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Discover the Best Months to Visit Disney World: A Complete Guide

When planning a Walt Disney World vacation, choosing the right time to visit is essential to make the most of your magical experience. Factors like school schedules, holidays, weather, and crowd levels all come into play, so it’s worth planning carefully.

Here’s a month-by-month guide to help you decide the best time to visit Walt Disney World!

January: New Year Magic and Lower Crowds

Highlights: New Year’s celebrations bring high crowds initially, but after the first weekend, the parks start to quiet down. Disney’s Marathon Weekend, January 3-7, brings in a large runDisney crowd. Martin Luther King Jr. Day weekend is another busy period, with families taking advantage of the holiday.

Weather: January weather in Florida can be unpredictable, ranging from warm to surprisingly cold. Pack layers to stay comfortable.

Disneyland Guests in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle in Southern California
Credit: Disney

February: Winter Crowds and Festivities

Highlights: February sees moderate crowds, especially around Mardi Gras and Presidents Day. runDisney’s Princess Half Marathon Weekend brings extra visitors, though not as many as Marathon Weekend.

Weather: Similar to January, February’s weather can vary. Be prepared for both warm and chilly days.

March: Spring Break Crowds and Flower & Garden Festival

Highlights: Spring break kicks in around the second week of March, making this one of the busiest months. EPCOT’s Flower & Garden Festival begins, offering vibrant displays, delicious food booths, and stunning topiaries throughout the park.

Weather: The weather warms up pleasantly, making March a popular time for those seeking sunshine.

April: Easter Crowds and Pleasant Weather

Highlights: April’s crowds usually taper off after Easter, creating a more manageable experience. The Flower & Garden Festival continues at EPCOT, and mid-April often hosts runDisney’s Springtime Surprise Weekend.

Weather: Expect beautiful spring weather, ideal for exploring the parks without extreme heat.

EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival
Credit: V Mills/Disney

May: Ideal Weather and Smaller Crowds

Highlights: May is one of the best months to visit. The weather is typically warm without the intense humidity of summer. Cheer and dance groups may be around for competitions at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, but they won’t heavily impact park crowds. Avoid Memorial Day weekend if you can, as it brings an influx of visitors.

Weather: Mild temperatures and lower humidity make May a great time to visit.

June & July: Summer Vacations and Holiday Celebrations

Highlights: Summer brings high crowd levels as families flock to the parks. The Fourth of July is a particularly popular time to visit, with spectacular fireworks displays at Magic Kingdom and EPCOT. Be prepared for longer wait times and larger crowds during these months.

Weather: The heat and humidity peak during June and July, so plan for plenty of hydration and breaks in shaded areas.

August: End-of-Summer Heat and Events

Highlights: With schools starting back up, August crowd levels decrease as the month progresses. EPCOT’s International Food & Wine Festival kicks off, and Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party begins at Magic Kingdom.

Weather: Hot and humid. Afternoon thunderstorms are common, so plan for potential rain.

September: Lower Crowds but Hurricane Season

Highlights: Labor Day weekend brings in a few crowds, but overall, September is one of the least crowded months. Halloween festivities continue, and you can enjoy EPCOT’s Food & Wine Festival.

Weather: September is part of hurricane season, so be aware of potential storms. Check Disney’s hurricane policy before booking for peace of mind.

Three women seated around an outdoor table, toasting with drinks and smiling. They are wearing sunglasses and casual clothes, with a background featuring a sign and a clear, sunny sky. They appear to be enjoying a pleasant day out together.
Credit: Disney

October: Halloween Fun and Growing Fall Breaks

Highlights: Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom is in full swing, and fall breaks lead to higher crowds. This is a popular month for Halloween fans who want to experience the seasonal magic Disney offers.

Weather: Cooler than summer, but still warm, making October a pleasant month to visit.

November: Festive Holidays Begin

Highlights: As soon as Halloween ends, Disney transforms into a holiday wonderland. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party kicks off at Magic Kingdom, and EPCOT wraps up its Food & Wine Festival before shifting to the Festival of the Holidays in late November. The Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend also occurs at the beginning of the month.

Weather: Temperatures cool down, making it one of the more comfortable months for walking around the parks.

December: Christmas Magic and Holiday Crowds

Highlights: December at Walt Disney World is a truly magical experience, with holiday decorations, festive parades, and special events throughout the parks. Early December tends to be quieter, but crowds increase significantly as Christmas and New Year’s approach.

Weather: December weather is usually mild, though cold fronts can occasionally bring cooler days, so pack accordingly.

Disney World - Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse on a float during a parade at Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party.
Credit: Disney

Tips for Deciding When to Visit Walt Disney World

  • Special Events: Decide if you want to experience holiday events, seasonal festivals, or runDisney weekends.
  • Weather Preferences: Florida’s heat can be intense in summer, while winter can bring cooler weather. Choose a month that matches your ideal weather conditions.
  • Crowd Levels: If avoiding crowds is a priority, consider months like January, February, or September when the parks tend to be quieter.

Using this month-by-month breakdown, you can determine the best time for your Walt Disney World vacation based on your family’s preferences. No matter when you visit, there’s always magic waiting around every corner!

Jennifer Retzlaff

Jennifer became a lifelong Disney fan during her first trip to Walt Disney World in 6th grade. From that moment, Disney became a big part of her life. She quickly started to introduce her love of Disney to her family with a Disney honeymoon and then family trips when her youngest was 18 months old. She loves the magic that Disney brings to people through theme parks, cruises, and adventures. As a teacher, she tries to bring Disney magic into her classroom to help kids believe that “If You Can Dream It, You Can Do It.” She is also part of the Magic Vacation Planner team as a personal travel advisor. With this team, she can now help others plan magical vacations. She loves bringing her love to Disney to readers with How to Disney.

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