The Best Time to Go to Universal Studios Orlando in 2023

The Best Time to Go to Universal Studios Orlando in 2023

The Best Time to Go to Universal Studios Orlando in 2023

Are you trying to figure out the best time to visit Universal Orlando 2023? Well, The Park Prodigy team is here to help! While there is no bad time to visit Universal Orlando, there are many different factors to consider when planning the perfect family vacation including the best time based on budget, weather, special events and so much more!

We do typically find the best time to visit Universal Orlando in 2023 to be January, February, August, and September based on crowd projections and also the most recent deals and promotions going on at the parks. As you’ll see guests might also be trying to pick the best time to visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter which could be during the summer because of longer park hours.

We hope you find this post helpful! Our goal at The Park Prodigy has always been to help you save time and money on your next Universal Orlando vacation!  If you are planning a trip to Universal Orlando be sure to check out the latest deals on Universal Orlando vacation packages and our discounted Universal Orlando tickets which include EARLY PARK ADMISSION to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!

We’ll cover them all and hope this article helps you pick the best time to go to Universal Studios in 2023 based on your goals! So grab a butterbeer and let’s get started!

SPECIAL NOTE: If you’re looking for our 2023 Universal Orlando Crowd Calendar be sure to go straight to the link below. 

Universal Orlando Crowd Calendar

When is the Best Time to Visit Universal Orlando 2023?

Let’s start with the most popular question and that is, when is the best time to visit Universal Studios Orlando 2023? And as a general rule of thumb, the best time to visit Universal Orlando is early January, February, late August, and the entire month of September 2023. For the most part, the best time to go to Universal Studios is going to be right after kids go back to school after any major break or holiday.

And as you’ll see below there is so much that goes into picking the best time to visit Universal Studios! It used to be Universal Orlando was a one-day stop in between your time at Walt Disney World, but boy has that changed! With the additions of Islands of Adventure, Universal’s Volcano Bay, and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter we now find that Universal is an adventure all in itself. And with that being said this is one of the most important questions to ask right behind how many days should you plan to visit Universal Orlando Florida!

What are the Best Months to Go to Universal Studios?

• September
• January
• February
• Late April
• Early-Mid May

Related Page: How Much Does it Cost to Go to Universal Orlando

Best Time to Go To Universal Florida Tips & Tricks

Planning the best time to go to Universal Orlando can not only save you a ton of time in the theme park but it can also save you money! How you might ask? Well just like Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando theme park tickets now fluctuate based on the time of year you visit.

So one of the easiest ways to pick the best time to visit Universal is to compare the cheapest Universal Orlando ticket prices. The cheaper the tickets the more likely it is that the parks won’t be as crowded during that time of year.

Using the ticket prices to find the best time to visit Universal Orlando could also make the difference between staying off-property and on-property at one of the amazing Universal Orlando resorts. All on-property guests can take full advantage of special Universal Orlando benefits including free transportation, free express passes at participating resorts, and of course, early park admission which is still included with all of our Universal Orlando tickets.

Tips and tricks for the best times to go to Universal Studios

• Consider the weather in Florida – It is cooler and less humid starting November to February, which makes those months more comfortable when it comes to heat.
• Special Events – If you visit during special events, it could be more crowded like during Halloween Horror Nights or Mardi Gras events. On the flipside, you could want to attend those events so you can plan your trip during them

Related Post: Universal Early Park Admission Tickets

What is the Best Month to go to Universal Studios in 2023?

So, what is the best month to go to Universal Studios? As a general rule of thumb, September has always been the best month to visit Universal Orlando due to low crowds with kids having just returned to school. We also find this to be a great month to find the cheapest Universal ticket prices to go along with the low crowds. And last but not least, one of the other reasons September is the best month to visit Universal Orlando is Universal Halloween Horror Nights.  

What is the off-season for Universal Orlando?

