When to go to Disney World? It’s a question that comes up time and again. Is it in the fall when temperatures are perfect and villains come to life? Or should you wait until Christmas when holiday decorations bring that extra touch of magic? Maybe the winter months would offer a better experience, with lower crowds.
While there are a lot of questions surrounding Disney World vacation planning, the best time to visit the parks is really not one of them. Instead, it’s a straightforward decision based on a number of factors. Keep reading below for the things you should consider and tips for deciding when you’ll find the most magic for you.
The Best Time of Year to Visit Disney World: Seasons and Weather
When choosing when to go to Disney World, the weather may be a huge factor for you, but each season comes with its own unique challenges and advantages.
If you are not familiar with Florida weather, you may be surprised to hear that visiting the parks over the winter months can still be t-shirt weather on some days. However, on others, you’ll need to pull out that winter coat and gloves.
Winter weather in Disney typically lasts from December to early March. The temperatures during the winter range from lows of mid fifties to highs of mid seventies. When we visited last December, we were even able to enjoy some time by the pool and some swimming.
Spring seems to be one of the best times to go to Disney World weather wise. The average spring time temps from March through May range from lows in the mid sixties to highs in the mid eighties. The humidity is not too bad yet either.
Summer temps in Disney are much higher and the humidity is in full force. Temperatures in May through September see lows of mid seventies with highs being in the low nineties.
Lastly, fall temps can be quite enjoyable with lows in the mid sixties and highs in high seventies or low eighties.
The seasonal weather can play a big role in deciding when the best time to visit Disney World is for you. For instance, if you love lounging by the pool, you will want to visit during the warmer months. Pools in the summer can be quite crowded, or overcrowded, but other seasons offer warm days and relatively uncrowded pool conditions.
In the winter months the water parks are closed, but the resort pools will be open during this time. While you may have many days where lounging poolside won’t seem enjoyable, pool water temps are heated to 85 degrees, so swimming is possible.
Another thing to consider is the seasonal impact on ride closures. The lower crowds in the winter season make it the perfect time for Disney to spruce up some rides and attractions. As a result, you may encounter many that are closed for refurbishments or updates during the cooler months.
Seasonal Effects on Crowds
Different seasons bring more than just weather changes in the world of Disney. Seasonal parties, holidays and common breaks from school greatly affect crowds. Seasonal crowd levels must be taken into consideration when deciding on the best time to visit Disney World for you and your family.
In spring, many schools across the country are on spring break. Starting in the beginning of March through the beginning of April, there is an uptick in crowds that coincides with various school holidays. If you are wanting to visit during the warmer yet mild spring weather, you may find visiting prior to or after spring break is the best option for you—if you can take your kids out of school for a few days that is.
Summertime can be one of the best times to go to Disney World if you are worried about children missing school. However, since all kids are out of school, this means crowds are higher as the number of local visitors as well as those from out of state increases during this time.
In the fall and winter season many holidays effect the crowd levels we see inside Disney World. The Halloween party is growing majorly in popularity, and if it returns post- COVID-19, we predict the few days prior to and after Halloween will once again see an increase in crowds.
Both the Thanksgiving and Christmas season are rough times to visit the Florida house of mouse as well. Crowds soar during the weeks surrounding the holidays. On most Christmas days the parks reach capacity quickly and have to turn guests away.
Best Month to Go to Disney World
Unfortunately, this question is not easy to answer and can differ greatly on what you would hope to get out of your Disney World Vacation. Each month comes with its pros and cons as far as weather and crowds, but we do have our favorites.
Is March a Good Time to Go to Disney World?
When to go to Disney World? Should it be March?
This question seems to be asked quite often. March is commonly a month when many students are on Spring Break. Crowds tend to trend upwards during this time which can make it less enjoyable then say, the month of February.
However, March does have excellent weather. It is warm enough to enjoy the pool at your resort, but still cool enough that you can stay in the park all day and not melt while waiting in lines.
