Your Definitive Guide to the Kennedy Space Center Opening Hours

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Kennedy Space Center Opening Hours

kennedy space center hours

The Visitor Complex is open from Monday through Sunday.

Timings:

  • 13 August to 17 December: 9 AM - 5 PM
  • 18 December 18 to 31 December: 9 AM - 6 PM

Closed: Christmas (25 December)

Last entry: The last entry is 1 hour before closing time and the last bus tour runs 2.5 hours before closing time.

Duration of visit: Spending 6 to 8 hours at the Kennedy Space Center is the best way to leisurely explore all the attractions.

When is the Best Time to Visit Kennedy Space Center?

kennedy space center hours

Peak Season vs Low Season

  • The best months to visit the Kennedy Space Center are either in spring or winter.
  • During the spring months, the weather is pleasant with clear skies and warm temperatures, making it the perfect time for outdoor activities.
  • November to February is the cool season, which is also ideal for visiting the complex. However, this is also the peak tourist season with higher hotel and flight prices.
  • Avoid visiting from mid-May to August, as the weather is hot and humid. 

Peak season: March to April (spring break), June to August (summer break), & November to January (winter break).

Low season: February to March, late April to mid-May, and mid-September to mid-November.

kennedy space center hours

Weekday vs Weekend

  • Visiting the Kennedy Space Center on a weekday instead of the weekend can be beneficial if you want to get the most out of your visit.
  • A weekday visit offers fewer crowds, meaning less waiting time in lines and more opportunities to explore all the attractions at your own pace.
  • It’s also important to note that it may be difficult to find parking on weekends due to large crowds, so planning a weekday trip is your best bet.
  • Additionally, we suggest that you start off your visit around 9 or 10 AM so that you have the whole day to explore all the attractions at your own pace.

How Long Should I Spend at the Kennedy Space Center?

To make the most of your visit to the Kennedy Space Center, we recommend spending about 6 to 8 hours there. This gives you enough time to explore all 5 Mission Zones as well as the operational facilities if you opt for the Explore Tour. If you get the 2-day pass, you can spend about 5 hours each day at the complex.

For Admission Tickets, here's how much time you will need at each zone:

  • Heroes & Legends: 45 minutes
  • Behind the Gates: 1 - 3 hours
  • Race to the Moon: 2 hours
  • Shuttle: A Ship Like No Other: 2.5 hours
  • NASA Now + Next: 2.5 hours

If you choose the Kennedy Space Center tours or Chat with an Astronaut tickets, here's how much time you will need for each.

  • Guided Tour: 10 hours
  • Explore Tour: 2 hours
  • Chat with an Astronaut: 45 minutes

Irrespective of your ticket type or add-on, set aside an entire day for your visit to the Kennedy Space Center

Book Kennedy Space Center Tickets & Tours

Admission Tickets to Kennedy Space Center
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Flexible Duration
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Tickets to Kennedy Space Center with Explore Tour
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Flexible Duration
Guided Tour
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Tickets to Kennedy Space Center & Chat with an Astronaut
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Flexible Duration
Meals Included
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Tickets to Kennedy Space Center with Round-Trip Transfers
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10 hr.
Transfers Included
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Small Group VIP Tour of Kennedy Space Center
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Mobile Ticket
11 hr.
Guided Tour
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Round-Trip Transfers to Kennedy Space Center
Free Cancellation
Instant Confirmation
Mobile Ticket
Flexible Duration
Transfers Included
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Frequently Asked Questions About the Kennedy Space Center Hours

What are the Kennedy Space Center opening hours?

Kennedy Space Center is open from 9 AM to 5 PM until 17 December and from 9 AM to 6 PM from 18 December to 31 December.

Is the Kennedy Space Center open every day?

Yes, the Kennedy Space Center is open every day except on Christmas Day (25 December).

When is the Kennedy Space Center closed?

The Kennedy Space Center is closed on Christmas Day.

How long should I spend at the Kennedy Space Center?

It takes about 6 to 8 hours to visit all the attractions at the Kennedy Space Center.

When is the best time to visit the Kennedy Space Center?

The best time to visit the Kennedy Space Center is on a weekday around 9 or 10 AM when the Visitor Complex opens. Additionally, the spring months between March to April are ideal with pleasant temperatures and lesser crowds.

Is the Kennedy Space Center open on public holidays?

The Kennedy Space Center is open throughout the year except on Christmas Day.

Should I visit the Kennedy Space Center on a public holiday?

We suggest avoiding visiting the Kennedy Space Center on a public holiday if you want to avoid crowds.

What are the Kennedy Space Center hours on public holidays?

The Kennedy Space Center hours of operation are between 9 AM and 5 PM daily.