The best month of the year to buy everything

Sometimes when you buy matters as much as where you buy.

"There really is a best time to do just about anything and everything, and that's especially true when it comes to buying things," writes Mark Di Vincenzo in his book, "Buy Ketchup in May and Fly at Noon."

Using tips from Di Vincenzo, along with time-tested advice from sources like DealNews and Mint, we highlighted the best times to buy just about everything, broken down by month.

Megan Durisin contributed to an earlier version of this post.

JANUARY:

Bicycles

Bike lanes stay pretty empty in January, making stores roll out the deals on their stock of Schwinns.

New models will start coming in by the middle of the next month.

Pools and hot tubs

The winter is the best time to purchase warm-weather luxuries, when prices are the lowest.

Plus, it's smart to give yourself several months to regrow the grass in your yard after it gets torn up during pool installation.

Suits

Since this isn't prime suit-shopping season, you're likely to get a good deal.

If you're looking for something a little less fancy, January's a great time to stock up on most types of clothing.

Take advantage of post-Christmas shopping deals.

Christmas decor

The timing isn't ideal, but you can get great prices on Christmas decorations in January — according to DealNews, stores like Home Depot, Sears, and Crate and Barrel will cut up to 70% off the seasonal inventory.

Plus, it'll be one less thing to worry about when the busy holiday season rolls around.

FEBRUARY:

Cameras

This is the time new models typically hit stores.

That means it's a great time to buy one of last year's models or take advantage of a President's Day markdown on a newer one.

Prom dresses

Most of the year's frilly frocks have made their way into store aisles by now, and retailers are in prime competition to get you to buy your gown from them.

Tax software

It's not the most exciting purchase ... but you'll have to buy tax software eventually if you're doing your own taxes, so you might as well get it discounted.

According to DealNews, programs like H&R Block and Turbo Tax will slash prices by 30% to 50%. Keep in mind that the closer you get to April, the smaller the discounts will be, so you'll want to jump on these deals when you can.

Plus, it never hurts to get a head start on filing your taxes.

Broadway tickets

February is one of the slow months for the theater world, since tourists don't typically flock to New York in the winter.

Catch the latest five-star show for a discounted fare.

MARCH:

Perfume

Now that Valentine's Day is over, it's easier to find your favorite scent for a steal.

Grab a flowery fragrance for your mom before Mother's Day gets closer.

Chocolate

The same post-Valentine's Day logic applies for sweets.

If your significant other forgot to grab you a box of your favorite chocolates last month, grab one for yourself now at a steep price cut.

Frozen foods

Didn't know March was National Frozen Foods Month? Neither did we.

But the campaign promises a host of deals and sweepstakes to promote the food in the freezer aisle.

Luggage

Spring break is on the horizon and it's a good time to grab a new carry-on.

Updated luggage styles will be arriving in anticipation of summer travel, so March is the time to buy last year's suitcases.

APRIL:

Tropical vacation

If you're looking for a tropical trip, mid-April is the end of the tourist season for the Caribbean, so you can save a buck on getting there.

Plus, Di Vincenzo says this month is one of the best times for ocean visibility if you're planning to scuba dive to check out the area's marine life.

Flea market items

Di Vincenzo recommends spring as the best time of year to take advantage of flea markets and thrift stores.

Many are just opening after the winter and are chock full of spring-cleaning wares.

He also advises going at the end of the day — sellers are more likely to give you a steep markdown so they don't have to haul their goods back home.

Raincoats

April tends to be scattered with rainy days, so stores stock up on wet weather gear.

However, retailers have a small window of time to sell gear, as sunnier days are right around the corner. In order to move their inventory quickly, they'll offer enticing discounts.

MAY:

Mattresses

Memorial Day mattress sales are not at all uncommon. They can be the best time to stock up on mattresses and box springs.

DealNews says not to settle for anything less than 50% off.

Spring clothes

Stores will try to lure you into buying summer clothing, but the best savings during April will actually be on spring apparel — according to DealNews, you should wait to buy summer apparel in August and September.

Look for the biggest discounts on spring clothes during Memorial Day weekend.

Barbecue supplies

Snag barbecue essentials — chips, crackers, ketchup, and relish, to name a few — by late May. You should be able to find markdowns on marinades and dressings as barbecue season heats up.

These supplies tend to last for at least a year, so don't be afraid to buy a lot while they're cheap.

Athletic apparel

As people start to get out of their winter hibernation routine, stores will start to lure customers in with sales in hope of getting rid of last season's merchandise.

Stock up early so you'll have incentive to work out as soon as the temperatures start to spike.

JUNE:

Lingerie

Typically, lingerie comes at a steep price, but you can score deals in June when Victoria's Secret unveils its semiannual sale, which typically lasts three to four weeks. The sale starts with most items 50% off, and after a few days, you'll find things for up to 75% off.

You won't be limited to Victoria's Secret, as many other lingerie stores follow suit during this time.

