Christmas clearance begins late month

Best Great OK Wait

You're viewing May. See the full year guide

Better Months to Buy Outdoor & Camping

If you can wait, these months typically offer better deals on outdoor & camping:

January5/5

Save 40-60% off

September5/5

Save 30-50% off

May is rated better than 8 other months for buying outdoor & camping. This is one of the best times to buy.

Shopping Events in May

Mother's Day

May 10

52 days away

Graduation Season

May 15 - 31

57 days away

Memorial Day Sales

May 23 - 25

65 days away

Frequently Asked Questions

Is May a good time to buy outdoor & camping?

Yes, May is rated 4/5 for buying outdoor & camping. REI Anniversary Sale (biggest of the year); Memorial Day deals across retailers

What is the best month to buy outdoor & camping?

The best month to buy outdoor & camping is September, when you can typically save 30-50% off.

How much can I save on outdoor & camping in May?

In May, you can typically save 25-40% off on outdoor & camping. This is one of the better months for deals.

April Full Guide June

Read the Full Outdoor & Camping Buying Guide

See all 12 months, detailed tips, related events, and expert advice for buying outdoor & camping.

View Complete Guide

Last updated: March 2026All Buying Guides