The Best Time To Go To Universal Studios - Magic Guides

When Is the Best Time to Visit Universal Studios Orlando?

The best time to go to Universal Studios Orlando is September, after Labor Day, through the middle of October. This is based on various factors, including ticket pricing, crowds, events, and weather.

Ticket pricing

The first factor to consider is ticket pricing, which we based on a standard one-day, one-park ticket with no discounts or add-ons. Some of the lowest ticket prices of the year can be found between September and October. During this period, there are numerous weekdays when you can purchase park tickets at Universal Studios’ lowest tier, which is expected to be around $120 for 2025.

Prices increase slightly on the weekends and rise closer to Halloween, potentially reaching up to $160-170 per day.

Crowd Calendar

Ticket pricing and crowd levels are often connected; lower ticket prices typically indicate fewer crowds. Universal and Disney use a strategy known as “surge pricing,” intentionally setting their prices to encourage guests to visit during less busy periods. Consequently, when ticket prices are lower, it usually means that the parks will be less crowded on those days. Knowing these patterns is especially helpful if you’re trying to avoid crowds at Epic Universe, the newest theme park at Universal Orlando Resort.

Crowds tend to decrease after Labor Day and remain lower until mid-October. This is mainly because most children have returned to school following the Labor Day weekend. Additionally, families are less inclined to take their kids out of school for a vacation immediately after the summer break. This makes it an excellent time to visit Universal and other theme parks in Orlando.

Crowds tend to increase slightly on weekends because of visits from locals and annual pass holders. However, this increase is usually not noticeable compared to busier periods of the year, such as summer or spring break. Remember, you can always purchase an Express Pass for quicker access. The peak season for visitors at Universal Studios Orlando is from May to August.

Halloween Horror Nights and Other Special Events

One of the main reasons September and October are the best times to visit Universal Studios is to experience Halloween Horror Nights, the park’s most popular event of the year, which regularly sells out.

This ticketed event takes place on select nights throughout September and October, typically running from around 6 PM to 1 or 2 AM. Halloween Horror Nights usually occurs on weekends for most of September, with two or three weekday events added toward the end of the month and throughout October, making it ideal for a fall break.

If you visit on a weekday event night between mid-September and mid-October, you’ll have the best chance to enjoy Halloween Horror Nights while avoiding the larger crowds that typically gather closer to Halloween.

Weather

The weather in Central Florida is another excellent reason to visit Universal between mid-September and mid-October. Florida usually transitions from a tropical, wet-season pattern with daily afternoon thunderstorms to a dry, low-humidity pattern with very few rainy days during this time. When visiting in October, expect days with highs in the low and mid-80s, low humidity, and comfortable, breezy nights. These are the perfect temperatures for a night out at HHN.