Disney World Weather by Month – Tips for Each Month of the Year

There’s no doubt how popular central Florida is as a vacation destination. From the different theme parks to professional sports events, museums to the beautiful springs, there’s an endless list of fun activities for all families. Just as popular as it is to visit theme parks like Walt Disney World, many guests also know how notorious the weather is in the Orlando area.

Here’s the crazy part: When Walt Disney was choosing a place for his second theme park, he chose central Florida for its best year-round weather. Yet, the weather in Walt Disney World is well-known for being very unpredictable. Hurricanes and tropical storms are always possible. One second it can be extremely hot and sunny while the next minute you can barely see 5 feet in front of you from all the rain!

Clearly, the weather plays an important role in how you plan your vacation. The good news? Despite its high variability, there are actually some weather patterns that can help you make the most of your next Walt Disney World trip. We’ve spent plenty of time throughout the year in the Sunshine State and done our research so that you can still have the most magical time on your vacation. Let’s go over the month-by-month weather at Walt Disney World and discuss the most common weather patterns you can expect on your next vacation.

Walt Disney World Weather Overview

Most guests book their Walt Disney World vacation many months in advance. In fact, the big difference between guests at Walt Disney World and those at Disneyland is that Walt Disney World guests plan their trips down to the most minute detail. From theme park reservations to what time to wake up every morning – even down to timing their favorite rides for the lowest wait-time, many see planning as an exact science.

While much of the planning is under your control, unfortunately, the weather is up to Mother Nature. And for better or for worse, the weather in Walt Disney World may change last-minute, making it even more difficult to change vacation reservations. However, if you plan which month you decide to travel to Walt Disney World, you can use historical weather patterns in your favor.

Like the rest of Florida, Orlando does experience extreme weather like high-level tropical storms and hurricanes. While they don’t happen every year, it’s important to prepare for the worst. With that said, guests most frequently experience rain showers in Walt Disney World. While most rain are passing showers or sudden downpours that usually last about 30 minutes, some do last several hours. All things considered, it is rare to spend an entire week at Walt Disney World without any rainy weather.

Let’s not forget the elephant in the room: the heat and humidity. At Walt Disney World, the high heat and humidity is almost guaranteed during the summer months. In fact, almost every day in May through September see high temperatures above 80F/27C, so be prepared with bottled water, sunblock, hats, and a plan to visit the nearest building with air-conditioning. Regardless, you can still have a magical time even if the weather is less than ideal.

Weather by the Month

Knowing the general weather patterns by month can help you make the most of your next Walt Disney World vacation. Please note that all of the temperatures and rainfall numbers are based on averages from the last several years. With that said, these numbers are not necessarily a guarantee of what the weather will be like when you travel to Orlando. Regardless, these numbers do give you a ballpark of the general weather to expect. You will still find this information useful when planning your trip!

January

• Average High Temperature: 72F/22C
• Average Low Temperature: 51F/11
• Average Rainfall: 2.35”/59.7mm – Expect rain 4 days of the month
• Pros: Milder weather compared to the rest of the year, pleasant temperatures during the day-time, lower crowds at Walt Disney World
• Cons: Colder night temperatures – January is historically the coldest month of the year

During January, expect 6 days of temperatures above 80F/27C and 0 days of 90F/31C or higher. Nighttime temperatures can occasionally drop as low as 40F/4C. While day-time temperatures are nice and mild, make sure to bundle up for the colder evenings! Don’t be fooled by all the talk of how hot it is in Walt Disney World – temperatures can definitely get chilly. I’ve found that the humidity can also make the lower temperatures feel colder than what’s posted. A warm coat and hat or beanie will certainly come in handy.

February

• Average High Temperature: 75F/24C
• Average Low Temperature: 54F/12C
• Average Rainfall: 2.47”/62.7mm – Expect rain for 4 days of the month
• Pros: Nice weather for outdoor activities, mild average temperatures, low humidity, lower crowds at Walt Disney World
• Cons: Slightly less cold than January, but still cold, especially at night

During February, expect 9 days of temperatures above 80F/27C and 0 days of 90/F31C or higher. Nighttime temperatures can still occasionally drop as low as 40F/4C. Overall, the average temperature starts to rise toward the last half of the month. When traveling to Walt Disney World during the first half of this month, we still recommend that you come prepared with a warm coat and hat or beanie. However, don’t be surprised if it gets warm enough for a t-shirt and shorts during the second half of the month!

