We have been visiting Disneyland Paris since 1993 and have had all sorts of weather, from thunderstorms to extremely hot weather and even snow. And it can be hard not to let it impact your day or even your visit.
Fortunately, the Disney Parks are open 365 days a year, which means you can pick the perfect weather for your stay. Let’s look at what you can expect, what you need to pack, and how you survive bad weather in Disneyland Paris!
What weather to expect in Disneyland Paris?
The weather in Disneyland Paris depends on the season. Summers can be quite hot, while the winters can be pretty cold and even have snow. Spring and Fall can be pretty mild, with nice temperatures and the occasional rain shower.
Just like in other Northern European countries, the weather can change from day to day, with one day being nice and sunny and the other cloudy and grey. That’s why we always check the weather app on our phones a few days before our visit and even the day off so we are prepared for any rain shower or heat.
You do need to prepare because you will be outdoors for most of your Disneyland Paris visit. Even the rides and queues are mostly outdoors, which means bad weather will certainly impact your stay and probably your mood.
What is the best time to visit?
The best time to visit Disneyland Paris depends on your preferences. We typically go in late spring or early fall. Then there is a large chance of getting warm, sunny weather, without rain. That’s my preferred weather for visiting the parks.
Would you like to soak up some sun at one of the Disneyland Paris pools? Then the summer is the perfect time to go. It can be pretty hot, though, with temperatures over 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius). When we visit in the Summer months, we go to the parks early in the morning, then head to the hotel for a nap at the pool, and return to the parks around dinner time when the crowds are going down.
Wintertime can be a hit or miss in Disneyland Paris. It’s either freezing but sunny or mild but rainy. Personally, I prefer cold but sunny days, and I just wear an extra layer of clothing to keep me warm. Rain is never fun, especially in an outdoor theme park.
What to bring?
Make sure you pack according to the Disneyland Paris weather and the season:
- Winter: bring warm clothing like gloves, beanies, scarves, water-resistant shoes or boots, and multiple warm layers. Leave your puffy jacket at home, or fitting onto the rides can be difficult.
- Summer: pack light clothing, preferably sportswear, that dries easily as you will be sweating. Bring sneakers or running shoes, and don’t wear flip-flops or sandals to the parks, as you will get blisters.
- Spring/Fall: these are the times when the temperatures are mild during the day but can get cold at night, so bring a nice light jacket, comfy shoes, and a jumper for when it gets cold.
Finally, always bring either an umbrella or rain jacket to Disneyland Paris. There is always a chance of rain, and you don’t want to end up buying umbrellas or rain gear at the parks at a premium. Also, don’t forget to bring a waterproof bag to keep your belongings dry when it starts pouring.
How to survive a cold/rainy/hot day?
When the weather in Disneyland Paris is not what you hoped for, don’t let it impact your visit! There are lots of things you can do on a cold, hot, or rainy day.
One of the best things about cold or rainy days is the lower crowds. That means you will need less time in the parks to experience everything. Most rides will remain open, even if it rains, so you can still experience everything the parks have to offer. We’ve been to Disneyland Paris when it was snowing and it was so beautiful to see the castle covered in snow. Just make sure you wear some warm socks and shoes, bring gloves and a beanie to keep you warm, and walk into the shops to warm up a bit.
My visit during a heat wave in Disneyland Paris was not as pleasant, if I’m honest. The mistake I made was to wear Birkenstock sandals, which I thought would be great for walking in the parks. Spoiler, they were not! My feet were covered in blisters after one day, making it really difficult to walk for the remainder of my stay. I even had to go to the Val d’Europe shopping centre to get sneakers as I had only brought my sandals.
Another thing about warm days in Disneyland Paris is that the parks are open until 11 pm. This means you have lots of time to explore and experience all the rides and attractions. That’s why we always take a little break after lunch to go to the pool or have a short nap. Then when the sun goes down, we head back to the parks to continue our day.
As you can see, the weather doesn’t have to impact your Disneyland Paris visit if you come prepared. So, always check the weather app on your phone – pick either Marne-La-Vallee, Chessy or Serris as the city, and you will always know what to expect.
Continue reading: How to Survive a Rainy Day in Disneyland Paris
