Black Friday drives some of the biggest sales on Amazon, so timing matters for budget planning and deal hunting. Understanding the precise calendar helps you compare prices, set alerts, and avoid missing limited stock offers.
Amazon generally aligns its Black Friday event with the broader U.S. shopping season, but exact dates shift each year based on when Thanksgiving falls. The following sections clarify timing, highlight deals, and address common questions.
| Year | Black Friday Date | Early Access Start | Key Deal Window |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | November 29 | November 20 | November 29–December 2 |
| 2025 | November 28 | November 20 | November 28–December 2 |
| 2026 | November 27 | November 20 | November 27–December 2 |
| 2027 | November 26 | November 20 | November 26–December 2 |
| 2028 | November 24 | November 20 | November 24–December 2 |
Understanding the Amazon Black Friday Calendar
Black Friday always follows Thanksgiving in the United States, landing on the fourth Thursday of November. Amazon typically starts its main deals on that Friday, but early access begins about ten days earlier on Cyber Monday week.
For 2025, expect Black Friday to fall on November 28, with early access beginning around November 20. This pattern repeats annually, shifting earlier in November as the calendar moves because Thanksgiving dates change each year.
Timing for 2025 and Beyond
Mark your calendar based on the Thanksgiving date each year, since Black Friday is the day after. That predictable link makes it simple to project future sale windows once you know the holiday schedule.
In 2025, plan for deals starting on November 20 and peaking on November 28. Significant price drops and lightning deals usually appear in the final 48 hours before and after Black Friday itself.
Navigating Deal Windows and Access
Early Access and Prime Member Benefits
Prime members often see early Black Friday pricing beginning on November 20, giving them a head start on high-demand electronics and household essentials. Non-Prime shoppers can still access public deals, but some items sell out before the official Black Friday date.
Lightning Deals and Flash Sales
Throughout the event, Amazon rolls out time-limited Lightning Deals that last only a few hours. Setting browser notifications and using price-tracking tools helps you catch these fleeting offers before they expire.
Preparing for Black Friday on Amazon
- Check your wish list a week before Black Friday to see which items have dropped in price.
- Enable notifications for Lightning Deals in categories you care about, such as electronics and home goods.
- Compare prices across similar products to ensure you are getting the best available discount.
- Verify shipping timelines, as popular items may have stricter delivery windows during the sale.
- Set a budget and stick to it, focusing on high-value purchases rather than impulse buys.
FAQ
Reader questions
When will the next Black Friday sale start on Amazon in 2025?
Early access begins on November 20, 2025, with the main Black Friday event on November 28, 2025. Deals may continue through December 2.
Do I need Prime to participate in Black Friday deals on Amazon?
Many Black Friday promotions are open to all customers, but Prime members get early access to select prices and additional exclusive offers.
How can I track price drops for Black Friday items on Amazon?
Use third-party price-tracking sites and apps, enable Amazon price alerts, and check your email for price-drop notifications after you add items to your watchlist. Deals typically unlock at 12:01 a.m. local time on the relevant day, though some early-access offers appear earlier for Prime members during the preview period.