January
Weather – The average daily low is 49⁰F, the average daily high is 72⁰F, and the average daily temperature is 61⁰F. With respect to humidity, the daily average is 74%. During this month the average amount of rainfall is 2.1 inches (approximately 6 days of rain per month).
Crowds – Crowds are minimal at Walt Disney World throughout most of January. Because this time of year isn’t really busy, hotel rates are going to be lower. The down side is that some rides could also be closed for refurbishment. The first week of January can be a bit busy because of the extended school holiday and the Walt Disney World Marathon however.
Special Events – Every January, thousands of people go to Walt Disney World to complete the Walt Disney World Marathon. The marathon normally brings in around 20,000 runners and their families. It is usually held the second weekend after New Year’s Day. Also, in Epcot, the Chinese New Year is celebrated in the China Pavilion. There are usually acrobats and special activities for children.
February
Weather – The average daily low is 50⁰F, the average daily high is 73⁰F, and the average daily temperature is 62⁰F. With respect to humidity, the daily average is 71%. During this month the average amount of rainfall is 0.8 inches (approximately 7 days of rain per month).
Crowds – The first half of February is much like January with respect to the smaller crowds (and lower hotel rates), while the second half of February can be a bit busier. One of the busiest times to visit Disney World occurs in February actually: President’s Day weekend. Mardi Gras sometimes falls in February as well which brings the tourists from New Orleans out in droves (though the crowds aren’t horrible).
Special Events – Black history month is celebrated throughout the month of February with no extra charge for activities. A Mardi Gras party is held at Pleasure Island when Fat Tuesday falls in the month of February as well (which does occur in 2009). The Atlanta Braves hold spring training and play a few exhibition games at Disney’s Wide World of Sports from mid-February to March. Valentine’s Day is celebrated each year at Pleasure Island with live music and street performers.
March
Weather – The average daily low is 55⁰F, the average daily high is 78⁰F, and the average daily temperature is 67⁰F. With respect to humidity, the daily average is 71%. During this month the average amount of rainfall is 3.2 inches (approximately 8 days of rain per month). Typically, March is considered to be one of the best weather months in Florida.
Crowds – The month of March is generally crowded due to college spring breaks. Crowds go in and out according to those spring break schedules.
Special Events – The Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival is held in March (extending into early June). Experts showcase exotic floral displays, share tips, and perform demonstrations. If Mardi Gras falls in March, the Pleasure Island Mardi Gras Party will also occur this month. Pleasure Island turns green for St. Patrick’s Day and celebrates accordingly.
April
Weather – The average daily low is 60⁰F, the average daily high is 84⁰F, and the average daily temperature is 72⁰F. With respect to humidity, the daily average is 69%. During this month the average amount of rainfall is 2.2 inches (approximately 6 days of rain per month). Typically, April is considered to be one of the best weather months in Florida.
Crowds – Conversely, April is considered to be one of the worst crowd months for Disney World. This is also due to college spring breaks and the Easter holiday. Wait times are going to be excessively high as are hotel rates.
Special Events – Easter occurs in April though there are no Easter decorations or parades at the parks. During Easter week however children can normally meet the “Easter Bunny” at Magic Kingdom. The Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival is still in full swing. Also, Grad Nites normally occur the last two weeks of April. These are private parties held for graduating high school seniors.
May
Weather – The average daily low is 66⁰F, the average daily high is 88⁰F, and the average daily temperature is 77⁰F. The weather is hot but tolerable. With respect to humidity, the daily average is 72%. During this month the average amount of rainfall is 3.9 inches (approximately 9 days of rain per month).
Crowds – Crowds are moderate for the most part in early May with a peak in attendance around Memorial Day.
Special Events – There is a Cinco de Mayo celebration centered on the Mexico Pavilion at Epcot, tied in with the International Flower & Garden Festival. It normally has some sort of special activity for families. There is also a Pleasure Island Cinco de Mayo Party with live music. There is a Mother’s Day Brunch normally held at Epcot as well (between Canada and the UK pavilions). The International Flower & Garden Festival ends on the last day of May.
June
Weather – The average daily low is 71⁰F, the average daily high is 91⁰F, and the average daily temperature is 81⁰F. With respect to humidity, the daily average is 77%. During this month the average amount of rainfall is 7.4 inches (approximately 14 days of rain per month).
Crowds – The Summer months (June-early August) are extremely busy months at Disney World with high wait times, high temperatures and high hotel rates.
Special Events – In early June “Gay Days” is held at Disney World, though it is not a Disney sponsored event. Visit www.gaydays.com for more information. For several weekends in June you will also find Star Wars Weekends at Disney Studios where Star Wars actors and characters in costume make appearances. Other Star Wars related events are also held during these times.
July
Weather – The average daily low is 73⁰F, the average daily high is 92⁰F, and the average daily temperature is 82⁰F. With respect to humidity, the daily average is 79%. During this month the average amount of rainfall is 7.8 inches (approximately 17 days of rain per month).
