August Weather

Good morning. We are getting close to our departure at the end of August and one thing that keeps on popping up in terms of discussion is the weather. It's our first time to Universal, having been a seasoned Disney family up until this point.

Based upon your experience, would you say that the high heat/humidity (which we'll be leaving in NY) is less of an issue in Universal than it is in Disney, simply because of the fact that a good majority of the ques are inside, and air conditioned? I'm looking at the ride list now and am hard pressed to see where you would spend alot of time outside, qued up waiting to enter an attraction.

Are you simply jumping from one air conditioned building to the next in an attempt to beat the heat, especially with Express Pass? Everyone's making a big deal about the heat/humidity, but it really doesn't seem like that big of an issue to me.

End of August is typically very hot/humid, the afternoon storms are still there, but you can jump from building to building pretty easily.

Storms typically aren't as predictable as June/July but they still happen. The only thing that typically breaks the weather pattern that time of year is tropical systems/hurricanes.

Also that last week of August is typically one of the slowest weeks (if not *the slowest*) for all the Orlando parks. You'll be able to do everything easily.

It's not a huge issue there. Some shady areas in the park include the central Park area, Jurassic Park, shaded areas in Diagon and Hogsmeade. Cool off areas include the stores, queus, attractions, Jurassic Park Discovery Center, and Nocturne Alley in Diagon Alley.

Thanks for taking the time to reply, Tricks. Happy to hear that we picked what will hopefully be a very quiet time to visit. Given the low crowds, plus with Express Pass, I'm sure that my kids are going to get their fill of rides over the 8 days that we're there.

I think the high heat and humidity is still a big factor at Universal. We went in September a few years ago and had to leave the parks early afternoon to get out of the heat. If you are drenched in sweat going into an air conditioned building is not always a perfect solution. The good news is if you are staying onsite the resorts are close by to take a break/swim/change clothes.

There are a few rides, queues and attractions that are outdoors. Kang and Kodo, Pterabodan Flyers, and Hippogriff are outdoors but reasonably shady (K&K is covered for at least part of the line). Minions, RRR, ET, Storm Force Acc, and the Simpsons ride have outdoor but covered lines. Animal Actors and Tales of Beedle the Bard are outdoors but covered. Frog Choir and Triwizard Rally are outdoors with not a lick of shade (the singers and dancers were cooking in their costumes on a high 70s day in Nov. Unfortunately a lot of what's fun to do in the HP areas is wander around and do spells and soak up the atmosphere which is also mostly outside. The shops in other parts of the park are a great way to get out of the heat but in the HP areas, the shops are cramped and crowded (I find them to be uncomfortably so) so they don't make a great great great relief option.

I guess I'm saying, there is quite a bit to do that will not be air conditioned so you want to have a plan for dealing with the heat (personal fans, lots of water, cooling towels if those work for you).

Koz said:

Good morning. We are getting close to our departure at the end of August and one thing that keeps on popping up in terms of discussion is the weather. It's our first time to Universal, having been a seasoned Disney family up until this point.

Based upon your experience, would you say that the high heat/humidity (which we'll be leaving in NY) is less of an issue in Universal than it is in Disney, simply because of the fact that a good majority of the ques are inside, and air conditioned? I'm looking at the ride list now and am hard pressed to see where you would spend alot of time outside, qued up waiting to enter an attraction.

Are you simply jumping from one air conditioned building to the next in an attempt to beat the heat, especially with Express Pass? Everyone's making a big deal about the heat/humidity, but it really doesn't seem like that big of an issue to me.

Click to expand...

I would say your assumption that Universal is easier in the heat is accurate. More queues inside. Not all, to be sure, but many.
We often go the last week of August into September (and also from NY) but find the heat very manageable .