MSFT Seasonality: Microsoft Stock's Best and Worst Months
November 3, 2026
Compared with more volatile technology stocks, MSFT seasonality is relatively steady. Only two of its twelve months have a negative average over the last 15 years. These figures use split- and dividend-adjusted prices from 2011 to 2025.
MSFT seasonality chart: the average year
Microsoft stock seasonality by month
| Month | MSFT avg return | Rose in (15y) |
|---|---|---|
| January | +2.22% | 10 of 15 |
| February | +0.69% | 8 of 15 |
| March | +1.86% | 10 of 15 |
| April | +3.85% | 10 of 15 |
| May | +2.36% | 9 of 15 |
| June | +2.71% | 9 of 15 |
| July | +2.90% | 11 of 15 |
| August | +1.61% | 9 of 15 |
| September | −1.77% | 7 of 15 |
| October | +3.78% | 9 of 15 |
| November | +3.13% | 11 of 15 |
| December | −0.24% | 8 of 15 |
Best months: April, October, November and July
April (+3.85%) and October (+3.78%) have the highest averages, while July and November have been the most reliable, each up in 11 of 15 years. July’s typical year is stronger than its average suggests, with a median of +5.17%. April, July and October are also months when Microsoft has typically reported earnings, which may be part of the pattern.
Weak spots: September and the turn of the year
September averages −1.77%, though its median is just −0.36%, because 2022’s −10.93% pulls the average down. December is roughly flat at −0.24%. And while the classic Santa Claus rally falls around the same dates, MSFT fell from December 26 to January 5 in 12 of 15 years, averaging −1.17%.
The most reliable MSFT seasonal windows
| MSFT window | Avg return | Rose in (15y) | Worst year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 14 – Jul 14 | +4.61% | 14 of 15 | −0.76% |
| Jan 15 – Jan 25 | +2.05% | 14 of 15 | −7.00% |
| Oct 19 – Nov 8 | +5.09% | 13 of 15 | −3.26% |
| Mar 12 – Apr 11 | +3.67% | 13 of 15 | −5.27% |
| May 19 – Jun 8 | +2.52% | 13 of 15 | −3.89% |
The weak windows are short and cluster around September: August 31 to September 10 and September 19 to 29 each fell in 12 of 15 years, averaging −1.40% and −1.75%.
See the live chart, monthly table and upcoming windows on the MSFT seasonality page.
Check any Microsoft date range against every year.
Open MSFT in the Chart ExplorerPast seasonal performance does not guarantee future results. Win rates and average returns are historical base rates, not predictions. This is for informational purposes only and is not financial advice.
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