If you do want to visit Disney World in March, we have a great guide on how to make the best of the crowds. We’ll place it at the bottom of this article.
Is April a Good Time to Visit Disney World?
We have found April to both be a great month when it comes to the best time to visit Disney World. While the spring break traffic and the Flower and Garden festival will bring in a few crowds, the weather is far better than the previous months. We have found that the warmer weather is a fair trade for a few more manageable crowds.
In April, the crowds are starting to grow for the year, so all ride refurbishments are completed and you will not have to miss out on your favorite attractions. Many ride refurbishments are not announced in advance, so it can be hard to plan for them. But by April, it is a safe bet your favorites or must-do’s are operational.
If you want more information on why we chose April as a great time to go to Disney World, check out our article on visiting Disney in April.
When Is the Least Busy Time to Visit Disney World?
Another contender for best month in the debate for when to go to Disney World is September. September sees lower crowds than a lot of other months, but can still see very warm temps. Fortunately, by the end of the month, the humidity is on the decline.
September also sees few if any rides under refurbishment, and both of Disney’s waterparks are open to cool of guests who may need a chill day. It’s also the perfect weather for a resort pool day. September is also a great time to visit if you plan to attend Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party. This after-hours event is often less crowded in September than it will be closer to the actural holiday.
When Is the Right Time for YOU to Go to Disney World? We Can Help You Decide
As travel agents specializing in Disney vacations, we can help you find the perfect time for your Disney World vacation.
Is the Fall a Good Time to Go to Disney World?
In the past, early October was the ideal time to go to Disney World for pretty much everyone. October saw low crowds and most rides were walk-ons.
Weather was perfect as well, with blue sky days in the 80s and little to no rain. While that hasn’t changed, what used to be a well-kept secret has gotten out. October is now one of the more popular times for guests to visit Disney World, particularly families with preschool aged children and adults traveling without children.
Since early October still sees warm temperatures, you’ll find and abundance of pool days. In addition to the beautiful weather, you have Halloween decorations and the appearance of villain characters not seen throughout the rest of the year. It’s also the last month that guests will be able to attend Mickey’s Halloween party.
The best time to visit Disney World to see Christmas holiday décor is after Thanksgiving to a week before Christmas. During this time, all the holiday décor and festivities are in full force, but the crowds are not.
The Worst Time to Visit Disney World
The answer to this question is mostly opinion. Many families have been going the same time every year for years. That may be their favorite time to visit, while for others, it could be their worst.
By using the criteria of crowd levels and weather, we have a few months that may be best to avoid, but the choice is entirely yours.
One of the absolute worst times to visit Disney from a crowd perspective is the week before Christmas through the first week of the year. Unlike spring break where many schools have a varying schedule, every school is off during this week which contributes to the crowds. Many guests also want to experience an extra magical Disney Christmas.
These crowds, combined with the potential for colder weather, can make this week unbearable. That being said, we have had many friends who visit Disney World during this week and still have an enjoyable time.
Best Time to Visit Disney, Florida
The best time for you to visit Disney in Florida will depend on several factors:
- Are you willing to take your children out of school for a family vacation?
- Do you mind crowds?
- How much tolerance do you have for waiting in line?
- Do you mind heat and humidity?
- Do you need to work with prespecified vacation dates?
When all is said and done, if number 5 above applies to you, the rest of the considerations really don’t matter. If, for instance, your employer shuts down the week between Christmas and New Years, and these are the only vacation dates available to you, then the information provided thus far can only act as a primer. Likewise, if you’re attending an event, like a work conference or a RunDisney Marathon, you’ll have little choice but to visit during the dates when the event is scheduled.
Instead of worrying about finding the right crowds or weather, use the information provided thus far, and the table below, to prepare. Then head out with the mindset that you are going to have a good time regardless of any unfavorable conditions. After all, no vacation comes without its dectrating features.
