The Best Time To Shop At Costco To Avoid The Biggest Crowds

Shop at Costco in the middle of the week

When planning your trip to Costco, it's important to take the day of the week into account. First and foremost, try to avoid shopping on weekends, particularly Saturdays. A 2024 survey by Drive Research indicates that Saturday is the peak day for grocery shopping, especially between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. While Sundays used to be the busiest day, Saturdays have recently taken the lead. Nevertheless, Sundays are still quite busy, so it's best to steer clear of both weekend days.

Instead, aim for midweek visits, specifically from Tuesday to Thursday, as these days are generally less crowded. You may also want to skip Mondays, as many shoppers tend to do their weekly shopping on the first day of the workweek. Although Fridays are not as hectic as the weekend, they do experience a rise in foot traffic compared to the middle of the week.

Keep in mind that there are exceptions to these recommendations due to specific circumstances, such as inclement weather. Shopping at Costco during rainy days can be a smart choice if you want to avoid large crowds, as many shoppers prefer to stay home when the weather is bad. So, if you don’t mind a little rain, consider timing your visit based on the weather forecast.

Time of day matters

When planning your visit to your local Costco, it's important to take into account more than just the day of the week and the weather. The time of day is also a key factor. For a midweek trip, the ideal time to visit is in the afternoon, after the lunch rush and before the post-work crowd. Shopping between Tuesday and Thursday from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. is typically a great way to avoid heavy in-store traffic. If a midday visit isn't convenient, consider going later in the evening, closer to closing time.

Alternatively, you could opt for an early morning visit right when the store opens. While there's a chance you might encounter a line of eager shoppers waiting for the doors to open, these crowds are generally less intense than during peak hours. By timing your visits for these quieter periods and slower shopping days, you can ensure a more pleasant shopping experience. You might even find some time to relax and treat yourself to a soft serve ice cream from the Costco food court as a reward.