Wondering when the best time to visit Disney World is? We’re sharing our tips on what to expect month-by-month, including what considerations you should make for weather, crowds, and special events.
Disney World has an exciting year ahead! 2024 bookings for Disney World open on May 31st, 2023, and starting January 9th, 2024, Park Pass requirements will be changing, and the Disney Dining Plan will be returning. And if you’re planning you vacation, you may be wondering the best time to visit Disney World. We’re sharing everything you need to consider, along with a month-by-month breakdown of what’s happening in the parks so that you can better determine the best time to visit Disney World.
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What to Consider Before Picking Your Dates
Photo by Laurie Sapp
Crowd Levels
One of the biggest factors to consider when planning your Disney World trip is going to be crowd levels. While crowds are inevitable in Disney World, the number of people can vary based on what time of year you visit. Typically, the “off-season” is considered to be the fall and winter months (excluding the holidays).
The summer months, the holidays, and spring break are particularly busy times of the year. However, if you have school-aged children, you may not have much flexibility in choosing when to visit. If peak seasons work best for you and your family, you’ll want to make sure to plan accordingly to get the most out of your time in Disney World. This can include using Disney Genie+ to skip lines and taking advantage of things like Early Theme Park Entry which gives you 30-minute early entry into the parks if you’re staying at a Disney World Resort hotel.
Weather
Another fact to consider is the weather. Florida’s weather can be hot and humid, especially in the summer months. In the summer and fall, you will also want to plan for hurricane season, which typically takes place from June through November. If you’re visiting during the winter months, you may experience some colder days, so packing layers is key.
Special Events
Throughout the year, Disney hosts various special events, including the EPCOT festivals and holiday events like Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party in Magic Kingdom. The EPCOT festivals will bring crowds to the park, especially on the weekends. As for the holiday parties, you will want to plan accordingly if you plan to visit Magic Kingdom on the day of a party, as the park hours are usually shorter for guests not attending.
Ride Closures and Refurbishments
Disney World is constantly updating and refurbishing its rides and attractions, which can impact your trip if you’re not aware of them. Make sure to check the Disney World website or My Disney Experience app for information on ride closures and refurbishments before you go so that you can plan your trip accordingly.
Best Time to Visit Disney World: Month by Month
January
January is an excellent time to visit Disney World for lower crowds and mild weather. While the first week of January can be busy due to the New Year’s holiday, the rest of the month tends to be quieter. However, remember that the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend, which typically falls during the second or third week of January, can bring in many runners and their families.
February
For lower crowds and mild weather, February is another good time to visit Disney World. Valentine’s Day and President’s Day can bring in some crowds, but the first two weeks of February are generally a queiter time to visit. You’ll also be able to take in seasonal events like the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts.
March
March is a popular time to visit Disney World due to spring break. Expect much heavier crowds, especially as you get further into the month with more kids off from school. If you plan on visiting during a busier time like spring break, book your hotel and dining well in advance, and take advantage of things like Disney Genie+ to save time in lines.
April
During the first few weeks of the month of April, you may still be dealing with some crowds for Easter and spring break. However, things tend to get a little quieter as you head further into the month. You’ll also be able to take advantage of the EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival, which typically kicks off in April and lasts through mid-summer.
May
Early May is a great time to visit for slightly lower crowds and milder weather (things really start heating up in June!). However, the end of the month will get busier as Florida schools end their school year, along with lots of visitors during Memorial Day weekend.
June
June marks the start of summer, and with school out, many families flock to Disney World for summer vacations. Crowds tend to be highest around July 4th holiday week, and you’ll want to plan for some particularly brutal hot and humid days as you get later into June. However, during weekdays in June, you still may be able to find some slightly quieter days, especially towards the beginning of the month.
July
July is the peak season for Disney World, with high crowds and especially hot temperatures. If you’re planning to visit during July, be prepared for long lines and crowded parks. July also marks the start of the EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival in EPCOT, which lasts through November.
August
August is also peak season for Disney World, with high crowds and hot temperatures. However, if you can handle the heat, there are still some opportunities for lower crowds during the early and later weeks of August as kids start heading back to school. The weekdays especially can have some opportunities to visit. August is also typically the start of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, so you will want to make sure to plan accordingly if you’re heading to Magic Kingdom.
September
After Labor Day weekend (which definitely brings in the crowds), September begins to bring lighter crowds as kids are back in school. The weather is still quite hot, so you’ll want to make sure to check out the temperatures to know what to pack. You’ll also want to keep an eye on the forecast for hurricanes, with hurricane season lasting through November.
October
Due to the fall season and Halloween events, October is a popular time to visit Disney World. Crowds can get heavier as the month goes on, but it’s a great time to take advantage of events like Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at the Magic Kingdom.
November
Early November is a good time to visit Disney World for lower crowds and cooler weather and also a chance to check out the holiday decorations at the parks (they typically come in early November). However, keep in mind that Thanksgiving week can be busy, particularly at Magic Kingdom. Also, note that Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party typically begins in early to mid-November, so you will want to plan accordingly. The EPCOT Festival of the Holidays also tends to kick off the day after Thanksgiving.
December
Due to the holiday season and special events, December is a popular time to visit Disney World. Crowds can be heavy, particularly during Christmas week and New Year’s week. This is a great time to experience seasonal events, like the Candlelight Processional at EPCOT, and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom.
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