Best Time to Visit Universal Studios Hollywood

Posted on May 07, 2025

The image shows the iconic entrance arch of Universal Studios Hollywood against a bright blue sky. Tall palm trees frame the scene on both sides, and the American flag is visible to the left. The arch features raised golden lettering that reads Universal Studios Hollywood. The architecture and surroundings create a welcoming and vibrant atmosphere, perfect for visitors eager to explore the attractions within.

Looking for all-out entertainment and adventure this 2025? Universal Studios Hollywood offers incredible experiences that all ages can enjoy. From annual events like Butterbeer Season and Halloween Horror Nights, to the newest thrilling ride, Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift. To maximize your visit, it’s important to choose the best time to go to Universal Studios Hollywood.

Generally, weekdays are considered best for visitors who want to avoid crazy crowds. But besides crowd levels, there are some other factors that could influence your visit. This guide will help you maximize your visit to Universal Studios Hollywood. Let’s take a look at the newest attractions and activities, and discuss every factor that could affect your experience.

Are you ready to explore Universal Studios Hollywood this year? Keep reading.

Happening at Universal Studios Hollywood in 2025

Fuel the excitement with these amazing events and attractions:

Butterbeer™ Season in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™

March 1 - May 31

One of the most anticipated events for Potterheads and even the casual drink enjoyers. Take a sip of this bubbly and enchanting concoction that is better than any other spell.

Universal Mega Movie Summer

June 13 - August 10

New character meet-and-greets, cool attractions, and fun-filled cinematic anniversaries await Universal fans this summer.

Back to Hogwarts

August 1 to September 1

Show off your house pride! Join other wizards as the new Hogwarts academic calendar begins!

Halloween Horror Nights

Select nights from September 4 to November 2.

From realistic costumes and props to spine-chilling sounds and special effects. Experience the thrills and chills at this super scary annual event.

Holidays at Universal

November to December

The holiday season is a lot more colorful at Universal Studios Hollywood. Don’t miss the vibrant parades, festive food and drinks, and the superb cheery vibes throughout the park.

New shops and dining stops open.

Get your shopping bags and tummies ready for the newest shop and dining hub at the park. LINE PARK SQUARE features a wide range of LINE Friends, BT21 collectibles, and K-pop merchandise.

You can also enjoy an extra fancy and adorable dining experience at Hello Kitty® and Friends Cafe. The newest dining spot at Universal CityWalk celebrates all things Sanrio®. Don’t forget to try the seasonal dome cakes inspired by Hello Kitty® and Friends.

Factors to consider when visiting Universal Studios Hollywood:

There are four major factors that could affect your visit to Universal Studios Hollywood. For a hassle-free Universal escapade, consider these when planning for your visit.

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

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

A tram at a theme park moves through an outdoor attraction as large flames rise nearby. Passengers sit inside the open-air vehicle, enjoying the thrilling experience. Trees and foliage can be seen in the background, adding to the excitement of the scene.

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.

Best time to visit Universal Studios Hollywood for low crowds.

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.

Best time to go to Universal Studios Hollywood for good weather.

March - May (Spring)

Three friends are laughing and walking together in front of the Universal Studios Hollywood sign. They are casually dressed and appear to be enjoying a sunny day. The background features a few palm trees and the iconic sign, creating a lively and cheerful atmosphere.

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.

Cheapest times to visit Universal Studios Hollywood.

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.

Best time to go to Universal Studios Hollywood for families.

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.

Helpful tips to maximize your Universal escapade:

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.

Three people excitedly pose near a dramatic outdoor water show with impressive explosions in the background. The set resembles a rustic, industrial environment with towers and water structures. They are on a platform, enjoying the action-packed scene under a clear blue sky. Everyone is smiling and looks thrilled by the dynamic performance.

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.

Join the fun and adventure at Universal Studios Hollywood.

A family of four walks hand in hand on a red carpet towards an iconic entrance arch at a theme park on a sunny day. The path is lined with palm trees and visitors. In the background, the park entrance is bustling with activity. The scene conveys excitement and anticipation for a fun day ahead.

What are you waiting for? Experience all-out entertainment and fun at Universal Studios Hollywood. Plan ahead by choosing the best season and enjoy all the newest attractions and seasonal activities at the park. It doesn’t matter if you’re going solo or traveling with your favorite people.

Get your Universal Studios Hollywood tickets now for show-stopping deals and discounts. See you at the parks, FunExplorers!