Choosing the right day to visit Universal Studios Hollywood can completely change your experience. On a quiet day, you can ride most attractions with minimal waits. On a crowded day, lines stretch past an hour, walkways feel packed, and even dining areas fill quickly.
Crowd levels at Universal Studios Hollywood follow very predictable patterns, mainly influenced by school schedules, major holidays, and seasonal park events. This crowd calendar breakdown will help you understand exactly when to go, when to avoid, and how to plan smarter.
What causes crowds at Universal Studios Hollywood?
Three main factors determine how busy the park will be:
School calendars
When schools are on break, families travel. Summer vacation, spring break, winter holidays, and long weekends consistently create the highest crowd levels.
Public holidays & long weekends
National holidays give people time off work, especially three-day weekends. These almost always lead to crowd spikes, even outside peak seasons.
Universal Studios seasonal events
Events like Halloween Horror Nights and the winter holiday season attract both locals and tourists, increasing attendance on specific dates.
Weekends are almost always busier than weekdays, with Saturdays being the most crowded day of the week.
Worst days to visit Universal Studios Hollywood
Summer weekends (mid-June through August)
Summer is peak season. Schools are out, tourists flood Los Angeles, and Universal Studios Hollywood sees its highest attendance levels. Saturdays and Sundays during summer often bring long waits for every major ride.
If you must visit during summer, weekdays are slightly better, but still crowded.
Spring break weeks (March–April)
Spring break schedules vary by school district, but there are several weeks where many schools overlap. These weeks bring heavy crowds, especially Fridays through Sundays.
Crowds are highest:
- Mid-March
- Late March
- Early April
Thanksgiving week
The entire week of Thanksgiving is one of the busiest times of the year. Families travel, and many visitors combine theme parks with holiday trips. Expect long lines from Monday through Sunday.
Christmas and New Year’s week (mid-December to early January)
This is the absolute peak crowd period at Universal Studios Hollywood. Holiday decorations, special food, and seasonal entertainment attract huge crowds.
Avoid:
- December 20–31
- New Year’s Day
Halloween Horror Nights dates (September–October)
On nights when Halloween Horror Nights is scheduled, crowds increase significantly. Even daytime hours can feel busier as guests enter early or line up for evening events.
Weekends during October are especially packed.
Major long weekends
These dates consistently attract heavy attendance:
- Presidents’ Day weekend (February)
- Memorial Day weekend (May)
- Labor Day weekend (September)
Best days to visit Universal Studios Hollywood
Mid-week days (Tuesday & Wednesday)
Tuesday and Wednesday are historically the least crowded days. Fewer locals visit mid-week, and school schedules limit family travel.
If possible, always choose Tuesday or Wednesday.
January (after New Year’s week)
Once the New Year’s rush ends, crowd levels drop sharply. Mid-January through early February is one of the calmest periods of the year.
Avoid only the holiday weekend in mid-January.
February (except Presidents’ Day weekend)
Most of February is excellent for visiting. Weather is mild, and schools are in session. Crowds stay manageable on weekdays.
Mid-to-late September (non-event weekdays)
After summer ends and kids return to school, crowd levels drop significantly. Late September weekdays are among the best days of the entire year, as long as you avoid Halloween Horror Nights dates.
Early November (after Halloween, before Thanksgiving)
This short window offers low crowds and comfortable weather. It’s a perfect time for visitors who want shorter wait times without summer heat.
Month-by-month crowd overview
January
Low crowds after New Year’s week. Great mid-week visits.
February
Low to moderate crowds. Avoid Presidents’ Day weekend.
March
Moderate to high crowds depending on spring break schedules.
April
Often crowded due to spring break overlap.
May
Moderate crowds. Busy on Memorial Day weekend.
June
Crowds begin rising as summer break starts.
July
Very crowded. Peak summer season.
August
Crowded, especially early August. Slight improvement late month.
September
Excellent mid-week days after Labor Day.
October
Busy weekends due to Halloween events.
November
Crowded Thanksgiving week, quiet early month.
December
Very busy from mid-December through New Year.
Smart strategies to handle crowds
Even on busy days, good planning helps:
- Arrive at park opening
- Ride popular attractions first
- Visit during mid-week whenever possible
- Eat meals early or late to avoid peak dining crowds
- Consider Express Pass on high-crowd days
- Avoid arriving late morning when lines peak
Final takeaway
If your goal is short lines, smoother movement, and a more relaxed experience, aim for:
- Best days: Tuesday or Wednesday in January, February, mid-September, or early November
- Worst days: Summer weekends, spring break weeks, Thanksgiving week, and late December
Understanding school calendars and holiday timing is the single most powerful way to beat crowds at Universal Studios Hollywood. Choose wisely, and your visit will feel longer, easier, and far more enjoyable.