Crowds – The Summer months (June-early August) are extremely busy months at Disney World with high wait times, high temperatures and high hotel rates. If you plan to visit one of the theme parks on July 4, know that this is one of the most popular days of the year at Disney World and that the park could reach full capacity at some point during the day (you may not be allowed admission as a result).
Special Events – Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios and Epcot all offer special fireworks shows on Independence Day (Animal Kingdom does not offer fireworks because it would disturb the animals). There is also a special fireworks display in Downtown Disney. On July 14, Bastille Day is celebrated in the France Pavilion in Epcot to commemorate the beginning of the French Revolution.
August
Weather – The average daily low is 73⁰F, the average daily high is 92⁰F, and the average daily temperature is 82⁰F. With respect to humidity, the daily average is 80%. During this month the average amount of rainfall is 6.3 inches (approximately 16 days of rain per month).
Crowds – Early August can still be a bit busy as summer is still winding down. Crowds are moderate throughout the rest of August. You can find some really great rates during the month of August.
Special Events – There aren’t any special events normally held during this month.
September
Weather – The average daily low is 73⁰F, the average daily high is 90⁰F, and the average daily temperature is 82⁰F. With respect to humidity, the daily average is 80%. During this month the average amount of rainfall is 5.6 inches (approximately 14 days of rain per month). September is peak hurricane season as well. There’s nothing like a hurricane to ruin a great vacation. It’s a bit of a gamble to schedule your Disney vacation during the month of September.
Crowds – Due to this time of year being extremely hot and the peak of hurricane season, crowds are minimal. The upside is that you can find some really great deals.
Special Events – The “Night of Joy” takes place in the month of September. This is a Christian-music festival that happens on two nights at Hollywood Studios. The Epcot International Food and Wine Festival also begins in September and runs through early November. Many cultures (around 30) showcase their cuisine, wine and entertainment. You can find demonstrations, wine seminars, tastings, and some of the world’s top chefs at this event.
October
Weather – The average daily low is 65⁰F, the average daily high is 84⁰F, and the average daily temperature is 75⁰F. With respect to humidity, the daily average is 77%. During this month the average amount of rainfall is 2.8 inches (approximately 9 days of rain per month). Typically, October is considered to be one of the best weather months in Florida.
Crowds – Crowds are moderate throughout the month of October.
Special Events – Mickey’s Not So Scare Halloween Party happens every year on select nights after the closing of Magic Kingdom throughout October. It includes trick or treating, costume parades, character meetings, special performances and fireworks.
November
Weather – The average daily low is 57⁰F, the average daily high is 78⁰F, and the average daily temperature is 68⁰F. With respect to humidity, the daily average is 76%. During this month the average amount of rainfall is 1.8 inches (approximately 6 days of rain per month). Typically, November is considered to be one of the best weather months in Florida.
Crowds – Thanksgiving week can be very crowded but the rest of November has a low to moderate number of people in attendance. “Jersey Week,” which is typically the first or second week of November, can bring in a lot of New Jersey Residents (New Jersey schools shut down for a teacher’s convention which is also close to Veteran’s Day).
Special Events – ABC Super Soap Weekend is an annual event held in November at Hollywood Studios that offers soap opera fans the chance to meet their favorite ABC soap stars. Thanksgiving also occurs at the end of November, while Disney World does not offer any special Thanksgiving parade or decorations. The Christmas decorations are normally up by this time however. You can normally find special meals available at most Disney World restaurants on Thanksgiving Day.
December
Weather – The average daily low is 51⁰F, the average daily high is 73⁰F, and the average daily temperature is 62⁰F. With respect to humidity, the daily average is 76%. During this month the average amount of rainfall is 1.9 inches (approximately 6 days of rain per month).
Crowds – Early December isn’t very crowded at all (before Christmas) but the time period between Christmas and New Year’s Day is the busiest and most expensive time of year.
Special Events – There is plenty going on at Disney World during the month of December. They have the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights at Hollywood Studios that incorporates millions of Christmas lights, fake snow, and other holiday decorations created by Jennings Osborne of Little Rock, Arkansas. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is also held during December after the regular closing of Magic Kingdom. Epcot’s World Showcase transforms into a display of holiday traditions for Epcot’s “Holidays Around the World.” The Candlelight Processional is held at the America Gardens Theatre at Epcot which consists of a celebrity narrator telling the Biblical Christmas story, a large choir, and an orchestra. Magic Kingdom also has special parades, shows and fireworks during this time of year. Special meals are available to guests at certain restaurants on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
As I said, there’s no one perfect time to visit Walt Disney World. Take a look at your options and use this guide to plan a vacation that’s right for you and your family. Regardless of when you go, you’re sure to have a great time. Happy planning!
Resources:
www.mousesavers.com
www.touringplans.com
The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World 2009 by Bob Sehlinger with Len Testa