If you’re planning a trip to California, one of the first questions you might ask is: when does Universal Studios Hollywood close?
Knowing the park’s hours can help you plan your day better and make the most of your time.
It also helps you avoid surprises—like showing up late and realizing you only have a few hours before closing.
So, let’s break it down and explain what you need to know before you go.
Universal Studios Hollywood Operating Hours
Universal Studios’ operating hours are affected by peak and off-peak seasons.
During their peak season, which is typically April to August and December to January, Universal Studios is open from 10 AM to 9 PM.
On weekends, they may even operate for 12 hours; from 10 AM to 10 PM.
During the off-peak months, which are typically September to November and February to March, Universal Studios closes a little earlier.
On weekdays, the park opens at 10 AM and closes at 6 PM.
On weekends, it opens at 10 AM and closes at 7 PM or 8 PM.
During special occasions, like Christmas or Halloween Horror Nights, the park typically extends its operating hours.
Why Park Hours Change
When does Universal Studios Hollywood close, and why aren’t its operating hours fixed?
That’s because crowds change depending on the season, day of the week, or special events.
For example, during summer or the holidays, more people visit the park.
So, Universal stays open longer to accommodate the influx of visitors.
During slower seasons, the park might close earlier to save on staff and resources.
Knowing when Universal Studios Hollywood closes helps you decide which day works best for your trip.
Special Events That Extend Park Hours
As mentioned earlier, Universal Studios stays open much later than usual during certain holidays and events.
One example is Halloween Horror Nights.
During this event, Universal opens the gates at 7:00 PM and stays open until 2:00 AM.
New Year’s Eve is another night when hours can go past midnight.
But remember—these are special events.
They require separate tickets, and regular admission doesn’t cover them.
So, if you want to stay late, be sure to plan ahead and buy the right ticket.
Can You Stay After the Park Closes?
Guests aren’t usually allowed to stay in the park after closing hours.
A few minutes before the park closes, staff members and security will typically start informing guests that they’ll need to leave.
Shops, rides, and restaurants begin to shut down right at closing time, so there’s no reason for guests to stay beyond closing hours.
They do this to keep things safe and give workers time to clean and reset the park for the next day.
However, there are a few exceptions.
Some VIP experiences and after-hours events let guests stay late.
But these are special instances and are usually booked ahead of time.
Is There a Penalty for Staying Late?
You won’t be fined or given a ticket if you try to stay past closing hours in Universal Studios Hollywood.
However, you will be asked to leave repeatedly until you listen.
Security may even escort you off the premises, just to be sure.
Universal Studios can be quite strict about operating hours.
They need to close the park safely to ensure everyone’s safety.
So once you know the answer to when does Universal Studios Hollywood close?, you should take the schedule seriously.
Planning ahead makes your visit better and keeps things running well for everyone.
What’s the Latest the Park Ever Stays Open?
The latest Universal usually stays open is 2:00 AM.
But do note that this time is unusual, and it only happens during certain events like New Year’s Eve or Halloween Horror Nights.
But even then, the park is not open for 24 hours.
If you hear about 24-hour park events, those usually happen at Disney, not at Universal Studios Hollywood.
So don’t count on an all-night experience here.
Best Times to Visit for Smaller Crowds
If you’re hoping to avoid crowds when you visit Universal Studios Hollywood, timing is everything.
The best times to visit are weekdays, especially Monday through Thursday, when school is in session.
Try going in January or February, or in late April and early May after spring break.
Fall weekdays from September to early November are also good.
Just remember to stay away from Halloween Horror Nights dates.
Arriving early in the morning also helps.
Lines are shorter, and you’ll get to enjoy more attractions before it gets busy around lunch.
Times to Avoid
When does Universal Studios Hollywood close on the weekends?
Pretty late, especially during peak season.
The park can stay open until 10 PM during this time.
Longer hours of operation means the park can accommodate more people which, in turn, means a bigger crowd.
So try to stay away from weekends, especially if you want short wait times.
Saturdays and Sundays bring in more crowds, including local passholders and tourists.
Also, avoid visiting during school breaks and major holidays, like Christmas and Memorial Day.
Special events, like Grinchmas or Fan Fest Nights, can also make the park busier.
If your only option is a weekend or holiday, plan to get there early and be ready for longer lines.
How Universal Studios Hollywood Compares to Orlando
Do all Universal Studios close at the same time?
No, they don’t.
Universal Studios Orlando usually stays open longer.
That’s because it’s part of a larger resort and doesn’t share space with a working movie studio.
In contrast, Universal Studios Hollywood often closes earlier, especially during weekdays.
So, if you’re used to Orlando’s longer hours, keep that in mind when planning your visit to California.
Plan Around Closing Times with Team Thompson Travel
So, when does Universal Studios Hollywood close?
It depends on when you plan to go.
If you need help figuring a schedule out, give us a call!
At Team Thompson Travel, we’re used to planning around Universal Studios’ calendar.
We’ve drafted hundreds of itineraries for eager park goers who want to maximize their time at Universal.
We can help you figure out not just when the park closes, but how to make the most of every hour you’re there.
Let us take care of your tickets, hotel, and even special event add-ons.
The best part?
Our planning services cost you nothing extra.
We’re paid by the travel partners, not by you.
If you’re ready to plan a smooth, fun, and stress-free trip to Universal Studios Hollywood, contact Team Thompson Travel today.
Your dream trip is just a click away.