March

• Average High Temperature: 79F/26C
• Average Low Temperature: 57F/14C
• Average Rainfall: 3.77”/95.8mm – Expect rain for 5 days of the month
• Pros: It’s the start of Spring – the flowers start to bloom, nature’s wonderful smells fill the air, the weather is warming up but not too hot, humidity is still low
• Cons: While the number of hot days start to increase, crowd levels increase as well

During March, expect 16 days of temperatures above 80F/27C and 1 day of 90F/31C or higher. Nighttime temperatures can still occasionally drop as low as 40F/4C. So, while you’ll more than likely be able to leave your hat and gloves at home, plan to bring a sweatshirt or lighter coat with you to stay warm during the cooler nights. Typically, the highly anticipated EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival starts around this time of year, marking the beginning of Spring – and the Springtime crowds. Along with your sweatshirt, make sure to pack your patience for the longer lines!

April

• Average High Temperature: 84F/29C
• Average Low Temperature: 63F/17C
• Average Rainfall: 2.68”/68.1mm – Expect rain for 4 days of the month
• Pros: The flowers continue to bloom, it’s warm but still not very humid, there’s plenty of sunshine
• Cons: Afternoon showers start around this month but are still occasional, the theme parks are much busier, Walt Disney World prices tend to be more expensive

During April, expect 25 days of temperatures above 80F/27C and 3 days of 90F/31C or higher. This month definitely features a shorts and t-shirt type of weather, but a light jacket or sweatshirt will still come in handy with the chillier nighttime temperatures. Historically, April is usually the least rainy month of the year. However, you’ll want to keep an eye on the weather forecast closer to your vacation time to ensure you’re prepared! Finally, with many schools out on Spring break, expect crowd levels at Walt Disney World to rise significantly. Theme park prices also tend to rise along with the crowd levels, making for a double whammy when considering traveling to Walt Disney World this month.

May

• Average High Temperature: 88F/31C
• Average Low Temperature: 69F/21C
• Average Rainfall: 3.45”/87.6mm – Expect rain for 6 days of the month
• Pros: With the rising temperatures, it’s definitely pool weather
• Cons: Both the humidity and heat begin to rise, especially toward the end of the month

During May, expect 30 days of temperatures above 80F/27C and 14 days of 90F/31C or higher. Plan to dress for summer: tank tops, t-shirts, shorts are great choices. Breathable clothing can make the heat and humidity much more bearable in the middle of the day. However, don’t forget sunscreen, sunglassess, and a hat! Cooling towels and portable fans are also necessities to beat the Walt Disney World heat. Expect to leave the sweatshirt or extra layer at home.

June

• Average High Temperature: 91F/33C
• Average Low Temperature: 73F/23C
• Average Rainfall: 7.58”/192.5mm – Expect rain for 12 days of the month
• Pros: If May wasn’t already pool weather, June certainly is!
• Cons: As the heat continues, the rain becomes more common, the humidity increases significantly compared to earlier in the year

During June, expect 30 days of temperatures above 80F/27C and 20 days of 90F/31C or higher. You likely won’t need a jacket in the evenings, but a lightweight layer may be useful for all the indoor air-conditioning at Walt Disney World. The drastic switch from the humid heat to the chilly indoor buildings may make things uncomfortable. Just like our recommendation for May, summer clothing will be very useful. Since June also marks the beginning of the hurricane season, a poncho or umbrella will keep you relatively dry during the afternoon thunderstorms.

July

• Average High Temperature: 92F/33C
• Average Low Temperature: 75F/24C
• Average Rainfall: 7.27”/184.7mm – Expect rain for 13 days of the month
• Pros: The wonderful pool weather continues!
• Cons: It’s very warm, very sunny, very humid, and very rainy

During July, expect 31 days of temperatures above 80F/27C and 25 days of 90F/31C or higher. That’s almost every day of the month of July when temperatures rise above 90F/31C. Nights also tend to remain above 70F/21C, so shorts and a t-shirt will still be comfortable at the end of the day. In addition to the clothing and rain recommendations for the month of June, make sure to take frequent breaks in the indoor air-conditioning and drink water consistently throughout the day. Avoid wearing dark colored clothing that absorbs heat in the sun. Finally, mid-day breaks for the family will be great. A pool day in between Walt Disney World theme park days may be a necessity, especially for the kids!

August

• Average High Temperature: 91F/33C
• Average Low Temperature: 75F/24C
• Average Rainfall: 7.13”/181.1mm – Expect rain for 14 days of the month
• Pros: The heat and humidity continue, crowd levels and resort rates likely decrease
• Cons: This is the warmest month of the year, rain is still very common

During August, expect 31 days of temperatures above 80F/27C and 25 days of 90F/31C or higher. Just like July, that’s almost every single day of the month of temperatures above 90F/31C. Nights still tend to remain above 70F/21C, so you’re unlikely to need an extra layer at the end of the day. August is probably the most extreme in terms of Walt Disney World weather. Continue to take frequent breaks in air-conditioned rooms and afternoon pool breaks. Sunscreen, light-colored clothing, a hat, and a poncho or umbrella are essentials this time of year. As many kids start the school year at the end of August, expect the crowds to level off along with resort and theme park prices.