Textbooks

If you know which ones you'll need during your next college semester, don't wait to buy them.

Prices are lowest right after everyone sells them back.

Laptops and other school supplies

Although many students are finishing up classes or graduating in June, a bunch of retailers launch their back-to-school sales this month.

According to DealNews, the Apple Store typically offers an everyday educational discount, which can save you up to $200. And remember, stores like Best Buy and Amazon will generally match (or beat) Apple's prices, so you could walk away with a good deal.

If you're definitely going to buy a Mac, wait until after Apple's annual Worldwide Developers Conference, which kicks off June 13 — the company is expected to introduce a new line of MacBook Pros, meaning older models will see price drops.

JULY:

Bottled water

Retailers often lower prices on bottled water when it's hottest.

Outdoor picnics and barbecues are common, and many people will buy a case of water before they head to the park.

Furniture

It's a common theme for prices to drop the month before the latest furniture arrives.

August is when stores get their new models, so expect to see deals in July.

Fresh fruit

Obviously, fruit is at its best when it's in season — usually that means summertime.

Different varieties are best all year round, but July is the prime time for berries, melons, peaches, plums, and watermelons.

Air conditioners

If you've lasted until July without an air conditioner, kudos to you.

But if your box fan isn't going to get you through the heat of the summer, you're in luck — air conditioners will be cheapest in July, DealNews says.

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AUGUST:

Flip-flops

No one is going to buy these in the cooler months.

Stores don't want shelves of sandals in the winter, so they'll give you a deal if you'll buy their stock now.

Patio furniture

If your patio needs a remodel, August is the time to buy new outdoor furniture.

DealNews saw discounts ranging from 50% to 75% at stores like Target, Pottery Barn, and Sears.

Plus, you should be able to get some good use out of your new patio furniture for at least another month or two.

Grills

While you're sprucing up your patio with new furniture, consider adding an outdoor grill. August tends to offer various charcoal- and gas-based grills at a hefty discount.

You have time to shop around — many of the sales on grills and grill accessories will spill over into September, DealNews reports.

Plants and flowers

The prices of flora and fauna start to fall around Labor Day.

Be sure not to wait to get them in the ground.

SEPTEMBER:

Swimsuits

These are bound to be on the clearance rack by the time leaves start to change color.

If you don't buy them now, you'll pay much more when you head on a winter or spring trip.

Wine

Grape growers are busiest around this time, meaning winemakers typically are getting ready to put out their best product.

You might find a markdown on your favorite Merlot.

Sunglasses

These accessories see their biggest price spikes in the summer, but you're bound to need a pair all year round.

Shop now to grab some aviators while the discounts last.

OCTOBER:

Car leases

You're likely to find the best rates of the year in October, since it signals the start of the model year and dealerships will be eager to clear their 2015 inventory.

Prices will start to climb as fall rolls on, so don't wait too long.

Jeans

Look for jeans sales well after the back-to-school season ends.

Once demand tapers, retailers discount their supplies.

Camping gear

Fall is a good time to restock on outdoor essentials, as people start to spend more time indoors than outside.

Thanksgiving is also a good time to purchase new tents and sleeping bags.

Bushes, trees, and bulbs

You should have no problem finding something to spruce up your yard this late in the year.

And if you plant bulbs now, you'll have one less thing to worry about in the spring.

NOVEMBER:

Halloween candy

If you didn't get your sugar fix in October, jumpstart the holiday season with discounted Halloween candy throughout November.

Your options may be limited, but the price tag is hard to beat.

Cookware

Thanksgiving always involves time in the kitchen, and November is the time to stock up on pots and pans — according to DealNews, all kitchen appliances, including high-end devices, will be at their absolute lowest prices.

Wedding dresses

Bridal shops buy more dresses ahead of the holiday season engagement frenzy.

But if you start looking around Thanksgiving, you can beat the rush and find a more affordable gown.

Electronics

The hype that Best Buy gets for its Black Friday discounts isn't unjustified.

Stores often give TVs and electronics huge price slashes to lure in Christmas shoppers.

Major appliances

You can score on things like laundry units, vacuums, dishwashers, and refrigerators in November, particularly during Black Friday week.

DealNews recommends keeping an eye out at stores like Sears, Best Buy, Home Depot, and Lowe's.

DECEMBER:

Apartment lease

People don't like to move when there's two feet of snow on the ground, driving prices on new leases down.

Celebrate the new year in a new abode.

Boats

Jennifer Polland /Business Insider

Welcome to winter boat show season.

Grab your next pontoon or speedboat now before summer sets in.

NFL tickets

A good chunk of the teams will have poor records by now, and the drop in the demand could help you score cheap seats.

Premium tickets to Europe

Business travelers usually take up the bulk of these airlines tickets on flights overseas.

But during the holiday, more of them are staying home, leaving cheaper seats for everyone else.

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