Now that we have covered that September is the best month to visit Universal let’s take a look at another popular question which is, what is the off-season for Universal Orlando?  As a general rule of thumb, the off-season at Universal Orlando is right after kids go back to school which includes the months of January, February, September, late April, and early May. As we have been discussing this is also when you will find the cheapest Universal ticket prices. In September, you’ll find Universal to be a lot quieter than the earlier summer months. During April, you can take advantage of the post-spring break lull in the last two weeks of the month. Historically you only had to avoid the first week or so, but 2021 proved this to be untrue as school’s spring break schedules have varied more and more across the country. As for January and February, we also find these months to be among the least crowded time to visit Universal Studios. The main reason being is this is right after the holiday rush when most families vacation. If you’re still unsure which month works best for your group, check out our Universal Crowd Calendar. 

Related Page: The Absolute Best Things to Do at Universal Orlando 

What is the Best Day to Visit Universal Studios 2023?

The best days to go to Universal Studios are usually on Tuesdays and Thursdays, as guests sometimes utilize long weekends to vacation. The weekends are going to draw crowds, therefore, you should avoid them if possible when visiting. The rainier days in Florida also tend to be Universal Studios quietest days since guests don’t like being rained on.

And as a general rule of thumb, we are looking at our Universal Orlando crowd calendar each month and trying to avoid any major holiday or break from school and targeting those days right after the breaks are over.

What is the Best Day to Visit Universal Studios 2023?

Based on events and traffic of years past, the least crowded days to visit Universal Studios in 2023 are:

• Jan. 3-8, Jan. 9-15, Jan. 16-22, Jan. 23-29th, Jan. 30 & 31 (Best time to visit Harry Potter World)
• Feb. 1-12, Feb.13-16, Feb. 20-28
• Mar. 1-5
• Apr. 24-30
• May. 1-7, May. 8-15
• All of August
• All of September
• Oct. 1-6, Oct. 9-15, Oct. 16-20, Oct. 23-27
• Nov. 1-6, 27-30 (avoid Thanksgiving week)
• Dec. 1-3, Dec. 4-10  (avoid Christmas and New Year’s Eve)

When is Universal Studios Most Crowded?

Historically, the most crowded time to visit Universal Studios is:

• End of May
• June
• July
• August
• October
• November
• December

If you are visiting during one of the months above no worries! Just make sure to take advantage of Free Early Park Admission which is included with all of our Universal Orlando tickets! 

Related post: Complete Guide to Knockturn Alley at Universal Orlando

What is the Cheapest Month to go to Universal Studios 2023?

When is the cheapest month to visit Universal? The cheapest month to go to Universal Studios is typically one of the least crowded months, which are January, August, and September. Universal ticket prices are the cheapest in September. The only downside is if you’re traveling with kids, you might have to take them out of school for a more affordable vacation, but hey, we’re not judging!

It’s important to note that Universal has always been very popular in late September and October due to Halloween Horror Nights. (which we cover later) To make up for this we recommend visiting in early September right after Labor Day. This is also still a great time to visit Universal’s Volcano Bay. Be sure to always ask your Universal travel agent if any special deals are coming up. This will allow you to save quite a bit of money on your room and Universal park tickets.

What is the best time to visit Universal Orlando based on price?

• September

Related Page: How to Visit Universal Orlando on a Budget

Best Time to Visit Universal Studios Florida Based on Weather 2023

If you’re traveling with kids, there are a number of factors that will play into the best time to go to Universal Studios Orlando. Most importantly, you want to consider the weather. This is especially true for Universal Orlando as Volcano Bay is one of the three main theme parks. Although vacationers can take advantage of the heated water any time of the year, this park can be a ton of fun in sun! 

It’s true that some families may prefer not to plan their Universal Orlando trip during the summer months, when temperatures in Florida can climb to the 90s and humidity can be overwhelming. Dealing with the heat and humidity while trying to enjoy the theme park with children can be an unpleasant experience.

Fortunately, there’s a solution for those who want to save money while avoiding the summer crowds and heat. You can plan a budget-friendly vacation during the “shoulder season,” which is the period between the end of April and beginning of May, as well as the middle of October through December. During this time, the weather is comfortable and the parks are less crowded, except for spring break or popular holidays. By visiting during the shoulder season, you can enjoy Universal Orlando without breaking the bank or dealing with the stress of hot weather and large crowds.

