Delta Air Lines (DAL) seasonality: returns by month

Delta Air Lines (DAL) has averaged +6.9% in October and −3.3% in March since 2007, the best and worst months. Every month's average is shown below with how often it rose, so a single big year can't hide.

Delta Air Lines returns by calendar month since 2007

DAL return statistics by calendar month
MonthAverageMedianRose inBestWorst
January+1.4%−0.9%47% of 19 yrs+30.4% 2012−39.8% 2009
February−1.5%0.0%47% of 19 yrs+26.3% 2021−27.1% 2009
March−3.3%+1.0%63% of 19 yrs+15.7% 2013−38.2% 2020
April+0.4%−0.7%47% of 19 yrs+12.9% 2019−17.2% 2010
May+2.3%+4.1%63% of 19 yrs+21.6% 2026−27.7% 2008
June−1.7%−3.6%40% of 20 yrs+30.9% 2023−30.5% 2022
July+1.7%−0.7%50% of 20 yrs+32.3% 2008−14.0% 2011
August−0.4%−3.0%35% of 20 yrs+23.5% 2020−12.0% 2010
September+3.0%+2.3%55% of 20 yrs+24.1% 2009−13.7% 2023
October+6.9%+6.1%74% of 19 yrs+47.4% 2008−20.3% 2009
November+6.0%+6.4%68% of 19 yrs+31.4% 2020−19.8% 2008
December+3.6%+2.1%58% of 19 yrs+38.9% 2009−24.6% 2007

Month-end closes adjusted for splits and dividends, through the October 14, 2026 close. Source: Yahoo Finance chart API, monthly close adjusted for splits and dividends. Excludes taxes, fees and inflation. Methodology

Past returns don't repeat. What does the price assume now?

These tables show what already happened. A buyer today gets the next ten years, and the price already reflects what the market expects. The reverse DCF calculator shows the growth today's price implies, so you can judge whether it is realistic.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the best month for Delta Air Lines?

October, with an average return of +6.9% since 2007. It rose in 74% of Octobers (19 years).

What is the worst month for Delta Air Lines?

March, averaging −3.3% and rising in 63% of years.

Is it a good idea to time purchases by month?

Usually not. Each month has only about 19 observations here, one big year can swing an average, and the gaps between months are small next to a single year's range. Seasonality is a curiosity, not a trading signal.

How are the monthly returns calculated?

Each month's return runs from the previous month-end close to that month's close, using prices adjusted for splits and dividends. The current, unfinished month is left out.

The math is easy. The macro is hard.

Delta Air Lines shows the arithmetic. Members get the monthly call that decides which inputs matter, plus written breakpoints when the facts move. $39/month or $249/year.

$39/mo or $249/yr · cancel future renewals anytime · sources included