Orlando & Walt Disney World weather can be unpredictable and if you are not prepared can ruin the enjoyment of your vacation. Our Guide to the Orlando Weather highlights the type of weather you might encounter on your vacation. We also provide tips & tricks on how you can Beat the Orlando Weather.
If you are planning to book a vacation to Orlando you will probably have already wondered what the weather will be like when you visit.
Orlando benefits from year-round sunny weather. The weather was one of the attractions that initially made Walt Disney secretly buy 47 square miles of land in Florida.
Florida’s official nickname is “The Sunshine State” which was officially adopted in 1970. However, the weather can be very variable. News reports of storms and hurricanes are not infrequent occurrence.
While it is highly unlikely you can visit Orlando and not encounter a fair measure of sunshine it can undoubtedly be offset with plenty of rain and the occasional storm.
However, it is highly unlikely the weather will ruin any vacation to Walt Disney World. Severe hurricanes are a very infrequent event. While summer storms are inevitable, they are likely to be a minor inconvenience than a vacation-ruining experience.
Preparation, like everything at Walt Disney World, is the key to ensuring you have a great time. Guests who are prepared for all eventualities can easily Beat the Orlando Weather
When are the hottest & coolest months to visit Walt Disney World?
July is the hottest month in Orlando with an average temperature of 28°C (82°F). However, it does get hotter than this with average July highs topping 33°C(91°F).
While that might sound pretty hot the actual hottest ever recorded temperature was in September. On September 8, 1921, a staggering 103 degrees was recorded.
The coldest month is January with average temperatures of 15°C (59°F). However, you will still manage to enjoy highs of 70°F (21°C).
Rainfall in Orlando
Rain does occur throughout the year but June to September are the wettest months in Orlando. Although July is the wettest month you can expect some rain on most days throughout the summer.
November is usually the driest month in Orlando. An added advantage, November is also one of the quietest months to visit Walt Disney World.
Orlando Humidity
Humidity is high in Orlando from late April to early November. Guest may find the level of humidity initially uncomfortable and it might take a few days to acclimatise. Again summer months offer the most humid conditions.
Sunshine at Walt Disney World
Florida is the “Sunshine State”, and Orlando will not disappoint. No matter when you visit Walt Disney World there will be sunshine.
June has the highest average sunshine at 11 hours a day. Even in winter, you will encounter 7 hours a day of sunshine.
Hurricanes
Hurricanes are something that worries many first time visitors to Florida. It is unusual for hurricanes to ruin your vacation but occasionally it can happen including in 2017.
The Atlantic Hurricane season officially begins on June 1 each year and continues through November 30th. The majority of hurricanes are in August & September.
Even when hurricanes hit Orlando closure of Walt Disney World is a very rare event. Walt Disney World has closed on 4 occasions due to adverse weather:
- 1999 Hurricane Floyd
- 2004 Hurricane Francis & Jeanne
- 2016 Hurricane Matthew
- 2017 Hurricane Irma
While park closures are a very infrequent event, outside rides do close regularly when storms are in the area.
When is the best time to visit?
We think any time is a great time to visit Orlando here on Modern Life is Good!
However, these clever folk at Weather Spark have done some very whizz-kid calculations. Based on theme park touring they recommend mid-March to mid-May and from mid-October to early December.
As for the very best week, they recommend the third week of April. However, if water-parks and beaches are likely to be a big part of your plan then you might want to read their recommendations in more detail.
Tips & Tricks to Beat the Orlando Weather
Here are our top tips & tricks to beat the Orlando Weather when visiting Walt Disney World:-
- Make sure your first day is a relatively easy one. Don’t go charging around the resort or you will burn-out. We tend to visit Epcot on our first day. Future World has plenty of indoor attractions and allows you to gradually adjust to the heat and humidity
- Arrive early Mornings. Mornings are cooler & you can avoid those daily summer afternoon storms.
- The weather in the evening is also usually better. Not only is it cooler but the storms have usually passed. Consider having an afternoon break in your resort. Remember in the summer opening hours are usually longer.
- Don’t forget to bring a waterproof, and consider bringing an umbrella.
- Also, be prepared for the sunshine! Don’t forget sunscreen & a good hat.
- Drink plenty of water in the hot weather & have plenty of breaks.
- Monitor weather forecast a day or two in advance. However, expect the unexpected they are often wrong.
- If the weather turns bad you should have a Plan B. You can still have a great time even when it rains.
- Complete your Fastpass reservations by early afternoon. If you are struggling to fit these in aim for indoor attractions only in the afternoon during summer.
- Schedule a free day in case you need to change plans because of bad weather.
- Relax! Enjoy your vacation. Weather can be part of your experience.
Further Reading
Visit our guide Walt Disney World for Beginners for more essential tips.
If you want more Walt Disney World Tips & Tricks we have lots of them here on Modern Life is Good. Here are 201 Tips & Tricks to have a great vacation at Walt Disney World.
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