If you’ve never been to Florida, there is one thing you need to know: it’s hot! Not a Summer in the UK kinda hot, but feeling like you are on the surface of the sun hot. The first time we went to Walt Disney World, I was definitely overwhelmed by the heat and humidity. Because it’s not just a dry heat like in Spain; no, it feels like a steam sauna.
Hopefully, I didn’t discourage you by now! Disney World is a wonderful destination, but you must choose the best time to visit carefully! Especially if you are not used to the heat.
Best time to visit Walt Disney World
Looking at the weather, the best time to visit Walt Disney World is from October until February. Winters are pretty mild in Florida and, most of the time, resemble Summer back home. You will need a light jacket, maybe even a jumper, but overall you will be fine.
It’s pretty easy to spot the tourists in those colder months, as the Floridians wear warm winter jackets, scarves, and beanies, while the tourists can be found in a pool.
So the best time to visit Walt Disney World without melting would be fall and winter.
Are you going to Walt Disney World in the Summer months? Then there are two things to consider:
- Hurricane Season
- Staying cool in de Summer heat
Hurricane Season
Florida is known for its hurricane season, which starts in May and lasts until November, with the highest probability of one actually hitting Florida from July until September.
We’ve visited Walt Disney World multiple times during hurricane season and only encountered one. That was in 2017 when Hurricane Irma hit Orlando pretty badly.
Walt Disney World is one of the safest places to be during even the worst hurricanes, as the hotels are sturdy. You will be asked to stay indoors but can stock up on food and drinks before then. And some resorts even offer entertainment during the storm to keep everyone occupied.
The resorts are even a safe haven for locals, and it’s heartbreaking to see them evacuate their pets and some of their belongings to one of the hotels.
If you are fortunate enough to leave Florida before the storm hits, be prepared for full planes and huge lines at customs. Many people try to leave during that time, and honestly, you don’t want to be there during a hurricane, so it’s best to go home when you can.
Would I skip Walt Disney World during hurricane season? No! The chances of a major one hitting Orlando are pretty low. We were there during one that turned into a tropical storm, and it felt like a regular British Summer day.
How to stay cool in the Summer heat
While hurricane season might not be as bad, you don’t want to underestimate the Summer heat in Florida.
It’s such a different kind of heat, especially if you’ve never been outside Europe. That’s why you shouldn’t underestimate it or you can even end up in the ER.
One of the things you need to do is drink water (or soda) throughout the day. Even if you are not feeling thirsty, you will get dehydrated quickly and won’t notice it until too late. You can buy water bottles in the parks, but having them delivered to your hotel by a local supermarket is much cheaper.
Another thing to remember is that every food location at the parks that has a soda fountain can give you free ice water. Even Starbucks offers this to guests. When Disney offers something for free, you know it’s important!
Also, keep in mind that you will be sweating…a lot! Bring light clothing, preferably something you would wear during a workout. Those types of clothing are made to handle sweating and will help you dry up quicker.
And finally, during the afternoon, try to find activities you can do indoors. This could be watching a show, riding indoor rides, or having a long sit-down meal. If you have to be outside, bring lots of sunscreen, you will need it!