Costco is famous for its unbeatable deals, bulk discounts, and tempting free samples. For many, it’s the go-to place for stocking up on essentials while saving money. But, as anyone who’s been to Costco knows, navigating the store during peak times can turn a simple shopping trip into an endurance test. Dodging oversized carts, waiting in long checkout lines, and trying to find a parking spot can make even the most patient shopper reconsider their visit.
However, timing your trip to Costco strategically can make all the difference. Knowing when to go—and more importantly, when to avoid going—can help you enjoy a stress-free experience while still taking advantage of the savings Costco is known for.
Best Time to Shop: Weekdays Outside Peak Hours
The general consensus among seasoned Costco shoppers is that weekdays are the best time to visit. Specifically, anytime outside the 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. “after-work rush” is ideal. Most people flock to the warehouse after work, so avoiding this window will save you from dealing with the worst of the crowds.
If you’re looking for the quietest shopping experience possible, data from Google’s “Popular Times” charts suggest that the last hour before closing on a weekday tends to be the least busy. This usually falls between 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., depending on your local store’s hours. Shopping late in the day also comes with an added bonus: Costco staff are often restocking shelves for the next day, so you’ll have access to fresh inventory without the crowds.
For retirees, stay-at-home parents, or those with flexible schedules, going to Costco in the mid-morning or early afternoon during the week is a surefire way to avoid the masses. You’ll be able to navigate the aisles more easily, get through the checkout faster, and enjoy a more pleasant shopping experience overall.
Pro Tip: Use the Costco mobile app to make shopping even easier. The app lets you create a shopping list, check out the latest sales, and even use mobile pay if you have a Costco-branded credit card. This can save you time and help you stay organized during your visit.
Worst Time to Shop: Weekends (Especially Midday)
If there’s one thing you should avoid, it’s shopping at Costco on a weekend, especially between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. On Saturdays and Sundays, the parking lot alone can be enough to deter even the most dedicated shopper. Inside the store, it’s common to face long lines, crowded aisles, and a hectic atmosphere. Many people who work during the week treat weekends as their only opportunity to stock up, leading to a packed house.
If you must shop on the weekend, your best bet is to get there as soon as the doors open. You’ll still encounter a crowd, but it’s usually more manageable than later in the day. Create a focused shopping list and stick to it. The goal is to be in and out in under an hour if you want to beat the rush. This will help you avoid the overwhelming experience of navigating a crowded warehouse while still getting what you need.
Pro Tip: Resist the urge to browse. Weekends are not the time for leisurely shopping at Costco. Have your list ready, grab what you need, and get out before the parking lot becomes a gridlock.
Other Ways to Avoid Costco Crowds
If avoiding in-store crowds altogether sounds appealing, there are other ways to get your Costco fix without stepping foot inside the warehouse. Here are a few options to consider:
1. Shop on Costco.com
Costco.com offers a wide selection of household items, including Kirkland Signature products. While you won’t find everything that’s available in-store (especially when it comes to fresh groceries), it’s a convenient option for those looking to skip the store entirely. Be aware that prices online tend to be higher than in-store, and some items come with additional shipping fees. However, if your order totals $75 or more, many items ship for free.
Downside: You’ll miss out on in-store-only deals and groceries, particularly fresh and frozen items. But for bulk household goods, Costco.com is a convenient alternative.
2. Try Instacart for Same-Day Delivery
For grocery shopping, Costco offers same-day delivery through Instacart. While delivery typically comes with markups, Costco’s partnership with Instacart tends to keep price increases reasonable. This option is great for those who are short on time or simply don’t want to deal with the weekend crowds. Plus, with Instacart, you can still earn rewards by using a grocery rewards card, which could get you up to 6% cashback depending on the card you use.
Pro Tip: If you’re ordering bulk items and don’t want to deal with carrying them from your car to your home, Instacart delivery might be worth the slight markup for the convenience alone.
What About the Samples?
For some Costco shoppers, the free samples are part of the appeal of visiting the store during busy times. It’s true that the samples are most abundant during peak hours—typically on weekends—but here’s the hard truth: No sample is worth the stress of battling the crowds.
While it may be tempting to snag a taste of something new, remember that you can always buy a small amount of the item you’re curious about and try it at home in peace. If you like it, you can buy it in bulk during a quieter visit. The chaos of a weekend Costco trip just for the samples rarely justifies the hassle.
Final Thoughts: Timing Is Everything
Shopping at Costco is all about strategy. When you time your visit right, you can enjoy the benefits of bulk buying, save money, and avoid the worst of the crowds. Weekdays—especially mid-morning or just before closing—are the ideal times for a calm and efficient Costco run. Weekends, on the other hand, should be avoided unless absolutely necessary. And if the thought of going into the store at all is overwhelming, online options like Costco.com and Instacart delivery are great alternatives.
The next time you plan a Costco trip, keep these tips in mind and choose the best time for a stress-free experience. After all, saving money is even sweeter when it doesn’t come with the frustration of crowded aisles and long lines.
