Your Guide to Disney World Weather, Plus How to Pack Year-Round

Hip, hop, hooray! It’s the final countdown to your vacation, and you’ll soon be on your way to Orlando! But first, you need to pack your suitcases. Researching Disney World's weather is crucial when planning what to wear. In this guide, we’re breaking it down by the weather in each season, so you know exactly how to pack for Disney World. (Psst... want to know the average Disney World weather for a given day or month? Check out our Crowd Calendar!)

Hop To

• Summer
• Fall
• Winter
• Spring

FAQs

• What is the weather at Disney World? Central Florida sees warm weather year-round, as it's in a classified humid subtropical climate zone. More specifically, the winter sees mild temps (subject to short cold spells) and the summer gets hot and humid.
• Does Disney World ever close due to weather? It is very rare, but the Disney World theme parks only close for severe weather when significant impact is expected in the Central Florida area. The Disney water parks may also close for inclement weather, whether it's a temporary operational closure (pools and waterslides shutting down with lightning in the area) or a full-day shutdown during a cold front in winter.
• Can rides close due to weather? Similar to the water parks above, any outdoor ride or attraction typically closes whenever there is heavy rain or lightning in the immediate area (even if it's not raining). Indoor rides generally remain open!
• How do I stay cool at Disney World? You're in luck! We have specific tips on how to beat the heat at Disney World and how to navigate a rainy day.

Packing for Disney World Weather Year-Round — A Seasonal Guide

You don’t want to be too hot or too cold (it's rare, but Florida can get chilly during certain parts of the year!). Otherwise, you may end up with surprise souvenir shirts, shorts or sweaters, which can be a rather costly mistake if you weren’t planning on it. Like many frogs, if traveling during the summer, you'll need to prepare for high temperatures and humidity.

Also, a froggy note: While this post is geared toward Disney World trips, our advice and tips apply to Orlando visits in general.

Summer

June, July, August

We’re kicking it off with summer since that’s when most frog families plan their vacations. It also hoppens to be the most consistent season in terms of weather expectations. Two words: hot and humid. The average high temperature is in the low to mid-90s Fahrenheit (mid-30s Celsius). The average low temperatures remain around the mid-70s Fahrenheit (mid-20s Celsius). Humidity levels can reach 80 percent, making it feel even hotter than it really is.

Temperatures generally peak in the afternoon, so we recommend hitting the parks early to help beat the heat. Remember to drink lots of water to stay hydrated and take frequent breaks. We recommend taking an even longer break in the afternoon when it’s the hottest part of the day. Plan for opportunities to cool off, whether that's in the AC, shade or pool.

By June, Florida’s wet season is in full swing. Despite its nickname as "The Sunshine State," Florida is also known for its summer afternoon thunderstorms. Typically, the storms form in the afternoon and pass through the area quickly, lasting only about an hour. However, it can be a daily occurrence, so expect to be caught in a brief thunderstorm any day you’re visiting.

Usually, the rain helps cool down the rest of the day once it passes through. June is also the beginning of hurricane season, which lasts until November. While it’s important to keep the potential of a tropical storm or hurricane in mind, Orlando is landlocked, so the chances of a direct hit with full force are low. The theme parks rarely shut down in advance of severe weather, but we keep track of any severe weather updates here.

