Best Seasons to Visit

• The best time of year to visit Universal Studios' Florida and California parks is after Labor Day weekend until the end of April. Crowds are smaller during fall, winter and early spring due to the end of summer vacations. The weather is also more bearable during these periods.
  
  Holiday seasons are generally very crowded during off-peak seasons; be sure to avoid those periods if you want to beat the rush.
  
  

Midweek Visits

• During the summer months, it is best to visit Universal Studios during the middle of the week. Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays tend to be less crowded, since most travelers begin their vacations during the weekends. Saturdays through Tuesdays are generally the busiest periods of the week.
  
  

Head to the Park Early

• Universal Studios becomes very busy as the day continues. Visitors should arrive at the park early to avoid being trapped in the afternoon rush. Arrive at the park 10 to 15 minutes after the gates open to let the opening rush get into the park before your entrance. Overall, the park should not be overcrowded during the first few hours of each operating day.
  
  Early arrival also ensures that you will be able to enjoy the most popular attractions during your visit. Head over to the popular rides first, because they tend to become more crowded as the day progresses.
  
  

Rainy Days

• The majority of Universal Studio's attractions are located indoors, so rain is only a factor when traveling between attractions and to the parking lot. Frommer's suggests visiting Universal Studios on rainy days since most people will avoid the park due to inclement weather.
  
  

Evening Amusement

• Universal Studios has locations in two warm-weather cities. Orlando's legendary humidity and hot sun, which exhausts most visitors before the end of the day, causes visitors to head back to their hotels by 4 p.m., while the bright Los Angeles sun tends to exhaust visitors by the late afternoon as well. Visiting after 4:30 p.m. is a great idea since you will have access to all of the park's rides with fewer people to worry about. Also, daytime heating will be on the downside so it will not be as hot.
  
  Keep in mind that the parks close earlier during off-peak periods. Therefore, late evening visits are generally recommended during the summer months when they have extended hours.