What are the worst times to visit Universal Orlando based on weather?

As discussed Orlando’s weather can be unpredictable. Not only that, but Orlando has been known to occasionally have hurricanes and tornadoes during the months of August and September. As far as humidity goes, you can count on soaring temperatures from the beginning of May to the end of September at Universal Orlando. If you’re visiting the theme parks during any of these months, be sure to check the predicted weather in our Universal Orlando crowd calendar to decide whether or not you’ll be able to take the heat.

We also outline which Universal Orlando Resorts we feel are best for midday breaks based on location, transportation, and budget!

Related Page: When is the Best Time to Visit Disney World 

When is the Best Time to Visit Harry Potter World 2023?

So, when is the best time of year to visit Harry Potter World? For this specific question we actually feel that January is the best month to visit Universal over September. The reason being is Early Park Admission. Here at The Park Prodigy we love early park admission! In fact all guests who purchase their Universal Orlando tickets from The Park Prodigy, will receive Early Park Admission absolutely free! The reason why we pick January over September as the best time to visit Harry Potter World is Universal might have both parks open to choose from for EPA. However they almost always only have one during the month of September.

When is the best time to visit Harry Potter World for crowds?

Personally, early December is our favorite time to visit Harry Potter World, as it has the nostalgic Harry Potter Christmas feel and lower crowds. While December is historically one of the busiest months, there is a small period in the beginning of the month with small crowds. Universal Orlando decorates for Christmas in November, with both Wizarding World’s getting a cheery makeover.

As huge Harry Potter fans, some of our favorite cinematic moments from the films were during the Christmas times. We absolutely love grabbing a butterbeer with low crowds and watching the Hogwarts Castle lights show to relive the magic.

Related post: Discounted Universal Harry Potter Tickets

The Best Time to Visit Universal Studios Orlando By Month

As we mentioned earlier, there’s never a bad time to visit Universal Orlando. This is especially true when it comes to busier months—there are plenty of ways to successfully manage the crowds! We’ve gathered insight on what to expect when going to Universal each month of the year to help you plan the best trip!

The Best Time to Visit Universal Studios in January 2023

So is January a good time to go to Universal Studios? There are a ton of advantages of visiting Universal in January which includes the cool weather, low park crowds, and discounted Universal Orlando tickets. You and your family might even be able to take advantage of visiting the Islands of Adventure or Universal Studios still decorated for Christmas depending on the week you visit.

The first week of January has always been a popular week to visit for runners to come to the Orlando area. This is typically when Disney hosts the Walt Disney World marathon weekend, in which all runners who sign up are welcome. Guests can partake in a 5k, 10K, half marathon, full marathon, or even all of the above! Then hope over to Universal CityWalk for a celebration meal!

For these reasons, it’s no secret that January has some of the best days at Universal Studios Orlando in 2023. As outlined above, the best weeks and weekends include January 11th -18th, and the 25th-31st. If you are only planning on visiting Universal Orlando for a few days, the best individual park days based on crowd levels and theme park ticket prices are January 13th or January 14th. If you’re unable to travel during these weeks just keep reading to find the best time to visit Universal Studios.

The Best Time to Visit Universal Studios in February 2023

Just how busy is Universal Orlando in February? You’ll want to be sure to visit Universal Orlando before Presidents Day weekend if you are trying to avoid the crowds. Luckily there are the same advantages as visiting in January such as amazing weather, lower park crowds, and discounted Universal Orlando tickets if you do. As we discussed the best weeks to go to Universal Orlando are February 1-7, and 7-14th. However  the best day to go to Universal Studios in February will be the 9th or the 10th. We also find the first few days to be the best time to visit Harry Potter World.

If you and your family decide to visit in February, be sure to check Mardi Gras which is one of the most popular Universal Orlando events. We do find that when you look at all of the benefits February is one of the best times for adults to visit Universal Orlando.