What to Pack

• Light-colored, moisture-wicking fabrics: You’ll want to avoid dark-colored clothing as it absorbs more heat. Prepare to sweat (a lot!). Workout gear, such as gym shorts and tank tops, or other clothes made of moisture-wicking fabric, tends to keep you cooler. Also, if you go on a water ride, you’ll dry more quickly than if you’re wearing cotton or denim. We frogs prefer comfort over style! However, if you choose not to wear athleisure, a general rule of thumb is that the thinner and more breathable the material, the better.
• Comfortable shoes: Whether you bring sneakers or walking sandals, your shoes need to be broken in. Otherwise, you risk blisters and sore feet. That's no fun! We like to bring one of each, so we can alternate between the two. Bring flip-flops if you’re planning any pool time, or flats or heels if you’re planning to dine out at a nice restaurant. However, we don’t recommend wearing them during long days at the theme parks.
• Swimsuits: Speaking of pool time, don’t froget your swimming gear! Whether you plan a water park day or decide to take a break at your resort's pool, swimming is one of the best ways to cool off during the summer.
• Extra socks: If you get rained on or soaked on a water ride, you’ll want an extra pair so you’re not hopping around with soggy feet.
• Ponchos: We prefer individual ponchos because they’re easier to carry than umbrellas. All of the theme parks sell ponchos if you need some last-minute, but they come at a price! You can find a pack of ponchos for cheap on Amazon — both disposable and reusable. (Tad and Lily feel very strongly that short-sleeved ponchos > long sleeves.) Pro tip: The easier it is to put on, the faster you'll be able to be rain-guarded when you start to feel those drops fall.
• Sunscreen, sunglasses and hats: You’ll want to be protected from the sun’s strong rays, so sunscreen is a must-have. Sunburns can be painful. Hats can keep your face covered. We prefer to bring inexpensive sunglasses in case we lose a pair on a ride.
• A light jacket: If you get cold easily, you might want to bring one for indoor activities. The air conditioning indoors is usually cranked high.
• Cooling fan and/or towel: A cooling fan or towel will certainly come in handy during the hot summer days. We'd recommend a hands-free neck fan so you don't have to worry about carrying it around.

Fall

September, October, November

While other parts of the country start to cool down in September, Florida does not. Disney World weather remains hot and rainy. However, temperatures become slightly less intense, with an average high in the high-80s Fahrenheit (low-30s Celsius). Meanwhile, the average low temperature remains in the low-70s Fahrenheit (low-20s Celsius). Peak activity during the hurricane season typically occurs from late August to early October. But again, the likelihood of a direct hit with full force remains slim.

It starts to cool down slightly in October, but the average high remains around 85 degrees Fahrenheit (30 degrees Celsius). Depending on where you’re from, the weather may seem unusually hot for that time of the year! The average low temperature is about 67 degrees Fahrenheit (19 degrees Celsius), meaning you may experience some cooler nights and early mornings. However, during the day, it can still get pretty warm outside. Humidity levels and average rainfall also begin to decline gradually during this time.

By November, the rainy season finally comes to an end. Not to say it won’t rain at all during your trip, but the pattern shifts from daily afternoon storms to potentially longer rainy days driven by cold fronts. It’s moderately warm during the day, with an average high of 80 degrees Fahrenheit (26 degrees Celsius), but it may get chilly once the sun goes down and early in the mornings, with an average low of 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius).

At this time of year, there aren’t many cold fronts that pass through. However, November typically has at least one or two days when we break out our sweatshirts and jackets during the day.

What to Pack

• Comfortable clothes that you can layer: Since the weather remains warm, you should still pack T-shirts and shorts so you’re not too hot, but it would also be wise to pack at least one pair of leggings, jeans or pants. Long-sleeved shirts, thin sweaters or light jackets would probably be enough for cooler nights and mornings. It’s a bonus if you could easily layer the clothes that you bring.
• Ponchos: If you’re going in September, ponchos are a must-have. Later in the season, we suggest sticking them in your suitcase anyway, so you have them on hand just in case. But unless the forecast includes rain, you should be fine if you leave them at the hotel.
• Comfortable shoes: It doesn’t matter which season you’re visiting — you need comfortable shoes that are already broken in. You’ll be doing a LOT of walking and standing.
• Sunscreen, sunglasses and hats: Bring the usual protection from the sun.
• Costumes: If you want to dress up for Halloween, pack your costume! Note that there are costume guidelines at Disney World, although adults can wear costumes during Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.
• Swimsuits: It's still warm enough outside to enjoy relaxing pool time.

