Planning a trip to Walt Disney World (WDW) in Orlando, Florida? The timing can make a big difference in your experience, with variations in crowd levels, weather, and special events throughout the year. Here’s a month-by-month breakdown to help you find the perfect time to visit Disney, whether you’re looking to avoid the crowds, enjoy seasonal events, or experience milder weather.
January
Crowds: The first week of January tends to be busy due to the holiday season and holiday travelers, while mid-month has the busy RunDisney marathon weekend, attracting many early risers and active guests. By the latter half of January, the crowds had reduced, with the most noticeable impact after the commencement of the Epcot Festival of the Arts, so this could be a good time to visit without the many guests around.
Weather: The weather in January can be variable, with some days being warm and others a bit cooler. Precipitation is not very high, and while temperatures can get a bit cold, it is still possible to have pleasurable park days, even in January, without having the summer heat.
February
Crowds: The first two weeks of February have some of the lowest crowds of the year. That’s not the case, however, as families from the Northeast pour into Virginia during Presidents’ Day week and for the Princess RunDisney Weekend later in the month.
Weather: Moderate temperatures with the occasional cooler day are observed during February. A sweater might be needed on colder mornings or evenings, but warm pool days are possible as well.
March
Crowds: Most schools in March are busy with spring break. The first days of the month tend to be not so busy, but the crowds begin to gather as the break approaches for more schools. Be prepared for busy days. The Epcot Flower and Garden Festival is a peak time.
Weather: The weather during March can be described as quite nice, with longer sunshine hours. This would be a good time to retreat from colder areas and head to warmer Florida in early spring.
April
Crowds: The beginning of April continues to be busy as it’s spring break. There tends to be a heavy influx of tourists just before Easter. However, the last week of the month is much quieter, with fewer vacationers and easy access to park sites.
Weather: April is accompanied by hot and comfortable temperatures, while summer is humid. It is appropriate for lounging around a pool, spending the day in the sun in a park and walking in the evening.
May
Crowds: The crowds are manageable in May, which is why it’s one of the best months to visit Walt Disney World. Schools are not yet on break, which means that people are less likely to visit major attractions in the week. The weekends and the Memorial Day holiday are more crowded with the increase of tourists due to the onset of the summer season.
Weather: Due to Florida’s tropical climate, May also witnessed warm weather during the day, along with rain showers in the afternoon. This month has the longest daytime and is perfect for visiting the parks while the sun still shines.
June
Crowds: The month of June gets more and more people, especially around the last week when the school is out for a break. Many families also travel during summer, so parks and attractions are packed with people.
Weather: June also signals the beginning of the hurricane season, and with it is the summer’s daily afternoon showers. The heat increases, so be prepared for several water breaks, and the use of air-conditioning is recommended.
July
Crowds: Among all the months of the year, July is perhaps the busiest of them all. This is compounded by the fact that there are school holidays and that it is also Independence Day. Thus, crowds are always expected, especially around the Fourth of July. Fireworks are yet another holiday highlight that draws in large crowds.
Weather: July is characterized by hot weather, humidity, afternoon downpours and sometimes thunderstorms. Consider expecting balmy conditions with plenty of opportunities to jump into water or escape into air conditioning.
August
Crowds: The beginning of August experiences many summer tourists, which lessens as the month proceeds and children return to school. The feeling of holiday is also heightened as Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party starts.
Weather: While August is still in a hurricane-destructive zone and the local warm temperatures are unbearable, there will be lower crowds towards the end of the month for those who can withstand summer warmth.
September
Crowds: September is a month with low crowd levels, with many visitors leaving after Labor Day. Disneyland is quiet during this period for those wishing for a quieter park experience. At this time, the fun of the Halloween season festivities is at its peak, and the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival has started.
Weather: The temperatures in September remain warm, but there are brief rain showers. As September is still in the hurricane months, it is advisable to see forecasts as the trip date approaches.
October
Crowds: October is hectic since the schools have fall breaks, holiday weekends, and Halloween activities. Both events take place in late October and have a great appeal as there’s cooler weather. It is a great time to visit as the crowds are busy during high seasons filled with Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and the Food & Wine Festival.
Weather: The temperatures decrease somewhat; however, they are mostly warm and ideal for pool days. Rain is still expected in October, the last month of hurricane season.
November
Crowds: November is a transitional month, with the start of a crowd surge around Veterans Day and Thanksgiving. Disney can be heard celebrating Christmas just after Halloween, and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Parties brings in many who love the holidays.
Weather: The temperatures are quite cool, and there is a possibility of rain, but less than in the preceding month. November’s weather is best if one wants to visit different attractions outdoors.
December
Crowds: Early in December, crowds are still reasonable, but they increase tremendously during the holidays, with the most considerable crowds occurring between Christmas and New Year’s.
Weather: Weather in December becomes appreciably cooler, enhancing the comfort of outdoor physical activities. Rain is not common, and du.
Additional Considerations
- Best Months for Low Crowds: Manyefer Jan, early February and September are the best months to visit the parks with the least crowds and thus wait the least in lines.
- Optimal Months for Mild Weather: April, November, and December have warm days free of the extreme summer heat, making these months ideal for relaxed days in the parks.
- Festival and Event Highlights: If you are a festival lover, you may want to plan your trip for the period of the spring’s Flower and Garden Festival or the fall’s Food and Wine Festival.
FAQs
When is the best time for children to visit Disney?
For flexible families, January, early February, and May offer manageable crowd levels, family-friendly events, and pleasant weather.
How do crowd levels vary by season?
Summer (June through August) and holidays (Christmas, Thanksgiving) tend to have the highest crowd levels. Off-peak seasons include early January, September, and post-Labor Day in the fall.
What weather should I expect in Florida year-round?
Orlando experiences a tropical climate with hot, humid summers, mild winters, and frequent rain showers, especially during hurricane season (June to November).
