When Are Windshield Prices Highest and Lowest? Seasonal Pricing Guide
Windshield replacement prices in Colorado fluctuate 10 to 20 percent throughout the year, with the lowest prices occurring in late October through early December and the highest prices during hail season from May through August. January and February see moderate pricing with slightly higher demand from cold-weather crack propagation. Spring brings increasing demand as winter-damaged windshields get replaced before summer road trips. Colorado's hail season from late May through August creates peak demand when every auto glass provider is fully booked, eliminating negotiation leverage and extending wait times to one to two weeks. September and October see declining demand and improving pricing as hail season ends. November and early December offer the best combination of low demand, competitive pricing, and available scheduling. If your replacement is not urgent, scheduling during the fall shoulder season can save you meaningful money compared to scheduling during peak hail-season demand.
Like many services, windshield replacement has peak and off-peak seasons. Demand drives pricing -- when every shop is booked solid, there is no incentive to discount. When schedules have gaps, providers are more willing to compete on price. Understanding these patterns can save you 10-20% if your replacement is not urgent.
Monthly Pricing Index: Colorado
Relative pricing compared to the annual average (100 = average price throughout the year):
| Month | Price Index | Demand Level | Wait Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 90-95 | Low | 1-2 days | Best pricing |
| February | 90-95 | Low | 1-2 days | Best pricing |
| March | 95-100 | Moderate | 2-3 days | Good pricing |
| April | 100-105 | Rising | 2-4 days | Average |
| May | 105-110 | High | 3-5 days | Hail season begins |
| June | 110-120 | Peak | 5-10 days | Peak hail season |
| July | 110-120 | Peak | 5-14 days | Highest prices |
| August | 105-115 | High | 3-7 days | Hail season winding down |
| September | 100-105 | Moderate | 2-4 days | Normalizing |
| October | 95-100 | Moderate | 2-3 days | Good deals emerging |
| November | 90-95 | Low | 1-2 days | Best pricing |
| December | 90-95 | Low | 1-2 days | Best pricing |
Colorado Hail Season: The Price Driver
Colorado's hail season (May through August) is the single biggest seasonal factor in windshield pricing. After major hailstorms, demand spikes dramatically. Shops that normally have next-day availability may book out 1-2 weeks. Some providers apply surge pricing during these periods, while others simply have less flexibility to offer discounts. If your windshield has a chip or crack that is not spreading, waiting until September-February can save you both money and time.
Seasonal Savings: Dollar Impact
| Vehicle Type | Peak Season Price | Off-Season Price | Potential Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy sedan (OEE) | $380 - $470 | $320 - $400 | $40 - $70 |
| Midsize SUV (OEE) | $480 - $580 | $380 - $480 | $60 - $100 |
| Full-size truck (OEE) | $500 - $600 | $400 - $500 | $60 - $100 |
| Luxury vehicle (OEE) | $750 - $950 | $600 - $800 | $100 - $150 |
When You Cannot Wait
Sometimes replacement is urgent regardless of season. Replace immediately if:
- The crack is in the driver's direct line of sight
- The crack is longer than 12 inches or spreading
- There are multiple cracks forming a spider pattern
- The structural integrity of the windshield is compromised
- You have a state inspection coming up (cracked windshields fail Colorado inspection)
Day-of-Week Pricing Patterns
Beyond seasonal trends, the day of the week can affect pricing and availability. Mondays and Fridays tend to be the busiest days for auto glass shops. Mid-week appointments (Tuesday through Thursday) often have better availability, and some shops offer mid-week discounts of 5-10% to fill schedule gaps. Weekend appointments are available from some mobile providers but may carry a premium.
For more pricing strategies, see our negotiation tips. For Colorado-specific pricing, visit our Colorado price guide.
Competitive Pricing Year-Round
Fair, transparent pricing regardless of season. No surge pricing, no seasonal markups.