Winter

December, January, February

The weather during Florida’s winter season can be unpredictable. Some days may have the most perfect weather — sunny and warm with a slight breeze and lower humidity. But the very next day, it could be cloudy and rainy as a cold front passes through, and then the temperatures drop drastically overnight. It rarely drops below freezing, but that doesn’t mean it won’t feel cold! In fact, Florida’s low winter temperatures tend to feel colder compared to the same temperature in a drier climate, all thanks to humidity and how the moisture evaporates off your skin. It’s the same line of reasoning for why summer temperatures may feel hotter than the temperature really is, compared to the same temperature in a drier climate.

In contrast to the anticipated summer rain patterns, winter rain is also less predictable. There are much lower chances of rain since it’s Florida’s dry season. However, if it does rain, the duration and timing can vary. During the winter, it might stay cloudy all day and rain intermittently, or it could pass through quickly, leaving only half a day with less-than-ideal weather. It could be light, gentle rain or a thunderstorm. Rain can hoppen at any time (just this past winter, thunder woke us up at 6 a.m. one morning!).

The varying weather makes it much more difficult to pack for Disney World. We suggest that you prepare for everything, but wait to make any final decisions until just before you leave. That way, you can double-check the weather forecast to see if there are any cold fronts on the horizon. January is Florida’s coldest month of the year with an average high of 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 degrees Celsius) and an average low of 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4 degrees Celsius).

What to Pack

• Sweaters, sweatshirts or jackets: When it’s cold in Orlando, you’ll want your heavier outerwear. (At Universal Orlando, this is the best time of the year to wear your Hogwarts robes!) The good news is that the coldest of days are generally right after the rain from a cold front passes through, so at least it’s bright and sunny out. But fair warning, we’d pay more attention to the wind chill. The wind can make low temperatures feel brutal!
• Comfortable clothes that you can layer: Florida’s wacky weather sometimes lets us wear T-shirts and shorts during January, but for the most part, it’s better to bring clothes that you can layer, such as a flannel shirt or spirit jersey.
• Comfortable shoes: Opt for sneakers or boots that fit well. Sandals may not keep your feet warm.
• Gloves, scarves and hats: For particularly cold days, you may want the extra warmth, especially if you get cold easily.
• Ponchos: Chances are, you likely won’t need them, but it never hurts to pack if you have space in your luggage. Cold fronts can seemingly come out of nowhere.
• Swimsuits: Wait, swimming in the winter?! It’s toadally possible if you catch a warm day and want to swim in the heated pools! Water parks are open year-round, but they may close due to inclement weather.

Spring

March, April, May

Based solely on the weather, springtime is our favorite time to visit Orlando, particularly in March and early April. It starts to warm up consistently after the winter months. Cold fronts hoppen less frequently, but it’s not quite scorching hot yet. There aren’t too many rainy days either! Plus, the humidity is lower.

Perhaps the most challenging aspect of springtime weather is that temperatures rise and fall rapidly, like a roller coaster, within a single day. It may start out as a cool morning, then temperatures reach their peak in the afternoon and finally end as a chilly evening after the sun goes down. March will be the most unpredictable in this way. By the time May rolls around, warmer weather will be more consistent as it transitions into the hot summer months.

What to Pack

• Comfortable clothes that you can layer: As in the fall, you likely won’t need heavy outerwear, but mornings and evenings may be cool enough to warrant a light jacket or sweater. If you’re visiting later in the season, you’ll more than likely be fine without needing to layer clothing.
• Comfortable shoes: You know the drill by now. Broken-in sneakers or walking sandals are best for protecting your froggy feet.
• Ponchos: We’d definitely recommend them for May, as it’s closer to the rainy season. If you have space in your luggage, it doesn’t hurt to pack them so you can avoid buying them at the parks if rain is in the forecast.
• Swimsuits: Spring can bring great swimming weather!

Overall, Central Florida has a subtropical climate, so you can expect warm temperatures year-round. It's super important to research Disney World's weather so you can pack accordingly. What is your favorite season to visit? 

Related: Hoppin' Tips for Visiting Disney World in the Summer

Related: Our ~Toadally~ Cool Tips for Visiting Universal Orlando in the Summer

Hoppy planning!