Universal Studios Hollywood Hours: Opening & Closing Times 

Planning a visit to Universal Studios Hollywood is an exciting experience for families, friends, and theme park enthusiasts alike. One of the most important details to consider before your trip is understanding the park’s operating hours. Knowing the opening and closing times for Universal Studios Hollywood ensures you get the most out of your day, avoid unnecessary delays, and plan your itinerary efficiently.

TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read)

Universal Studios Hollywood typically opens at 9:00 AM and closes between 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM, depending on the day and season. Weekends, holidays, and peak seasons usually feature extended hours. Always consult the park’s official website or mobile app for the most accurate daily schedule. Early arrival is highly recommended to enjoy popular attractions with shorter wait times.

Understanding Universal Studios Hollywood Operating Hours

Universal Studios Hollywood does not follow a strict, year-round schedule. Instead, the park’s opening and closing hours are adjusted based on the season, special events, day of the week, and crowd trends. The park’s operating calendar changes frequently, which is why it’s crucial to double-check schedules on your intended date of visit.

General Park Hours

While daily hours vary, here is a general guideline:

• Weekdays (Monday – Thursday): 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
• Fridays: 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM
• Weekends (Saturday – Sunday): 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM or 10:00 PM

Holiday periods, such as Spring Break, Summer, Halloween, and Christmas, often come with extended hours ranging from 8:00 AM opening to as late as 11:00 PM closing. These changes accommodate increased visitor volumes and special nighttime shows or seasonal events.

Early Park Entry

Certain ticket holders and guests staying at partner hotels may qualify for Early Park Admission. This benefit generally allows access to select areas of the park 30 to 60 minutes before the general public. Early admission is most commonly available during high-demand periods, such as summer and holidays. It’s an excellent way to experience attractions like The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™, Transformers™: The Ride-3D, and Jurassic World – The Ride with minimal wait times.

How to Check Up-to-Date Opening and Closing Times

Given the variability of schedules, the most accurate and reliable way to find all operational details is to visit the official Universal Studios Hollywood website.

Here are a few specific resources to utilize:

• Park Hours Calendar: Found on the homepage or by visiting the “Plan Your Visit” section
• Official App: The Universal Studios Hollywood mobile app offers real-time updates, including hours, wait times, and show schedules
• Guest Services: You can also call or speak directly with Guest Services for assistance regarding park hours

Special Event Hours

Universal Studios Hollywood also hosts special events that may have their own unique hours. These events impact regular park hours and often allow guests to remain in the park later into the night.

Popular Events Include:

• Halloween Horror Nights (September–October): Separate-ticketed event that generally begins at 7:00 PM and can last until 2:00 AM
• Grinchmas (December): Includes seasonal decor, shows, and sometimes extended park hours til 10:00 PM
• Fourth of July Celebration: Features nighttime fireworks and extended hours

Attendance policies for these events may differ. Halloween Horror Nights, for example, typically clears the park of daytime guests before starting the nighttime event. So if you plan on attending both the day and evening, a combination ticket or day-to-night pass may be required.

Tips for Maximizing Your Visit Based on Hours

Knowing Universal Studios Hollywood hours is only part of successful planning. Using that information to craft an efficient strategy greatly enhances your experience.

Plan to Arrive Early

Arriving 30 to 60 minutes before the park opens allows you to be among the first guests inside. You’ll beat the crowds and target popular attractions before lines get too long. Mornings are generally less crowded, especially on weekdays.

Use the Official App to Track Time

The app provides:

• Real-time updates on opening and closing times
• Ride and attraction wait times
• Show schedules and character appearances

This helps you prioritize must-see attractions based on current flow and adjust your plans as needed.

Plan for Peak Seasons

During summer and holidays, the park will generally open earlier and close later—this gives you more time to explore. However, these are also the busiest periods, so a flexible plan is critical. Consider breaking the day into two visits:

• Morning visit: Arrive early and hit all the major attractions
• Break: Head out mid-afternoon for rest or dining outside the park
• Evening return: Come back in the evening to catch shows or enjoy the cooler weather and atmosphere

Studio Tour Hours

One of the signature experiences at Universal Studios Hollywood is the World-Famous Studio Tour. However, it does not typically run until closing time. The last studio tour of the day departs before park close—often between 5:00 PM and 6:30 PM depending on the season.

Here are some important notes:

• Duration: Approximately 60 minutes
• Last tour: Check posted times on the app or at the attraction entrance

Plan to queue for the Studio Tour in the earlier part of your visit to ensure you don’t miss it. This attraction is particularly popular and widely regarded as a must-do.

CityWalk and After-Hours Offerings

Even after the main theme park closes, Universal CityWalk Hollywood remains open for guests looking to continue the fun. With dozens of restaurants, stores, and entertainment options, CityWalk usually stays open until:

• 11:00 PM on weekdays
• Midnight on weekends

Popular spots include the Hard Rock Cafe, Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen™, AMC Universal Cinema, and more. No ticket is required for CityWalk, and it’s easily accessible from the theme park entrance.

Conclusion

Knowing the opening and closing hours of Universal Studios Hollywood is instrumental in achieving a smooth and enjoyable visit. Because park hours are not fixed and fluctuate frequently throughout the year, it’s imperative that visitors consult the official website or app before and during their visit. Understanding the park’s seasonal schedules, taking advantage of early entry, and making use of planning tools can help maximize your time in the park and create a more fulfilling experience.

Whether you’re exploring Hogwarts™ Castle in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™, facing dinosaurs in Jurassic World, or enjoying evening shows and fireworks, a well-planned itinerary based on accurate park hours can make all the difference. Be sure to arrive early, stay informed, and make the most of every moment at Universal Studios Hollywood.