Disney World in November: Weather, crowds and planning tips

EPCOT Food and Wine Festival carrot cake

Visiting Disney World in November involves careful planning to dodge the crowds, but if you’re successful, you’re rewarded with pleasant weather and lots of things to see, do and eat. Christmas decorations go up at the start of the month, adding a festive touch to resorts and theme parks. There are also multiple festivals and events, plus earlier sunset times mean more time to relax around a campfire.

Here’s everything you need to know about planning a trip to Disney World in November.

November Events & Holidays

Thanksgiving and Jersey Week are the two big events that impact crowds in November. What is Jersey Week? It’s tons of families from New Jersey that descend on the theme parks due to an annual teacher convention (schools close). Definitely avoid a trip at this time. In addition to crowds, flights and hotels are more expensive than normal.

In terms of fun events, EPCOT’s International Food & Wine Festival and the International Festival of the Holidays both take place in November. There’s also a food and wine festival at the Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin (near Disney’s Boardwalk). Plus, you can often choose from two after-hour holiday events (Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and Jollywood Nights), which tend to have shorter wait times for rides, free food and special experiences.

2025 Event Dates

  • EPCOT Food & Wine Festival (Aug 28-Nov 22, 2025)
  • Daylight Savings ends (Nov 2, 2025)
  • Jersey Week (Nov 3-9, 2025)
  • Disney World Swan & Dolphin Food & Wine Classic (Nov 14-15, 2025)
  • Mickey Mouse’s birthday (Nov 18, 2025)
  • Thanksgiving (Nov 27, 2025)
  • EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays (Nov 28-Dec 30, 2025)

Crowds

Avoid Jersey Week if you are planning a November Disney World trip (see above dates). It’s crowded and expensive. The middle of the month and the week after Thanksgiving are the sweet spots. A Thanksgiving trip isn’t out of the question either. Visiting the parks on the actual holiday and the days before is a good strategy (avoid visiting the theme parks on the days after the holiday).

November Weather

There are many sunny days in November with high temperatures in the 70s°F on average (about 10 degrees cooler than October). The lows are in the 50s, so it can be cool in the mornings and the evenings, so be sure to bring a jacket or sweatshirt.

We’re usually ready to leave the theme parks once the sun goes down, so make the most of the daylight hours. A hot shower and a nice dinner after sunset can be the perfect way to end the day (especially when it isn’t very warm outside). For reference, the sunset time at Disney World in November is ~5:30pm ET.

What to Wear

You’ll need a mix of clothes if you’re planning to visit Disney World in November. It can be warm in the sun during the day, making t-shirts and sometimes tank tops appropriate options. But long-sleeve shirts, jackets and sweatshirts are great layers to have as the temperature fluctuates throughout the day (and be sure to pack at least one pair of pants).

Like all months of the year, a hat and comfortable walking shoes are important accessories. Walking sandals are also great to have on warmer days. Brands to look for include Teva, Chaco, Keen and Sketchers. Otherwise, bring cushioned walking or running shoes — there’s lots of standing and stepping on pavement! Having at least two pairs of shoes is helpful to reduce fatigue.

Planning Tips

  • Check flight and hotel prices before locking in your trip dates. This will help you avoid the most crowded days in November.
  • Pool time can be hit or miss in November, but it’s a great time of year to soak in a hot tub. Look for this amenity when choosing your hotel/resort. This will exclude all of Disney’s value resorts.
  • November in Florida feels more like fall than October, so consider leaning into the season at resorts that have a cozy atmosphere. This includes Animal Kingdom Lodge, Wilderness Lodge, Cabins at Fort Wilderness, Yacht Club, Polynesian (lots of tiki torches) and Port Orleans French Quarter.
  • EPCOT’s Food and Wine Festival tends to have a great lineup of artists, so be sure to look at the schedule and potentially plan your trip around a concert.
  • Pass on park hoppers in November. As the year winds down and the days get shorter, it’s nice to move at a slower pace around Disney World. Plus, you may not want to be in the theme parks late in the evening due to cooler temperatures.
  • Consider purchasing an event ticket for one of the holiday parties. You’ll have shorter wait times for rides and bonus experiences. Jollywood Nights is the more adult of the two events.
  • Avoid Disney Springs on the weekends (especially Friday and Saturday nights). Holiday shopping season ramps up in November.
  • If you’re a big Christmas fan, be sure to visit Disney’s deluxe resorts to view the holiday decorations, which include a large and ornately decorated Christmas tree. Some resorts also have elaborate gingerbread houses.

More Information

Top photo: Carrot cake at EPCOT’s Food and Wine Festival (America Pavilion)