Planning a summer trip to Universal Orlando Resort? You’re not alone, but visiting in the summer also means navigating crowds, heat, and big expectations. In this guide, I walk you through everything you need to plan a fun, stress-free summer getaway – from what to pack and when to go, to tips for beating the heat and making the most of your time in the parks.
When I share that I love visiting Universal in the summer most people look at me as if I am crazy but hear me out. A summer trip to Universal Orlando can work great for many families.
The biggest perk of visiting in the summer is the flexibility with your travel dates. You don’t have to work around school and you can plan a longer trip if you would like.
There are also weather and crowds to consider but I have found ways to work around those so they minimally impact our trip.
Let’s get into everything you need to plan an awesome summer trip to Universal Orlando.
Insider Tip: Purchase tickets before you arrive to get the best deal and save time!
What to Know for a Summer Trip to Universal Orlando
There are a few things you need to consider when planning a trip to Universal Orlando in the summer. These are the things I look at to help me plan our trips. We plan a summer trip almost annually and being prepared helps.
Weather
The weather will be hot. Like really hot. There is no getting around it or having a cool summer night. From June through August, and now into September and October if I am being honest, it is in the 90s and humid.
When you walk outside be prepared for the heat to hit you like a warm blanket! Thankfully this is bearable with most ride queues being indoors and air conditioned. Save outdoor rides for after sunsets.
With the heat comes the rain and storms. It is typical to have a huge storm mid-day. You may walk into a ride and have bright sunny skies only to walk out with torrential rain. Usually the rain doesn’t last long. If you can go see a show once you see clouds forming and rain coming, it may be over by the time you are done.
I may have made the weather sound unbearable but if you plan your day right it is not so bad. We have been visiting in August for years. We have dealt with rain, hurricane warnings, and the “real feel 115 degrees”
Be prepared for the weather and it will not really impact your trip as much as you think. Also heat and rain drives the crowds away making it a less busy park. I share my best tips later in this post.
Cost
There is not really a low cost season anymore at Universal. In 2025 Epic Universe is opening and cost is reflecting that. May, June, and July will be the more expensive months. As schools go back in the beginning of August to late August you will see more deals, lower cost for hotels.
Ticket prices will fluctuate based on the day you visit. It is best to check the ticket price calendar to help you decide the best time to visit.
Crowds
Crowds are going to be busy most of the summer months. When summer break ends crowds will get a little lower in August. July is usually the busiest month but if it is the best time for you to visit use my tips to maximize your summer trip.
If you want to avoid crowds arrive at least a half hour before official park opening and take advantage of being amongst the first guests into the park.
Tips to Beat the Heat
We have visited as a family of five in August for over 8 years. I’ve visited when my kids were small and in strollers to teens. These are the best ways to survive the heat at Universal.
Drink Water as You Start Your Day
Drink water. Wake up and have water. Tell your family to drink water. Start in the morning and continue through the day. Staying hydrated is so important to stay healthy during your visit.
The Coco-Cola freestyle machines offer free water and are located all over the parks. You can refill a water bottle of your own there. There are also water bottle filling stations in the parks.
We have used these collapsible water bottles or you can ask for cups at the parks. Bringing your own is convenient if you plan to pack a small bag and these ones are inexpensive if you want to ditch them after your trip.
Take a Break in the Afternoon
We are huge theme park people and we rarely spend the full day at the parks. We will rope drop, enjoy the morning, have lunch, then head back to the hotel for a nap and pool time, then around 4 return to the parks for dinner and evenings at the park.
I know you spend a lot of money to be at the parks and you want to get your moneys worth, but after years of planning itineraries at Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure you will be able to accomplish everything in one day, and take a break.
Between lunch and dinner crowds are higher, the temperature is at its highest, and rain is usually in the forecast. It is also the time when everyone in our group tends to meltdown and needs a break.
These mid-day breaks have us ready to get back to the parks and maximize our day.
Water Rides
Islands of Adventure has the most water rides at any of the Universal Parks. If you need to cool down I suggest riding the water rides. Keep in mind there will be long lines during the hottest times of day because everyone else is looking for a place to cool down. Be sure to read this that shares all the water rides at Universal.
A lot of people swear by fans and neck coolers during their visits to the parks. We have never used them but I have family who has. Check out my amazon store for summer things to bring to the park.
Is a Summer Trip to Universal Worth It
This is a very personal choice. I don’t mind the heat. There are a lot of people who dislike the heat and visiting Florida in the summer might be a terrible choice.
I have traveled with people in the summer that said never again! The humidity and heat can be a lot if you are not prepared and used to it.
With that being said I love visiting Orlando in August. We have done Disney in the Summer and Universal in the summer, we even did a Disney and Universal trip last summer and are doing another one in 2025.
Summer trips are easiest for us because we don’t have to worry about missing school or extra curricular activities. We have more time to take a longer trip.
You know your family best when it comes to travel but I hope I have given you enough information to consider a summer trip to Universal. It can really be an incredible time to visit.
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Leah has been planning and writing about Universal trips since 2016. She loves finding the best places to eat and stay during her visits to the park. Leah enjoys the little details that make visiting the parks so immersive and special, and sharing that with her readers.