The Best Time to Visit to Universal Studios in March 2023

So if February didn’t work for you and your family, you’re probably wondering how busy is Universal Studios in March? This isn’t as easy as January and February, as March is typically when we start to school breaks. It’s also when the weather in Florida starts to heat up, but it’s not as humid as the summer months. We find this month to be one of the best times to visit Universal Orlando based on weather. This gives families a ton of flexibility as they can plan a few days by the pool of their favorite hotel. This is also when resorts guests can really start to take advantage of Universal’s Volcano Bay water park.

If you plan on visiting Walt Disney World March also kicks off the beginning of one of our favorite festivals, the EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival. 

We do find the best week to visit Universal Orlando in March is the 1st – 7th, and the 3rd and 4th if you are only planning on spending a day.

The Best Time to Visit to Universal Studios in April 2023

If the crowds at Universal Orlando start to pick up in March, you might be wondering is April a bad time to go to Universal? Our answer to that would be, of course not! There is never a bad time to go to Orlando for a family vacation! Just plan as much as you can and always use our Universal Orlando crowd calendar to avoid the April crowds at Universal Studios.

Visiting Universal in April is very popular among families for a few reasons. The first it is another month when almost all schools with have a break which allows families to take advantage of a great vacation without taking their kids out of school. The second reason is there is so much to do including spending a ton of time at Universal’s Volcano Bay which is our favorite water park. The temperature at Universal in April is exactly what you would expect, with hot Florida days and enjoyable nights.

If you’re picking a full week to travel we recommend the last week of April 25th – May 1st. But if you are looking for the slowest time to go to Universal Studios for a day try April 29th or 30th.

The Best Time to go to Universal Studios in May 2023

So as school breaks start to officially wind down towards the end of April, your family might be wondering how busy is Universal in May? Historically May has been a great month to visit Universal Studios as it is typically a slower month compared to April and this is right before summer breaks. The middle of May has two of the best weeks to visit Universal Orlando throughout the entire year. This is because guests will have access to all of the attractions and water parks but enjoy lower crowds than March and April. Guests can also hop over to Walt Disney World to check out the EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival.

The only downside to visiting Universal Orlando in May is the hot Florida temperatures. If you’re picking a full week to travel we recommend the week of May 11th-17th. But if you are looking for the slowest time to go to Universal Studios for a day try May 12th or 13th.

The Best Time to Visit Universal in June 2023

The beginning of summer has historically been a very popular time to visit Orlando, but is June a good time to visit Universal Studios? So I’m going to start with a pro because there are a lot of cons here. June and July typically give families more flexibility to take longer trips to Universal as they don’t have to worry about school. As you can probably guess, the downside is Universal crowds typically start to pick up towards the end of June and last through early August. Florida temperatures are notoriously humid in the summer as well.

With all of that being said, summer vacations at Universal Orlando can still be a blast! Universal also has our favorite water park in Orlando with Volcano Bay! Make sure to be prepared and plan your trip in advance if you are trying to avoid being out in the heat. You can take advantage of the Early Park Admission which comes with all Park Prodigy Universal Orlando tickets. You can split your days up, and be sure to take pool breaks.

If you’re picking a full week in June to visit Universal Studios we recommend the 1st – 6th. But if you are looking for the slowest time to go to Disney World for a day try June 7th or 8th.

The Best Time to Visit Universal Orlando in July 2023

There are very few places in the country that celebrate the 4th of July like Orlando Florida! Guests will be able to enjoy specially themed events and even head over to Disney for fireworks at the Magic Kingdom for a few nights.  The few days leading up to the 4th has always been one of the most popular time to visit Universal Studios. With that being said,  one of the most interesting trends over the past few years has been more and more discounts in late July and early August than years past. For this reason if you can grab a discounted Universal vacation package or Discount Universal tickets this can be one of the cheapest times to visit Universal Studios.

Just like in June, guests will still have to deal with the heat. This is most likely why so many people have tried to stay away the past few years, and we have been able to stay at some great Universal on-site resorts at amazing rates! So when is the best time to visit Universal in July? If you are planning a full week we recommend July 25th – 31st. If you are only visiting Universal Orlando for one or two days in July we recommend the 28th or 29th.

