Planning a trip to Thorpe Park? Knowing when the park is at its busiest can make or break your experience. Long queues, packed pathways, and limited seating can turn a dream day into a frustrating one. Whether you’re aiming to avoid the crowds or embrace the buzz of peak season, this month-by-month crowd calendar will help you plan the perfect visit to one of the UK’s most popular theme parks.

January

Crowd Level: Very Low
Thorpe Park is closed throughout January as part of its off-season maintenance period. This is when rides are refurbished, and new attractions are sometimes built in preparation for the upcoming season.

February

Crowd Level: Closed/Very Low
Like January, Thorpe Park generally remains closed in February.

March

Crowd Level: Low to Moderate
Thorpe Park typically reopens in mid-to-late March. Weekdays during this month are usually quiet, with weekends seeing slightly higher footfall. It’s a great time for thrill-seekers looking for minimal queue times.

April

Crowd Level: Moderate to High
April marks the start of Easter holidays, and that means busier days—especially Good Friday through Easter Monday. Try visiting during midweek after Easter to avoid the crowds. Watch the weather, though—sunny days attract more guests.

May

Crowd Level: High
May includes two Bank Holidays and the May Half-Term, making it one of the busier months. Expect high visitor numbers on weekends and during the half-term week. Arrive early and consider Fastrack passes to beat the queues.

June

Crowd Level: Moderate to High
June is popular with school trips and group visits, especially midweek. Early June tends to be quieter than later in the month. It’s a good compromise between decent weather and crowd levels—just avoid Fridays and weekends if you can.

July

Crowd Level: High to Very High
As the school summer holidays begin in late July, Thorpe Park becomes very busy. Weekends and sunny days are particularly packed. If you want to visit in July, opt for early in the month or aim for a weekday.

August

Crowd Level: Very High
August is peak season at Thorpe Park. Every day tends to be busy, with the highest queue times of the year. Book tickets in advance, consider VIP experiences, and get there before opening time for the best experience.

September

Crowd Level: Moderate
With schools back in session, crowd levels drop significantly. Early September weekdays are ideal for a quiet visit, although weekends can still be moderately busy. It’s a fantastic time for adults and couples.

October

Crowd Level: High
October brings Fright Nights, one of Thorpe Park’s most popular events. Evening crowds soar, especially around Halloween weekend. If you’re visiting for Fright Nights, expect long waits for horror mazes. For a calmer day, visit early in the month on a weekday.

November

Crowd Level: Very Low to Closed
The park closes shortly after Halloween. Some limited late-season events may occur in early November, but most of the month is part of the off-season. Always check the calendar before planning a visit.

December

Crowd Level: Closed
Thorpe Park is closed throughout December. Unlike some UK parks that offer festive events, Thorpe Park does not operate during this month.

Summary Table: Thorpe Park Crowd Levels by Month

Final Tips to Avoid Crowds

• Arrive early (before gates open)
• Visit on weekdays, especially Tuesdays and Wednesdays
• Use Fastrack passes during peak months
• Check school holiday dates in England
• Monitor the weather forecast—sunny days attract more guests

So, when is Thorpe Park busiest? July and August are the most crowded months, while March, September, and early June offer the best balance of good weather and shorter queues. Use this month-by-month guide to plan your visit smartly and make the most of your day at the UK’s thrill capital.

UK Theme Park Spy is not responsible for any inaccuracies at the time of publication. Information may change, and we recommend checking with the official sources before planning your visit.