Costco shoppers looking to avoid long lines and packed aisles may want to think twice before visiting on Sunday afternoons. The busiest stretch can vary from one location to another, but Sunday between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. is often a particularly hectic time.
Some shoppers have described weekend visits as overwhelming. One Reddit user recalled stopping by on a Sunday afternoon and finding the store so crowded they didn’t plan to repeat the experience. Another said the checkout line stretched to the back of the store.
Weekday shopping can be difficult for people with standard Monday-to-Friday work schedules, while weekends tend to draw larger crowds as customers stock up for the week. Monday may be quieter, though shelves might not be as well stocked as they are later in the week.
Tuesday or Wednesday could offer a better balance, with supplies more likely to have been replenished. One shopper on Reddit said Tuesday mornings had worked well for them, while another suggested avoiding Friday through Monday and trying Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday instead.
Going early or later in the day may also help. One Reddit user said the first or last hour was generally less busy and that visiting after 6:30 p.m. on a weeknight worked well at their local store.
Costco reported revenue of $297.3 billion for fiscal 2025, up 10.2% from $269.9 billion the previous year.
Stores may also be especially busy on the day before a holiday, particularly when they will be closed for the occasion. Costco warehouses are generally open seven days a week, though hours and holiday closures vary by location.
