Orlando and Walt Disney World weather can be unpredictable, and being unprepared can potentially ruin part of your vacation. Our Guide to the Orlando Weather highlights the weather you might encounter when visiting Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando. We also provide tips and tricks on how you can Beat the Orlando Weather.
If you plan to book a vacation to Orlando, you will probably have already wondered what the weather will be like. Orlando benefits from year-round sunny weather.
The weather was one of the attractions that made Walt Disney secretly buy 47 square miles of land in Florida. Florida’s official nickname is “The Sunshine State.” However, the weather can be very variable. News reports of storms and hurricanes are not infrequent occurrences.
Guests can visit Florida any time of year and have a vacation of continuous, glorious skies. The same week the following year could be followed by frequent storms. While it is doubtful you can visit Orlando and not encounter sunshine, it can undoubtedly be offset by plenty of rain and the occasional storm.
It is improbable that the weather will ruin any vacation to Walt Disney World. Severe hurricanes are very infrequent events. While summer storms are frequent, they will likely be a minor inconvenience rather than a vacation-ruining experience.
Like everything at Walt Disney World, preparation is key to ensuring 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 hottest recorded temperature was in September. On September 8, 1921, a staggering 103 degrees was recorded.
The coldest month is January, with an average temperature of 15°C (59°F). However, you will still 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 is that November, away from Thanksgiving, is one of the quietest months to visit Walt Disney World.
Orlando Humidity
Humidity is high in Orlando from late April to early November. Guests may find the humidity level initially uncomfortable, and it might take a few days to acclimatize.
We always recommend that guests unfamiliar with the humidity spend their first few days having easier park days. If visiting Walt Disney World, we think EPCOT is a fantastic starting point with many indoor attractions. We would recommend visiting Animal Kingdom, which is less sheltered, when you are more acclimatized.
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 sun.
Hurricanes
Hurricanes are a concern for many first-time visitors to Florida. It is unusual for hurricanes to ruin your vacation, but occasionally it can happen, and it seems to have happened more frequently in recent years.
The Atlantic Hurricane season officially begins on June 1 each year and continues through November 30th. The majority of hurricanes are in August & September. However, Hurricane Nicole closed the parks in November 2022.
Even when hurricanes hit Orlando, Walt Disney World’s closure is rare, but it does seem to be happening more frequently. Walt Disney World has closed on occasion due to adverse weather:
- 1999 Hurricane Floyd
- 2004 Hurricane Charley, Francis & Jeanne
- 2016 Hurricane Matthew
- 2017 Hurricane Irma
- 2019 Hurricane Dorian
- 2022 Hurricane Ian & Nicole
- 2024 Hurricane Milton
While park closures are very infrequent, outside rides close regularly when storms are in the area. When booking Lightning Lane reservations, consider booking outside rides for the morning when storms are less likely.
Orlando Weather Summary
| Month | Avg High / Low (°F) | Rainfall (inches) | Quick Feel & Park Strategy |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 72 / 50 | 2.3 | Cool, dry — great for full park days with light layers. |
| February | 75 / 52 | 2.4 | Dry & mild — ideal for early mornings and longer evenings. |
| March | 79 / 56 | 3.8 | Warming up; fewer storms than later in the year. |
| April | 84 / 61 | 2.7 | Pleasant heat with minimal rain — easy touring weather. |
| May | 88 / 66 | 3.5 | Getting hot — hydrate and plan shade breaks. |
| June | 91 / 72 | 7.6 | Hot with daily storms — hit parks early, break in the afternoon. |
| July | 92 / 74 | 7.3 | Peak summer heat + humidity — mornings & evenings are best. |
| August | 92 / 74 | 7.1 | Similar to July, with heavy afternoon downpours. |
| September | 90 / 72 | 6.1 | Still hot; peak hurricane risk — watch forecasts. |
| October | 85 / 66 | 3.3 | Warm, drier, and often lighter crowds. |
| November | 78 / 58 | 2.2 | Cooler, dry — ideal for long days in the parks. |
| December | 74 / 53 | 2.6 | Dry and comfy — bring a light jacket for mornings/evenings. |
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 mid-October to early December. However, you will note that the parks closed in November 2022.
As for the 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, you might want to read their recommendations in more detail.
Tips and Tricks to Beat the Orlando Weather
Here are our top tips and 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. World Celebration, World Discovery, and World Nature have plenty of indoor attractions, allowing you to adjust gradually to the heat and humidity.
- Arrive early in the morning. Mornings are cooler, and you can avoid those daily summer afternoon storms by taking a break.
- The weather in the evening is also usually better. Not only is it cooler, but the storms have generally passed. Consider having an afternoon break at your resort. Remember, in the summer, opening hours are usually longer.
- Don’t forget to bring a waterproof, and consider getting an umbrella. We don’t bother with an umbrella, but some people find them essential.
- Also, be prepared for the sunshine! Don’t forget sunscreen and a good hat.
- Neck fans, waist fans, and cooling towels are becoming increasingly popular. I’m not that keen on my neck fan, but I like my waist fan. This year, we left the cooling towels at home. It is a personal choice.
- Drink plenty of water in the hot weather and take plenty of breaks.
- Monitor the weather forecast a day or two in advance. However, expect the unexpected; they are often wrong. You can get regular weather forecasts on your phone, but even live forecasts are not always accurate.
- If the weather turns bad, you should have a Plan B. You can still have a great time even when it rains.
- Book outside Lightning Lane Reservations for the morning, leaving indoor attractions until the afternoon. However, your reservation will allow you to return later if a ride should close.
- Schedule a free day if you need to change plans because of bad weather. Even if the parks should close, it will be unlikely for more than one day.
- Relax! Enjoy your vacation. The weather can be part of your experience.
Further Reading
Visit our guide Walt Disney World for Beginners for more essential tips.
Our Guide to Universal Orlando Resort is also worth visiting if you plan to visit both resorts.
