Did you know that the temperature at Disney World can dip into the 30s Fahrenheit?
While Florida is notorious for its hot, humid weather and summer thunderstorms, many fail to realize that the temperatures actually vary greatly from month to month. The weather in Disney World can also be unpredictable.
Here’s the good news: despite its high variability, there are weather patterns that can help you make the most of your next Walt Disney World trip.
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 Disney vacation.
Disney World Weather Overview
Table of Contents
At Love of the Magic Vacations, we help our clients to plan and book their Disney World vacation months in advance.
For many Disney World guests, planning can come down to deciding some of the most minute details. 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 guests see planning as an exact science.
And while we can plan just about everything, we can’t plan everything. This includes Mother Nature. And for better or for worse, the weather in Walt Disney World may change last-minute. However, if you plan which month you decide to travel to Walt Disney World, you can use historical weather patterns in your favor.
At Disney World, you can expect extreme weather like high-level tropical storms and hurricanes. And while they don’t happen every year, it’s important to prepare for the worst. While most rain are passing showers or sudden downpours that usually last 30 minutes, some do last several hours.
Finally, let’s not forget about 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. Be prepared with bottled water, sunblock, hats, and a plan to visit the nearest building with air-conditioning.
Regardless of the weather, you can still have a magical time as long as you prepare for it.
Weather by the Month
Knowing the general weather patterns by month will 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.
In the end, you will still find this information useful when planning your next Disney World trip!
January: The Coldest Time of the Year
- 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 toward the end of the month
- Cons: Colder evening 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 drop below 40F/4C. In January, temperatures can and will get chilly. The humidity magnifies low temperatures, meaning that a low of 40F/4C could really feel like 35F/2C. Dress in layers and bring and hat or beanie to fight off the chill.
February: Slightly Less Cold Than January
- 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
During February, expect 9 days of temperatures above 80F/27C and 0 days of 90/F31C or higher. Nighttime temperatures can still drop as low as 40F/4C. Average temperatures start to rise toward the latter half of the month. When traveling to Walt Disney World during the first half of this month, dress in layers and bring a 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: The Start of Spring
- 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: Spring season begins – the flowers start to bloom, the weather is warming up but not too hot, humidity is still low
- Cons: Average temperatures rise, along with crowd levels
During March, expect 16 days of temperatures above 80F/27C and 1 day of 90F/31C or higher. Nighttime temperatures still occasionally drop as low as 40F/4C. Plan to bring a sweatshirt or lighter coat to stay warm during the cooler nights. Typically, the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival starts around this time of year, marking the beginning of Spring. Along with your sweatshirt, make sure to pack your patience for the larger crowds – and longer lines!
April: Dry and Sunny
- 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: It’s warm but still not very humid, there’s plenty of sunshine
- Cons: Occasional afternoon showers start around this month, crowd levels continue to rise
During April, expect 25 days of temperatures above 80F/27C and 3 days of 90F/31C or higher. Shorts and a t-shirt are more ideal this time of year, but a light jacket or sweatshirt may still be necessary for chillier nighttime temperatures. Historically, April is the driest month of the year. And with many schools out on Spring break, expect crowd levels at Walt Disney World to rise significantly.
May: Temperatures Continue to Rise
- 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. We recommend summer clothing: shorts and breathable, moisture-wicking t-shirts and shorts are great options. However, don’t forget sunscreen, sunglassess, and a hat. Cooling towels and portable fans are also great accessories to beat the heat.
June: The Start of Hurricane Season
- 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: It’s still pool weather!
- Cons: As the heat continues, the rain becomes more common. The humidity also increases significantly this month
During June, expect 30 days of temperatures above 80F/27C and 20 days of 90F/31C or higher. Temperatures continue to rise, making shorts and t-shirts suitable clothing choices. And since June also marks the beginning of the hurricane season, a poncho or umbrella will keep you from getting soaked during the afternoon thunderstorms.
July: Serious Pool Weather
- 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 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. Again, expect every day of the month of July to see temperatures above 90F/31C. Nights also tend to remain above 70F/21C, making shorts and a t-shirt a comfortable choice in the evenings. Make sure to take frequent breaks in the shade or indoors and to stay hydrated all day. A pool day in between Walt Disney World theme park days may be a necessity, especially for the kiddos!
August: The Hottest Time of the Year
- 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: Crowd levels tend to decrease
- Cons: This is the warmest month of the year and 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, expect to see temperatures above 90F/31C every single day of the month. Nights continue to remain above 70F/21C, so there’s no need for an extra layer in the evening. August usually sees the most extreme high temperatures of the year. Continue to take frequent breaks in air-conditioned rooms and afternoon pool breaks. Sunscreen, 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.
