In one embodiment, software executing on a data processing system that is capable of performing dynamic operational mode transitions can realize performance improvements by predicting transitions between modes and/or predicting aspects of a new operational mode. Such prediction can allow the processor to begin an early transition into the target mode. The mode transition prediction principles can be applied for various processor mode transitions including 64-bit to 32-bit mode transitions, interrupts, exceptions, traps, virtualization mode transfers, system management mode transfers, and/or secure execution mode transfers.