Additionally, since August approaches peak hurricane season, be flexible if you plan to fly into Orlando – especially if your flight is scheduled in the afternoon. Flight delays due to the thunderstorms are very common. Trip insurance may come in handy for this!

September

• Average High Temperature: 89F/32C
• Average Low Temperature: 74F/23C
• Average Rainfall: 6.06”/153.9mm – Expect rain for 11 days of the month
• Pros: Crowd levels continue to decrease
• Cons: It’s still hot, humid, and summer-like, it’s still hurricane season

During September, expect 30 days of temperatures above 80F/27C and 17 days of 90F/31C or higher. While the number of hotter days dips significantly, the weather still screams of summer in Florida this time of year. The crowd levels continue to fall as more schools star their academic year, and theme park and resort prices fall with it. As September is deep into hurricane season, definitely be flexible if you plan to fly into Orlando. Don’t be surprised if your afternoon flight is delayed due to a thunderstorm!

October

• Average High Temperature: 85F/29C
• Average Low Temperature: 68F/20C
• Average Rainfall: 3.31”/84.1mm – Expect rain for 5 days of the month
• Pros: Fall season begins, average temperatures and humidity start to decrease, but the weather still makes it great for pool days
• Cons: High temperatures can still get well above 80F/27C, it’s still hurricane season

During October, expect 27 days of temperatures above 80F/27C and 5 days of 90F/31C or higher. Even compared to September, the number of hotter days dips even further. Then toward the end of the month, temperatures start to dip lower. Don’t forget all your summer clothing and a poncho or umbrella, but a light jacket will come in handy for the evening temperatures. This is also still hurricane season, so trip insurance will still come handy if you’re flying to Orlando.

November

• Average High Temperature: 78F/26C
• Average Low Temperature: 59F/15C
• Average Rainfall: 2.17”/55.1mm – Expect rain for 3 days of the month
• Pros: Warm but not too hot, not very humid, not very rainy
• Cons: Temperatures start to dip below 50F/10C, it’s still hurricane season

During November, expect 15 days of temperatures above 80F/27C and 0 days above 90F/31C. Nighttime temperatures can still occasionally drop as low as 40F/4C. November tends to have the most moderate weather in Walt Disney World compared to the rest of the year, making it one of the best times of the year to visit. The high average temperatures still make it good for pool weather, but low temperatures are significantly lower than the previous months. Plan to bring a light sweater or jacket. Since November is the tail end of hurricane season, afternoon thundershowers become less common. Keep track of the weather though, as there still may be random temperature spikes or afternoon thunderstorms.

December

• Average High Temperature: 75F/24C
• Average Low Temperature: 55F/13C
• Average Rainfall: 2.58”/65.5mm – Expect rain for 4 days of the month
• Pros: Temperatures are moderately cooler, it’s the Holiday season in Walt Disney World
• Cons: Weather can be the most unpredictable, crowd levels increase drastically

During December, expect 9 days of temperatures above 80F/27C and 0 days above 90F/31C. Nighttime temperatures can still occasionally drop as low as 40F/4C. With the cooler average temperatures, a thicker coat and a hat or a beanie can come in handy especially at night. You might even find that you’ll keep your extra layer on during the daytime. Because it’s the Holiday season at Walt Disney World, the crowds flock to the theme parks and resorts to experience the Holiday decorations, special shows, and events. December is historically the busiest time of the year at Walt Disney World. It also tends to be the most expensive time of year – to travel, stay at the resorts, and visit the theme parks. So, pack your coat and a lot of patience!

Which Time of Year is Best at Walt Disney World?

In the end, there is still a degree of unpredictability in the weather at Walt Disney World. However, from our month-by-month weather roll call, there are certainly some trends that will help you make your vacation planning a lot easier. Let’s recap some of the most notable trends in the weather in Walt Disney World.

Spring and Fall Weather is the Most Moderate

During this time of year, the weather is warm but still comfortable enough for outdoor activities. Additionally, the humidity is lower, and the UV index is in a safe range. This means that the heat won’t leave you as sweaty compared to the Summer. This also means that your risk of sunburn is a little lower – but that shouldn’t stop you from using sunscreen!

