It’s always a good time to go to Disney World if you’re a huge fan of the parks. However, weather, crowds, prices and special events vary throughout the year and can enhance (or take away) from the Disney experience. Here are our recommendations on the best months and times to visit Walt Disney World for good weather, smallest crowds, cheapest tickets and more.
Best Weather
The best month to visit Walt Disney World in terms of weather is April. Chance of rain is low, the average high is in the low 80s and the average low is around 62°F (view monthly weather averages). Plus, EPCOT’s Flower and Garden Festival is in full bloom and the sun sets around 8 p.m., so you’ll have plenty of daylight in the theme parks.
A very close second is March followed by mid-October through the first half of November. The sun sets earlier in these months and there is a slightly higher chance of rain in October, otherwise temperatures are similar to April.
For those of you who don’t like hot weather, plan your visit to Disney World when temperatures are lowest in December, January and February. However, there can be some chilly evenings after dark, which can be surprisingly uncomfortable as the humidity makes it hard to stay warm.
Smallest Crowds
If your primary goal is to avoid Disney World crowds, plan to go in January (the coldest time of the year), February before and after Presidents Day, early May, mid-to-late August and September after Labor Day. Note that it’s hot in August and September and it is the peak season for tropical storms and hurricanes. You may want to have good travel insurance during these months in case the weather interrupts your trip.
You’ll also want to take a look at the extended evening hours schedule (also viewable on the Disney World calendar). It’s a great opportunity ride the rides with fewer crowds, plus you’ll qualify to join the virtual queues at 6 p.m.
Cheapest Tickets
Tickets at Disney World are cheapest on weekdays and when parks aren’t very crowded (typically the times when kids are in school). For the best deals, plan to visit during the last two weeks of August or in September.
Best Events
Halloween and Christmas seasons at Walt Disney World are full of unique decorations, food and entertainment. Just try not to go into the parks on the actual holiday. Decorations go up early so you have plenty of time to enjoy Halloween or Christmas in the parks before the crowds. Tip: Visit Disney World during the first two weeks of December to avoid Thanksgiving and Christmas crowds.
EPCOT festivals area also worth planning a trip around. The Flower and Garden Festival in spring and early summer has beautiful flowers and topiaries that are a welcome sight after winter. The Food and Wine Festival is another popular event that lasts from mid-summer into fall. Both of these festivals have a concert series, so check the Garden Rocks and Eat to the Beat concert lineups in case there is a singer or band you want to see. If you prefer Disney music, visit during the International Festival of the Arts to check out Disney on Broadway performances.
When to Not Go to Disney World
To save money on your Disney World trip and stay away from crowds, avoid visiting during these times:
- Three-day weekends for MLK Jr. Day, Columbus Day and Veteran’s Day.
- Halloween, Christmas and New Year’s Eve and Day
- Spring break (all of March and first half of April)
- Second week of November (Jersey Week)
- The week before and after runDisney events (spring and fall)
- June, July and August (unless you are prepared to deal with the extreme heat and rain)
You can visit during these times, but more strategies are needed to avoid crowds, including purchasing lightning lane access to skip the lines. A park hopper ticket is also useful so you can hop to a less crowded park and visit different parks at the time of day when crowds are lowest.
The weather is also oppressively hot and rainy in June, July and August. Park visits are doable, but you need to dress appropriately, bring ponchos, stay hydrated and plan for air conditioning or pool breaks in the afternoons. One perk is that parks can empty when it starts raining, so lines may be shorter during and after thunderstorms, but keep in mind that outdoor rides will temporarily shut down.
Disney World for Adults 