On the other hand, if you have a choice when you travel, then questions one through four will help you narrow in on the best dates to visit Disney. The following table comparing the pros and cons of each month will help you isolate the best time to visit Disney World for you.
| The Best Time to Visit Disney | January | February | March | April | May | June |
| Pros | After Christmas crowds depart, some of the least crowded dates of the year. Lower resort and ticket pricing can be found. EPCOT Festival of the Arts begins mid month. | With the exception of President’s Day week, some of the least crowded dates of the year. Lower resort and ticket pricing can be found. EPCOT Festival of the Arts. | Weather is usually quite nice in March, with pleasant temps and few chances for a cold snap The majority of resort and park attractions will be operational. Easter decorations and activities begin to appear throughout the month. EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival. | Weather is usually quite nice, with pleasant temps and few chances forrain. The majority of resort and park attractions will be operational. Easter decorations and activities appear until after the holiday. Crowds are quite manageable toward the end of the month. EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival.EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival. | Weather is usually quite nice, with pleasant temps at the beginning of the month, ramping up to more humid conditions by the end. The majority of resort and park attractions will be operational. Both water parks are open. Summer weather at a lower price point. EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival. | Weather is usually warm with humidity ramping up toward summer highs. The majority of resort and park attractions will be operational. Both water parks are open. Lower price point for tickets and resorts with better availability than you’ll find in July. |
| Cons | Christmas crowds linger through the first week. Cold snaps can drop daytime highs into the 30s or 40s. Some attractions may be undergoing refurbishment. | Crowds during the week of President’s Day can be some of the highest of the year. Special weekend events and celebrations can swell crowds Friday through Monday, though most are manageable. | Spring break crowds arrive. Some days, crowds may rival Christmas week crowds. | If Easter falls in April, avoid that week, as crowds will be high. | Crowds are beginning to return toward the end of the month, though still less crowded than mid-summer. Heat and humidity ramp up toward the end of the month and sporadically during other weeks. | Hot and humid conditions may prevail. Afternoon rain showers become more likely in June. Summer crowds are beginning to build. |
| Best Weeks to Visit | Second week through the last week of January | Any week except President’s Day Week | Expect spring break crowds in March. Avoid the week of Easter if applicable. | Last 2 weeks in April. Avoid week of Easter. | The first 2 weeks in May are generally the best time to visit for crowds and weather. | Early June is best for lower crowds and temps. |
| Best time to visit for this type of guest | Families of preschool aged children. Adults without children. Families who are willing to take children out of school for a vacation. Guests with no tolerance for crowds or waiting in line. Guests with no heat tolerance. Art lovers – end of month. | Families of preschool aged children. Adults without children. Families who are willing to take children out of school for a vacation. Guests with no tolerance for crowds or waiting in line. Guests with no heat tolerance. Art lovers. | Families with school-aged children. College students on spring break. Guests who don’t mind crowds or longer lines. Guests who prefer warmer, drier weather conditions. Gardening and horticultural enthusiasts. | Families with school-aged children if spring break falls in April. College students on spring break. Adults without children – end of month. Families who are willing to take children out of school for a vacation (end of month). Guests who prefer warmer, drier weather conditions. Guests with no tolerance for crowds or waiting in line – last 2 weeks. Gardening and horticultural enthusiasts. | Families of preschool aged children. Adults without children. Guests who prefer warm conditions and don’t mind some humidity. Guests with little tolerance for crowds or waiting in line. Gardening and horticultural enthusiasts. | Families with school-aged children who have wrapped up the year. Guests who prefer warm conditions and don’t mind some humidity. Guests with lower tolerance for crowds or waiting in line. |
| July | August | September | October | November | December | |