Additionally, be flexible if you plan to fly into Orlando – especially if your flight is scheduled in the afternoon. Flight delays due to thunderstorms are very common. This is where trip insurance can come very handy.
September: Deep Into Hurricane Season
- 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 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 days above 90F/31C decreases in September, it is still hot and humid. Crowd levels continue to fall as more schools star their academic year. Finally, as September is deep into the hurricane season, continue to be flexible if you plan to fly into Orlando. Don’t be surprised if your afternoon flight is delayed due to a thunderstorm!
October: Temperatures Start to Taper
- 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; the strongest hurricanes tend to happen in October
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 continues to decrease. Toward the end of the month, temperatures start to decrease. While shorts and a t-shirt are still important, a light jacket will come in handy for the evening temperatures. October is also usually when the strongest hurricanes occur, so trip insurance will still come handy if you’re flying to Orlando.
November: Cooler Temperatures, Especially at Night
- 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
During November, expect 15 days of temperatures above 80F/27C and 0 days above 90F/31C. Nighttime temperatures 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 for the evenings. November is the tail end of hurricane season, so afternoon thundershowers are less common.
December: Significantly Cooler Temperatures
- 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
- 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 come in handy in the evenings. Because it’s Christmas season at Walt Disney World, crowd levels rise significantly toward the end of the month. Be sure to pack your coat and a lot of patience!
Which Time of Year is Best at Walt Disney World?
Despite the general unpredictability of the weather at Disney World, there are trends that will help you make your vacation planning a lot easier.
Here are the most notable trends in the weather in Walt Disney World.
Spring and Fall Feature the Most Moderate Weather
During Spring and Fall, the weather is warm but still comfortable enough for outdoor activities.
The humidity is lower and the UV index is in a safe range, meaning the heat won’t leave you as sweaty compared to the Summer. This also means that your risk of sunburn is a lower.
During the Spring months of March, April, and May, and the first half of June, the flowers start to bloom. This is also the start of the EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival. Plan to enjoy 8-9 hours of sunlight per day. Enjoy this 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. Unlike Spring, the weather starts to cool off considerably, especially at night. An extra layer or a light jacket is 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 the end of November. While the Fall weather is moderate, be prepared for afternoon thunderstorms.
Spring and Fall are the most enjoyable times of the year. Be aware though that as Spring continues into Summer, the crowd levels increase drastically. Similarly, as Fall turns into Winter, the crowd levels increase, but the temperatures decrease.
Summer and Winter Feature is the Most Extreme Weather
While Spring and Fall weather tend to be similar, Summer and Winter are on opposite ends of the spectrum.
Summer in Disney World is hot, humid, and wet. Shorts, a t-shirt, and a hat are necessities. In contrast, Winter weather is considerably colder. Extra layers and a coat are a necessity.
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. Be aware though that the weather can still be variable, with thunderstorms sometimes lasting several hours. The temperatures are also the hottest during this time of year, with mid-day temperatures sometimes reaching upwards of 100F/38C. With the high humidity, 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. However, guests do enjoy much more sunlight – 14 hours worth per day!
The Winter months of December, January, and February are much cooler than the rest of the year. With temperatures sometimes dipping below 50F/10C, a thicker coat and a hat or beanie come in handy, especially at night. Expect to enjoy minimal rain. Keep in mind that the humidity makes lower temperatures feel even colder. The Winter season also sees a big spike of crowd levels during the Holiday season.
Final Thoughts on the Weather
In general, the Summer and Winter months demonstrate the most extreme weather throughout the year.
If you have any aversion to the extreme cold or heat, 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 long lines. The same goes for the Winter during the Christmas season, where there’s still a big spike in crowd levels.
On the other hand, Spring and Fall bring the most moderate weather in Walt Disney World.
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 after Thanksgiving. You’re likely to avoid the Thanksgiving crowds and catch some of the Holiday decorations around Disney World.
Remember though, hurricane season runs from June 1st through November 30th, with mid-August through mid-October being peak hurricane season. If you travel during these months, bring a poncho, umbrella, waterproof shoes, and extra socks.
Here’s our top tip to prepare for the rain: Take advantage of the doppler radar on your mobile phone’s weather app. Thunderstorms travel quickly and in different directions, so the doppler radar makes it easy to estimate when to take out your poncho.
Need help planning your next Disney World vacation? Make sure to reach out to one of our knowledgeable travel advisors!