Weekdays outside school holidays are the easiest days at SeaWorld Orlando. Event weekends, like the spring food festival and fall Howl-O-Scream nights, bring the biggest local crowds.
Weekdays outside school holidays are the easiest days at SeaWorld Orlando. Event weekends, like the spring food festival and fall Howl-O-Scream nights, bring the biggest local crowds.
SeaWorld Orlando mixes marine life with some of the best coasters in Florida: Mako, Kraken, Manta, Ice Breaker, Pipeline and Penguin Trek, plus Sesame Street Land for younger kids. It has a busy events calendar year round, which is worth knowing before you pick your day.
SeaWorld Orlando at a glance
- Opened: December 15, 1973
- Where: The south end of International Drive, next to Aquatica and Discovery Cove
- Hours: vary by day and season. Always check the official park calendar for your date.
SeaWorld Orlando calendar: month by month
| Month | Crowds | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| January | Low to moderate | Very busy New Year's week, then one of the quietest stretches of the year |
| February | Moderate | Presidents' Day week is busy; the rest of the month is comfortable |
| March | High | Spring break weeks bring big crowds. Seven Seas Food Festival on select dates |
| April | High | Easter and spring break early in the month, calmer late April. Seven Seas Food Festival on select dates |
| May | Low to moderate | A sweet spot until Memorial Day weekend. Seven Seas Food Festival wraps up |
| June | High | Summer break starts; hot, with afternoon storms. Summer nights with Electric Ocean |
| July | High | Peak summer; the week of July 4 is among the busiest of the year. Electric Ocean summer nights |
| August | Moderate | Crowds drop once Florida schools go back in mid-August |
| September | Low | Usually the quietest month; peak of hurricane season. Howl-O-Scream on select nights; Sesame Street Halloween weekends for kids |
| October | Moderate | Fall breaks and Halloween events; pleasant weather returns. Howl-O-Scream and Halloween weekends |
| November | Moderate | Thanksgiving week is very busy; early November is calmer. Christmas Celebration begins |
| December | Moderate | Early December is manageable; about December 20 to New Year's is peak. Christmas Celebration |
Crowd levels are the typical pattern. Holidays, school breaks and special events can shift them, so check the official calendar for your dates.
The best days of the week to go
| Day | Crowds | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | Low to moderate | Quieter outside holidays |
| Tuesday | Low | Among the quietest days |
| Wednesday | Low | Among the quietest days |
| Thursday | Low to moderate | Comfortable |
| Friday | Moderate | Busier during event seasons |
| Saturday | High | Locals and passholders; event weekends are busiest |
| Sunday | Moderate to high | Busy through the afternoon |
The best time of day
- Opening: ride the big coasters first; lines grow by late morning.
- Midday: animal habitats and shows are the best way through the heat.
- Evening: seasonal nighttime events fill the park on scheduled nights.
SeaWorld Orlando seasonal events
- Seven Seas Food Festival (Spring, select dates): International food and drink booths and concerts.
- Electric Ocean (Summer nights): Evening entertainment and light shows.
- Howl-O-Scream (Select nights, September and October): Separately ticketed Halloween nights; not for young kids.
- SeaWorld's Christmas Celebration (Late November and December): Holiday lights and shows.
Event dates are announced by the park each year, so confirm them on the official calendar before you book.
Weather to plan around
- Summer (June to September): hot and humid, with short afternoon thunderstorms most days. Outdoor rides pause for lightning, usually for under an hour.
- Hurricane season: June 1 to November 30. Most days are unaffected, but watch the forecast and consider travel insurance.
- Winter (December to February): mild and dry, with the occasional cold snap. Great for walking, chilly for water rides.
- Spring and fall: warm, comfortable and usually drier.
See our guide to the best time to visit Orlando for more.
Local tips
Frequently asked questions
What is the best day to visit SeaWorld Orlando?
Tuesday through Thursday outside holidays are usually quietest. Weekends during events are busiest.
When is Howl-O-Scream at SeaWorld Orlando?
On select nights in September and October. SeaWorld announces dates each year.
Is SeaWorld Orlando open all year?
Yes. SeaWorld Orlando is open year round, with hours that change by season.
Keep planning
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