Whether you’re a Nintendo fan or simply a fun-seeker, Universal Studios Hollywood is the place to be. Located in the heart of Los Angeles, see the wonder of blockbusters and thrilling rides all in this world-renowned theme park.
With Universal Studios Hollywood being open all year, you have many options on when to go. It can depend on the size of crowds or the special events you want to catch.
But there’s no need to search far and wide. Here’s your guide to the best times to visit Universal Studios Hollywood!
Low seasons (February, May, September, November)
The vibrant Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Hollywood | Photo by Jeremy Thompson on Flickr
September is the best month to go to Universal Studios Hollywood. School is back by this time, so kids, along with their families, will be away through November. The temperature starts cooling down, too. So overall, this is the perfect time to get a Universal Studios Hollywood ticket!
May is also one of the best times to visit Universal Studios Hollywood. Think of it as the sweet spot before summer break starts. There are fewer crowds and you get temperate weather.
February is a great month as well, because this is directly after the peak season. Most people would have already celebrated with their loved ones during the holidays. So by this time, there won’t be huge crowds, and you can even experience a nearly empty Super Nintendo World!
Klook Tip: The best days to go to Universal Studios Hollywood are on weekdays, but especially mid-week from Tuesdays to Thursdays.
Shoulder seasons (April, August)
Find a good pace to enjoy the whole park | Photo by Troutfarm27 on Wikimedia Commons
April has manageable crowds because spring break for many would have ended or is about to end by then. August is also a shoulder month since you see the amount of visitors lessening each week with schools starting their academic years.
Klook Tip: Ticket prices usually rely on the seasons, it’s cheaper on low seasons and more expensive on peak seasons.
Peak seasons (June, July, December, other long holidays)
Immerse yourself in the wonderful Wizarding World
December is the easy way to cap it, but the holiday peak season starts from the last week of November, running through Christmas, all the way to New Year’s!
At this time, people get extended time off to be with their families, so huge crowds are guaranteed. And who wouldn’t want to go with Grinchmas at Universal Plaza, a projection lights show at Hogwarts, and more festivities across the park?
If you really want to feel the holiday spirit here, the best time to visit Universal Studios Hollywood during this season would be in the first weeks of December for a slightly less crowded park.
The Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift coming in summer | Photo from Klook User
June and July cover the second peak season. It’s summer break for students across the state so you’ll see many families making up most of the crowd.
Expect summer 2026 to be especially packed as Universal Studios Hollywood announced the opening of the Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift, a spinning roller coaster ride. There’s no exact date for start of operations yet, but there is already a lot of hype.
You should also watch out for special holidays and long weekends: President’s Day weekend in February and Spring Break that happens around the end of March to early April. November has a busy period, which is Thanksgiving Week, but this is still fewer compared to Christmas.
Klook Tip: The peak seasons have larger crowds, which the park accommodates with longer hours. Meanwhile, the low season attracts less visitors, but it comes with shorter operating hours.
Special events
Discover the thrills of Halloween Horror Nights | Photo by Jeremy Thompson on Flickr
Lunar New Year happens from around late January to early February. This doesn’t really attract large crowds, but decorations and characters will be in theme. The park’s restaurants will serve Asian dishes as well.
Fan Fest Nights are held on select nights from April to May. For 2026, people can enjoy the Scooby-Doo and Monsters Universal collab, One Piece, and Dungeons & Dragons, to name a few. This is the best time to visit Universal Studios Hollywood if you love sci-fi, anime, and fantasy. Plus, there are lots of character interactions!
Halloween Horror Nights is the biggest event in Universal Studios Hollywood. It starts in September, but peaks in October. This is held at night and requires a different ticket. But Halloween Horror Nights-goers typically like to make the most of their visit and enjoy the theme park earlier in the afternoon, so expect bigger crowds at this time.
Fasten your seatbelts!
The exciting Flight of the Hippogriff | Photo by Jeremy Thompson on Wikimedia Commons
Now that you’ve figured out the best times to visit Universal Studios Hollywood, let’s make sure you have a smooth trip.
Get a USA eSIM to stay connected. This will help you navigate around the park and access your online passes. For your other days in the City of Angels, a Los Angeles and Hollywood City sightseeing bus pass might interest you to see many iconic tourist spots!
Are you ready to have the time of your life at Universal Studios Hollywood?
Best places to stay near Universal Studios Hollywood:
FAQs
What is the best time to visit Universal Studios Hollywood?
May and September are the best times to visit Universal Studios Hollywood, as these are the sweet spots before and after summer, respectively. November and February come in next as these are just outside of the holiday season.
What is the cheapest month to visit Universal?
It’s the same as the best times to visit Universal Studios Hollywood: February, May, September, and November. The low seasons usually have the cheapest tickets.
How many days do you need for Universal Hollywood?
1 day is enough to enjoy all the rides, especially during low seasons. But during peak seasons, the very long lines might prevent you from accessing all the attractions within a day. This would be a good time to go for 2 days, if you’re up for it.
How can I avoid long lines at Universal?
The best way to avoid long lines is by purchasing the Universal Express ticket, which gives you one-time express access to each ride. You can even opt for the VIP Experience, which comes with unlimited entrance to each attraction. Plus, a guided tour, lounge access, valet parking, and more!
How early should I arrive at Universal Studios Hollywood?
30 to 45 minutes is a safe time to get early access for General Admission ticketholders. You can add an extra 10-15 minutes to find parking or if you want to grab some coffee. Staying at a nearby hotel can be very helpful!
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