Best Time To Visit Universal Studios Orlando (2023 & 2024)

While we’re in no doubt you’ll have an incredible time whenever you visit Universal Studios Orlando, it’s no secret that some times of the year are better than others.

As such if you’re planning your Universal Studios Orlando vacation for either 2023 or 2024 then there are some dates you’ll want to consider visiting during – and others you may want to avoid.

Based on our ten years of dedication to the Universal Studios Orlando Resort we’re able to use upcoming events and historical data to predict which dates will be the best (and worst!) to visit Universal Studios in 2023 and 2024.

However, things can change – as such, we’ll be sure to leave some hints and tips on how you can have an incredible trip to Universal Studios regardless of what time of year you’re visiting throughout this article.

What Makes ‘The Best Time To Visit’ Universal Studios Orlando?

What makes a great time to visit Universal Studios is different for everyone. Some are looking specifically for low crowds which often result in both shorter standby wait times and cheaper hotel prices.

Meanwhile, others aren’t as bothered about long lines and instead think the best days at Universal Studios are when incredible events are taking place or when the park is filled with themed decorations (i.e. Halloween Horror Nights or Christmas).

Throughout this article, we’re certainly focusing more on dates where crowd levels are lower since this is what we’ve found the vast majority of people want when looking for the best dates to visit Universal Studios. However, we will also be sure to mention whenever these coincide with special events.

What Makes ‘The Worst Time To Visit’ Universal Studios Orlando?

Much like what makes the best time to visit Universal Studios is different for everyone, so too is the worst time.

However, generally speaking, most people want to avoid the busiest time where you’ll often experience long wait times for the park’s most popular rides and higher prices for park tickets and hotels.

Visiting during these times can often see you waiting up to three hours for rides such as Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure and the Revenge of the Mummy.

Meanwhile, you’ll find that hotel prices are typically 20% higher than usual, park tickets up to $50 more per person when compared to the cheapest time of the year and an increase in the cost of Universal Express Unlimited passes (circa $300 per person).

What If You Can’t Pick The Time Of Year You Visit?

Depending on a range of personal circumstances you might not always be able to select exactly when you visit Universal Studios.

As a result, you may find that from this article you’re visiting when we expect crowds to be lower – lucky you.

Alternatively, you may find that you’re visiting during one of the worst times of the year – ouch! Regardless, this is no reason to cancel your trip to Universal Studios.

We’ve visited all three Universal Studios theme parks during some of the busiest days of the year (multiple times) and have found that provided you’re prepared and plan ahead you can still have an incredible day!

But what does great planning and preparation for a trip to Universal Studios look like?

On a basic level it should include;

However, if you have the budget then you may also want to consider enhancing your visit;

Best Time Of Year To Visit Universal Studios Orlando In 2023

Given everything here are the best times to visit Universal Studios Orlando in 2023;

• 9th January – 12th January
• 23rd January – 15th February
• 27th February – 8th March
• 28th April – 11th May
• 21st August – 31st August
• 6th September – 5th October
• 11th October – 17th November
• 23rd November – 20th December*

Despite all dates listed above being some of the best when it comes to the number of visitors to the resort, you’ll still find that weekdays are better than weekends.

* The only variable to the beginning of December is the Pop Warner Super Bowl and National Cheer & Dance Championships. This will cause a significant increase in crowd levels however, at the time of publishing dates have not been announced.

While there is certainly more availability when it comes to ‘the best dates to visit Universal Studios Orlando’ in the latter half of the year – with the best month being September.

There are two things you’ll want to consider if you’re looking to visit the resort during this time;

Firstly, Halloween Horror nights. The dates for 2023 have not been announced at the time of publishing.

However, typically these special evening events (roughly 25 between the beginning of September and the end of October) bring in more crowds, and the event regularly sells out.

As such if you’re visiting the Universal Studios Orlando Resort during this time and specifically for this event then we recommend booking your accommodation, park tickets and event tickets as far in advance as possible.

The second consideration is hurricane season which given that Universal Studios is in Florida impacts the Universal Studios parks generally between the latter half of August and the end of November.

Universal Studios did have to close the park in 2022 as a direct result of a hurricane. While it’s unknown whether this will also occur during 2023 it is something to keep in mind if you’re planning on visiting the resort during these times.

Worst Times To Visit Universal Studios In 2023

Meanwhile, here are the worst times to visit Universal Studios Orlando in 2023;

• 1st January – 8th January
• 13th January – 16th January
• 17th February – 20th February
• 11th March – 17th April
• 12th May – 14th May
• 19th May – 21st May
• 26th May – 28th May
• June
• July
• 1st August – 20th August
• 18th November – 22nd November
• 21st December – 31st December

Again, the only variable here is early December when the Pop Warner Super Bowl and National Cheer & Dance Championships. 

This event is set to become one of the worst times to visit Universal Studios in 2023. However, sadly at the time of publishing dates for this event have not been confirmed.

Unsurprisingly the summer months of June, July and the beginning of August have the longest stretch of ‘worst times to visit Universal Studios’ as a result of school summer vacations which cause large crowds.

Of course, the large crowds experienced during the peak season aren’t the only reason to avoid June through to the beginning of August as high temperatures and humidity make walking around the park and standing in line for long periods of time incredibly uncomfortable.

Best Times To Visit Universal Studios In 2024

The best times to visit Universal Studios in 2024 is generally the shoulder season to the summer, mirroring that of 2023. This includes;

• 9th January – 12th January
• 23rd January – 15th February
• 27th February – 8th March
• 28th April – 11th May
• 21st August – 31st August
• 6th September – 5th October
• 11th October – 17th November
• 1st December – 20th December

Of course, depending on your personal preferences you may want to choose to try and avoid heavy rain at Universal Studios by visiting the resort at the beginning of the year.

Meanwhile, if you’re a fan of themed events and happy to wear a rain poncho during rainy days at the park then you’ll likely be better off visiting between October and December where you’ll experience both Halloween and the holiday season decorations.

Worst Times To Visit Universal Studios In 2024

Much like in 2023, the worst time to visit Universal Studios is over the summer months when all Universal Studios parks experience higher crowds.

The exception to this is generally special events, long weekends (bank holidays) and the holiday season.

Right now these dates include;

• 1st January – 8th January
• 13th January – 16th January
• 17th February – 20th February
• 11th March – 17th April
• 12th May – 14th May
• 19th May – 21st May
• 26th May – 28th May
• June
• July
• 1st August – 20th August
• 22nd November – 1st December
• 21st December – 31st December

However, given that the majority of these dates are still upwards of 18 months away (at the time of publishing) they are subject to change depending on internal (Universal Studios) and external factors.