Best and Worst Times to Shop at Costco

Shopping at Costco can be a bustling experience. To avoid large crowds, certain days and times may offer a more pleasant visit. Simply Recipes reports that Sundays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. are especially crowded, with shoppers experiencing chaotic situations. One Reddit user shared their overwhelming Sunday afternoon visit, vowing not to return during that time.

“I’ve learned the hard way not to shop on Sundays,” another Reddit user mentioned, recalling long lines that stretched to the store’s back.

Costco, headquartered in Issaquah, Washington, typically sees heavy traffic on weekends, as many people stock up for the upcoming week.

Choosing to shop on Monday could mean fewer crowds. In contrast, Tuesday or Wednesday may offer both peace and well-stocked shelves, as suggested by Southern Living. One user on Reddit recommended visiting earlier on Tuesdays for an ideal shopping experience.

Generally, Friday through Monday should be avoided due to high shopper volume. Weekday mornings or evenings, especially after 6:30 p.m., are considered preferable by several shoppers.

Costco locations are open seven days a week, with exceptions for certain holidays. Many stores experience a surge in visitors the day before a holiday closure, making midweek visits more appealing.

During the 2025 fiscal year, Costco’s revenue reached $297.3 billion, a 10.2% increase from the previous year’s $269.9 billion, according to company data.

Shoppers can check Costco’s website for operating hours and holiday closures to plan their trips.

Sadie Chafe is a writer on Fox News Digital’s Lifestyle team.