San Diego Zoo and Safari Park Summer Hours

Question

The San Diego Zoo Safari Park and the San Diego Zoo have announced summer hours. The Safari Park will be open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The reason for the earlier opening is the hot summer temperatures. Meanwhile the Zoo will be open from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m. in the summer, closing an hour earlier. The summer Safari Park hours will start Saturday, June 14 and will run until Sunday, Aug. 31, according to the Wildlife Alliance’s website. The zoo’s summer hours will kick in on Friday, May 23 and run through Thursday, Aug. 10. Note that in previous years, the Zoo had summer hours through the Labor Day weekend.

Answer

During the summer months, both the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park adjust their operating hours to account for higher temperatures and increased visitor demand.

For 2025, the specific hours are as follows:

San Diego Zoo Safari Park: Open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The earlier opening helps visitors enjoy cooler morning temperatures and provides animals with a more comfortable environment during the hottest part of the day. These summer hours begin on Saturday, June 14, and continue through Sunday, August 31.
San Diego Zoo: Open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., which is slightly earlier closing than usual summer schedules in previous years. The zoo’s summer hours begin on Friday, May 23, and run through Thursday, August 10.

Additional considerations and tips:

Arriving early at both locations is recommended to avoid the heat and larger afternoon crowds, especially at the Safari Park where some safari tours may fill quickly.
Check the official website or app for any updates or special events, as summer schedules may vary on holidays or during special exhibitions.
Bring sunscreen, hats, water, and comfortable walking shoes, as both parks involve a lot of walking and exposure to the sun, particularly during peak summer months.
If visiting both parks, plan for the Safari Park in the cooler morning hours and the main Zoo in the afternoon/evening to make the most of the extended zoo hours.

Overall, the adjusted summer hours are designed to improve visitor comfort and animal welfare while still allowing ample time to explore all major exhibits.