When Does Black Friday Start? Key Dates and When Tech Sales Begin

Black Friday is on November 27 this year, the day after US Thanksgiving, and Cyber Monday is on November 30. But the discounts rarely wait for those dates. Big US retailers such as Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy and Target usually begin publishing tech deals in early or mid-November, then add new offers every week until the weekend after Thanksgiving. Exact start dates are announced by each retailer, so treat the dates below as a pattern, not a promise.

The key dates

• Thanksgiving: Thursday, November 26. Some stores run deals online, and some open for in-store shopping.
• Black Friday: Friday, November 27. Historically the day with the widest in-store and online sales.
• Small Business Saturday and Sunday: November 28 and 29. Many online offers continue through the weekend.
• Cyber Monday: Monday, November 30. Traditionally focused on online electronics deals.

The days between Black Friday and Cyber Monday are often a mix of leftover offers and new ones, so there is no need to buy in a panic on a single day.

How early do the sales start?

Over recent years, the big chains have turned Black Friday into a stretch of weeks. The usual pattern looks like this:

• Amazon often announces a multi-week sale period and posts early deals first, with more offers arriving close to Black Friday.
• Walmart commonly runs separate online and in-store deal events, with online access sometimes opening before the store events.
• Best Buy typically begins its Black Friday sale in early to mid-November, often with member-only early access for some deals.
• Target usually stages its sale in waves, starting with online offers and adding more as November goes on.

The retailers choose their own dates each year and often match one another’s prices. Check each store’s deals page or app for the schedule rather than relying on last year’s calendar.

What tech is usually discounted

Categories that regularly see lower prices include TVs, laptops, tablets, headphones and earbuds, smartwatches, smart home devices and streaming sticks. Phone deals tend to be trade-in or carrier offers instead of straight price cuts. Older models and last year’s versions often see the deepest cuts, while the newest devices are discounted less. If you are weighing a phone, our comparison of iPhone vs Pixel vs Galaxy can help you decide what to buy.

How to plan your shopping

1. Make a short list. Pick the two or three items you actually need and note their current price today.
2. Track prices now. Early November prices show you whether a Black Friday discount is real. Our guide on how to spot a real Black Friday tech deal explains the common tricks.
3. Know the return and price rules. If you buy early and the price drops later, some stores will adjust it. See the price match and price adjustment policies at Best Buy, Target, Walmart and Amazon.
4. Compare stores. The same item is often priced differently across retailers, and there are options beyond the biggest names, as covered in alternatives to Amazon.
5. Set a budget. A discount is only a saving if you would have bought the item anyway.

Should you buy early or wait?

If an item is already at a good price and you need it, buying early is reasonable, especially for popular models that can sell out. If you can wait, the final week often brings the widest selection. For items you do not need urgently, other times of year can also be strong; see the best time to buy tech for a month-by-month view.

Quick answers

Is Black Friday always the day after Thanksgiving?

Yes. Black Friday is the Friday following US Thanksgiving, which falls on the fourth Thursday of November. This year that makes it November 27.

Is Cyber Monday better than Black Friday for tech?

Not always. Cyber Monday has long been tied to online electronics sales, but many of the same deals appear on both days. Compare prices rather than assuming one day is cheaper.

Can I rely on early deals being the best price?

Not necessarily. Some early deals are strong and some are matched or beaten later. Check the price history and the store’s adjustment policy before you buy.

Are in-store and online deals the same?

Often not. Some offers are limited to one channel or to members, so read the details before you go to a store.