The Best Time to go to Universal Studios in August 2023

August has always been the best summer month to visit Universal Orlando. This has typically always been the case as many of the schools in the southern part of the United States are back in session and Universal runs some amazing vacation deals. Guest’s might be able to upgrade to stay at one of the premier such as the Hard Rock Hotel and end their summer relaxing by the pool!

So when is the best time to visit Universal Studios in August? If you are planning a full week we recommend August 22nd – 28th. If you are only visiting Universal for one or two days in August we recommend the 25th or 26th.

The Best Time to go to Universal in September 2023

When is the best time to visit Universal Orlando in September? As a general rule of thumb, the best time to visit Universal Studios in September is right after labor day weekend and will continue through the end of the month. We typically find find Universal to also run some great vacation package deals in September making it another reason why it’s one of the best months to visit Universal Studios.

September is great time to visit Universal Studios if you are looking for very low crowds. Schools throughout the entire country are now back in session and it is one of the cheapest times to visit Universal Studios. One of the coolest parts about visiting Universal in September is the fact that you can attend Halloween Horror nights. Halloween Horror Nights is the most popular event at Universal Orlando, and isn’t that expensive when it comes to extra ticketed events.

The Best Time to go to Universal Studios in October 2023

Another popular question we receive is, when is the best time to visit Universal Studios in October? And as a general rule of thumb, the first week in October is best to visit Universal Studios. With the main reason being it is still early enough in the Halloween season that Universal has not reached peak crowds just yet. We would also say the week following Columbus Day weekend is also another one of the best times to visit Universal Studios in October.

October is one of my favorite times of year to visit Universal Orlando as it is the perfect mix between warm Florida days and cool nights. This will allow you to take advantage of afternoon breaks by the pool or visiting Universal’s Volcano Bay. Crowds can pick up based on the time of the month you visit and you will want to avoid Columbus day weekend if possible. Just like in September one of the coolest parts about visiting Universal in the fall is the fact that you can attend Halloween Horror Nights.

The Best Time to go to Universal Orlando in November 2023

One of the coolest things about visiting Universal Orlando in November is you can attend both a Halloween Party and start to celebrate Christmas in the same week if you plan it right! The last Halloween Horror Nights is held on November 1st, and then typically the parks start their holiday transformations. Universal Orlando officially starts their holiday celebrations around November 13th, but you can still see some decor being added throughout the parks beforehand. During the holidays at Universal, you can partake in Grinchmas, Harry Potter Christmas and more!

Just like October this is another great month to visit Universal as it is the perfect mix between warm Florida days and cool nights. The only downside is depending on the time of the month you visit it might be too chilly to hang by the pool.

Crowds are consistent throughout the month and pick up right around Thanksgiving.

So when is the best time to visit Universal Orlando in November? If you are planning a full week we recommend November 1st – 7th. If you are only visiting Universal for one or two days in November we recommend the 10th or 11th.

The Best Time to go to Universal in December 2023

There simply is nothing like visiting Universal during the most wonderful time of the year! But when is the best time to visit Universal Orlando in December? As you can probably guess the closer you visit towards the beginning of the month the better. This is because many schools are still in session and crowds will still be moderate. Be sure to check out our complete guide to visiting Universal Orlando for Christmas. 

As discussed crowds are consistent throughout the first two weeks, and continue to get worse as you get closer to the Holiday.

So when is the best time to visit Universal Orlando in December? If you are planning a full week we recommend December 1st – 8th. If you are only visiting Universal for one or two days in November we recommend the 7th or 8th.

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When Is The Best Time To Visit Universal Orlando?

Our Universal Orlando Crowd Calendar is the best tool to help you get the most out of your time in the parks. We breakdown the park crowds, park hours of operation, ticket prices by day, and average temperature.

Are You Ready to Plan Your Next Universal Orlando Trip?

If you’re ready to plan your trip to Universal Studios, be sure to check out our Universal Orlando Tickets! Not only will you save money vs buying direct, but all of our Universal Orlando tickets come with some amazing benefits which can help save you up to three hours in the parks! 

And to stay up to date on everything going on inside the theme parks be sure to check out our partners at Themeparktoday.com!