| Pros | The majority of resort and park attractions will be operational. Both water parks are open. Most families with school-aged children don’t have to worry about missing classes. July Fourth celebrations on the holiday. EPCOT Food and Wine Festival begins. | Lowest resort and ticket prices of the summer. Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party may appear during the end of the month. The majority of resort and park attractions will be operational. Both water parks are open. EPCOT Food and Wine Festival. Halloween decorations come up at Magic Kingdom. Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party begins. | Summer vacationers have returned to work, so September sees some of the lowest crowds of the year. In general, lower than average ticket and resort prices are available. The majority of resort and park attractions will be operational. Both water parks are open. EPCOT Food and Wine Festival. Halloween decorations up at Magic Kingdom. Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party. | Pleasant weather with little threat of rain. Halloween decorations up at Magic Kingdom. Manageable crowds, especially Tuesday through Thursday. | Families of preschool aged children. Adults without children. Guests who prefer warm conditions and don’t mind some humidity. Guests with little tolerance for crowds or waiting in line. Gardening and horticultural enthusiasts. | Pleasant weather most of the month with little threat of rain. Manageable crowds beginning of the month, especially Tuesday through Thursday. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. Christmas decorations up at all parks and resorts. EPCOT Festival of the Holidays. |
| Cons | Hot and humid conditions will prevail. Afternoon rain showers are likely most days. Most summer travelers visit in July, leading to the highest crowds of the summer. | Hot and humid conditions will prevail. Afternoon rain showers are likely most days. Most summer travelers are preparing for the start of school or beginning classes, so August sees some of the lowest crowds of the summer. | Hot and humid conditions will prevail. Afternoon rain showers are likely. | One water park will close for refurbishment. Attractions inside parks will begin to close for refurbishment. | Cold snaps possible, dropping temps into the 40s for a day. One water park will be closed for refurbishment. Some attractions inside parks will be closed for refurbishment. Week of Thanksgiving is exceptionally crowded. “Jersey Week” invigorates crowds (usually first or second week). | Cold snaps possible, dropping temps into the 40s for a day. One water park will be closed for refurbishment. Week of Christmas is exceptionally crowded. |
| Best weeks to visit | July 4th for holiday celebrations. Any other weeks to avoid the largest crowds of the month. | Second week through end of month | All month | All month | Any week but Jersey week and week of Thanksgiving. | First 2 weeks of the month. |
| Best time to visit for this type of guest | Families of school aged children Those who enjoy heat and humidity Guests who don’t mind crowds and longer waits in line Food and culinary enthusiasts. | Families of school aged children who restart school later in the month. Those who enjoy heat and humidity. Adults without children. Families who are willing to take children out of school for a vacation. Guests with no tolerance for crowds or waiting in line. Food and culinary enthusiasts. | Families with preschool aged children. Adults without children. Families who are willing to take children out of school for a vacation. Those who enjoy heat and humidity. Guests with no tolerance for crowds or waiting in line. Food and culinary enthusiasts. | Families with preschool aged children. Adults without children. Families who are willing to take children out of school for a vacation. Those who enjoy warm pleasant days, with little chance for rain. Guests with little tolerance for crowds or waiting in line. Food and culinary enthusiasts. Halloween lovers. | Families with preschool aged children. Adults without children. Families who are willing to take children out of school for a vacation. Those who enjoy warm pleasant days, with little chance for rain. Guests with little tolerance for crowds or waiting in line. Food and culinary enthusiasts. Christmas enthusiasts. | FIRST 3 WEEKS OF THE MONTH: Families with preschool aged children. Adults without children. Families who are willing to take children out of school for a vacation. Those who enjoy warm pleasant days, with little chance for rain. Guests with little tolerance for crowds or waiting in line. Food and culinary enthusiasts. Christmas enthusiasts. WEEK OF CHRISTMAS: Families with school aged children. Guests who don’t mind crowds and waiting in line. |
Conclusion: When to Go to Disney World?
The answer is entirely dependent on you, and what you want out of your Disney Vacation. Does the weather or crowds play a bigger part in your decision? No matter what time, season, or month you decide to visit Walt Disney World, you are guaranteed a magical time, particularly if you plan well and use a Disney World Itinerary to plan your day!
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