Best Time to Visit Universal Studios Hollywood

Butterbeer Season

Enjoy Butterbeer Season at Universal Hollywood in March and May, featuring all varieties from the classic original to creamy ice cream.

Universal Fan Fest Nights

Universal Fan Fest Nights returns in 2026 on select days from April 23rd to May 16th. Get tickets before January 14th for a free medallion! They'll sell out fast!

Mega Movie Summer

Universal is thrilled to announce its second Mega Movie Summer, showcasing Jaws, Back to the Future, and Jurassic World from June to August.

4th of July Celebration

July 2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, featuring fireworks and patriotic decor.

Back to Hogwarts

The "Back to Hogwarts" event returns in 2026 to celebrate the new academic year. Wear your house colors and show your Hogwarts pride!

Halloween Horror Nights 2026

Universal Studios Hollywood will host Halloween Horror Nights in 2026 on selected nights from September 3rd to November 1st. Don't miss this epic after-hours celebration!

Holidays at Universal Studios Hollywood

Christmas at Universal Studios Hollywood is more exciting than you think! From November to December, the park features holiday decorations, shows, and character meet-and-greets for a festive experience. Universal CityWalk also offers character interactions, themed merch, and Christmas overlays for you to enjoy!

New Year's Eve Festivities

The New Year’s Eve party on December 31st, 2026, is a family-friendly event featuring DJs, dance floors, fireworks, and extended park hours.

Crowd levels

Universal Studios Hollywood is among the top tourist destinations in the US. So, it is crucial to plan your visit if you want to avoid huge crowds. Visiting the park when crowds are low can help you maximize your experience. Small crowds mean fewer people and shorter wait times for rides, dining, and attractions.

Weather

Visiting Universal Studios Hollywood when the weather is good is one way to enjoy everything the park has to offer. It’s recommended that guests avoid going to the park during rainy season or when the summer heat is too high. There are events and attractions that can be enjoyed best when the weather is pleasant.

Ticket prices

Pricing is another important factor that you should consider when planning your Universal Studios Hollywood adventure. Ticket prices typically go higher during peak seasons and lower during off-peak months.

Events and activities

To fully enjoy Universal Studios Hollywood, it’s always best to check the event calendar for activities and attractions that pique your interest. Universal Studios Hollywood is a family-friendly park that features events and attractions for all ages.

January - March and September - November

Tour experts and Universal fans consider these periods as the best months to visit Universal Studios Hollywood. The main reason is that the holiday festivities are over, and students are coming back to school.

While some spring events can still draw crowds, they are relatively smaller than other annual events. Just keep in mind that the months of September and November also host Halloween Horror Nights. Guests can expect bigger crowds during these times, but there’s nothing that advanced planning can’t fix.

Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday

These are the best days of the week to visit Universal Studios Hollywood, if you want smaller and calmer crowds. Make sure to check out Universal’s calendar of events, in case some events fall on these days.

March - May (Spring)

Who doesn’t love spring? This season offers the right balance of mild temperature and aesthetics, with flowers blooming and birds chirping. Visiting Universal Studios Hollywood during Spring is more comfortable than summer visits, when heat and humidity are at their peak. While strolling around the park, guests can also enjoy vibrant and panoramic views of the Santa Monica Mountains.

September - November (Fall)

For lower crowds and cooler temperatures, fall is the ideal season for Universal Studios Hollywood fans. If you don’t want to sweat buckets while enjoying rides and attending special events, consider visiting during this season. "Sweater Weather" usually starts in fall, so make sure to wear your favorite comfy sweater when visiting the park.

January, February, and September

Ticket prices depend on the days and season of your visit. Normally, tickets are the cheapest during off-seasons and most expensive during peak months. Based on park records and guest experiences, the months of January, February, and September offer the lowest ticket prices.

Specifically, the weekdays within these months are the most affordable. Take note of these dates when you can score the best ticket deals at Universal Studios Hollywood:

• Weekdays in February (1st – 10th)

• March 1st – 3rd, 8th – 10th

• May 3rd -4th, 10th – 11th

• September 12th – 14th, 21st, 22nd, 27th, 28th

• October 12th, 18th, 19th, 25th, 26th, 31st

PRO TIP: Purchasing Multi-Day tickets can help you save significant amounts compared to buying single-day tickets to Universal Studios Hollywood.

Off-peak season

For families in need of a stress-free Universal Studios Hollywood experience, we recommend visiting the park during off-peak season. This season features smaller crowds, lower ticket prices, and shorter wait times for rides and attractions. The weather during off-peak season is also comfortable for guests of all ages.

The only downside of visiting during off-peak season is shorter operating hours for some attractions. When the crowds are low, some rides and attractions at the park tend to close earlier.

Holiday and Summer

Oops. Don’t fret. We get that most families want to avoid the crowds when visiting Universal parks. But for those who don’t mind mingling with other Universal fanatics and families, peak seasons are the best.

Holiday parades and festivities are perfect for families who love to have fun during the Yuletide season. Likewise, summer adventures at Universal Studios Hollywood are the best ways to treat children after acing the academic year.

Get your Universal Studios Hollywood tickets in advance.

Save money while enjoying your favorite attractions by purchasing your Universal Studios Hollywood tickets in advance. Buying tickets during low seasons is perfect if you wish to snag the best deals and discounts.

We also highly recommend getting the Express Pass to maximize your experience. This type of pass lets you skip lines for rides, attractions, and shows at Universal Studios Hollywood.

Check daily weather forecasts and crowd calendars.

Clear skies are always the standard when visiting your favorite theme parks. Check daily weather forecasts for rain or thunderstorms, especially during rainy seasons. Heavy rains and extremely hot and humid temperatures could negatively affect your Universal Studios Hollywood adventure.

Pack your essentials.

You don’t need to bring your entire house with you. But make sure to bring everything you need. Packing your essentials will help you have a more convenient day at the park. Here are some things you should put inside your backpack:

• Your admission park tickets

• ID

• Keys

• Cards and extra cash

• Refillable water bottle

Check out our packing list for Universal Orlando Resort. This guide can help you prepare for your next Universal getaway.

Come early, stay late.

This strategy is especially effective for guests visiting during off-peak seasons. Since most attractions at Universal Studios Hollywood close earlier when crowds are low, arriving early is a great move.

The park gate typically opens at 9 AM. Certain attractions with Early Access allow guests to enter as early as 8 AM. You can have a longer time exploring the park and trying out new rides and dining options.

Download the official Universal Studios Hollywood Mobile App.

Whether you’re a pro explorer or a first-timer, this mobile app will surely help you. The Universal Studios Hollywood Mobile App features interactive maps and important info about wait times and show schedules. Don’t forget to download the app before your park visit for a hassle-free experience.