During the Spring months of March, April, and May, and the first half of June, the flowers start to bloom, the trees start coming to life, and the air is filled with nature’s pleasant scents. In line with the spring season, this is also the start of the popular EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival. Plan to enjoy 8-9 hours of sunlight per day. Enjoy this short season for its moderate temperatures, low rainfall, and humidity.

During the Fall months of September, October, November, and the first half of December, the air becomes more crisp, the temperatures become mild, and the average rainfall decreases compared to that of Summer. Much like Spring, the Fall season is short but still very much enjoyable. However, unlike Spring, the weather starts to cool off considerably, especially at night. An extra layer or a light jacket will be useful this time of year in Walt Disney World. Plan to enjoy 8-9 hours of sunlight per day. Remember though, hurricane season still runs through November 30 – that’s almost the entirety of Fall! While the weather is moderate, be prepared for afternoon thunderstorms.

Since the weather is most moderate during these seasons, Spring and Fall are the most enjoyable times of the year. Be aware that as Spring continues into Summer, the crowd levels increase drastically. Conversely, as Fall turns into Winter, the crowd levels decrease, but so do the temperatures.

Summer and Winter Weather is the Most Extreme

While Spring and Fall weather tend to be similar, Summer and Winter demonstrate weather that’s on the opposite ends of the spectrum. Summer weather in Walt Disney World is hot, humid, and wet. Shorts, a t-shirt, light colored clothing, and a hat are necessities. In contrast, Winter weather is considerably cooler. Extra layers and a coat are highly recommended.

During the Summer months of June, July, August, and most of September, expect wet weather – afternoon thunderstorms are common but typically last no more than 30 minutes. However, the weather can still be variable! There are times where thunderstorms last several hours. The temperatures are also the hottest during this time of year, with mid-day temperatures sometimes reaching upwards of 100F/38C. Tack on the high humidity, and you’ve got wet, hot, and sweaty weather. This time of the year also sees some of the highest crowds since schools are on Summer break – a double whammy for travelers. However, guests do enjoy much more sunlight – 14 hours worth per day!

The Winter months of December, January, and February on the other hand are much cooler than the rest of the year. With temperatures sometimes dipping below 50F/10C, a thicker coat and a hat or beanie will come in handy, especially at night. On the flip side, expect to enjoy minimal rain and lower humidity. Don’t be fooled by the low humidity though. While the humidity is lower this time of year, it’s still higher than that of many other parts of the United States. In my experience, I’ve found that the humidity in Walt Disney World tends to make the weather feel cooler than what the thermometer says.

The Winter season also sees fewer crowds but with a big spike during the Holiday season. Outside of the Holidays, this can be the cheapest time to go to Walt Disney World. Finally, expect to enjoy 10 hours of sunlight per day.

Final thoughts

With its highest high temperatures and lowest low temperatures, Summer and Winter (respectively) demonstrate the most extremes of weather at Walt Disney World. If you have any aversion to either of those extremes, you’ll want to plan your trip outside of these seasons. Since schools are off this time of year, Summer also sees a big spike in crowd levels, giving you a double whammy of heat and busy theme parks. And while the majority of Winter sees less crowds and lower prices, there’s still a big spike during the Holiday season.

On the other hand, Spring and Fall bring the most moderate weather in Walt Disney World in terms of temperature and humidity. Spring is personally my favorite time of the year for its moderate weather. Fall is also a great time of year to visit, especially the week before Thanksgiving week. You’re likely to avoid the Thanksgiving crowds and catch some of the Holiday decorations around the Walt Disney World resort.

Remember though, hurricane season runs from June 1st through November 30th, with mid-August through mid-October being peak hurricane season. If traveling during these months, be well-prepared with a poncho, umbrella, waterproof shoes, and extra socks. The good news is that most of the time, the heavy afternoon thunderstorms tend to last for no more than 30 minutes.

My tip for the rain? Take advantage of the doppler radar on your mobile phone’s weather app to keep track of the rain clouds during your visit. Thunderstorms travel quickly and in different directions, so the doppler radar makes estimating when to take out your poncho a lot easier.

In the end, most days at Walt Disney World give you comfortable weather – more so than other parts of the country. There’s a good reason why Walt Disney chose central Florida as the location for his second theme park!

Plan Your Walt Disney World Vacation

To get a head start to planning your Disney vacation, subscribe to our FREE Deals newsletter. Here you will have access to useful planning information, exclusive Disney deals, and access to the lowest priced Disney tickets anywhere. Find more information on planning your vacation here:

1. Finding Discount Walt Disney World Tickets
2. Current Cost of a Walt Disney World Vacation
3. Walt Disney World Genie+ Guide
4. Walt Disney World Packing List
5. Walt Disney World Vacation Quote