Sunday afternoons, particularly between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., are identified as the busiest shopping times at Costco, according to Simply Recipes, citing customer experiences shared on Reddit and echoed by experts. For those seeking to avoid large crowds and a potentially chaotic shopping experience, these hours are best avoided.
Several shoppers have shared their experiences of overwhelming crowds on Sunday afternoons, with lines stretching across the store. Midweek shopping, especially on Tuesdays or Wednesdays, is often recommended as a strategy to encounter fewer people and find more fully stocked shelves, as the store's inventory is typically replenished by then.
Some shoppers have found that visiting Costco during the first or last hour of operation on weekdays can also lead to a more pleasant experience. For instance, one Reddit user suggested that Tuesdays earlier in the day are optimal, while avoiding Fridays, Saturdays, and Mondays altogether. Another shopper noted that going after 6:30 p.m. on weeknights has proven successful at their local store.
Costco reported significant financial growth in its 2025 fiscal year, with net sales increasing by 10.2% to $297.3 billion from the previous year's $269.9 billion. The warehouse retailer generally operates seven days a week, though specific holiday closures may apply. The company's website provides details on store operating hours and potential holiday disruptions.