In this post, I’m breaking down the best (and worst) times of year to visit—based on real crowd patterns, seasonal trends, and insider tips. And if you want the full strategy mapped out for you, don’t miss my free guide: The Ultimate Disney Crowd Calendar. It’s your shortcut to picking the perfect dates and making the most of every minute in the parks.

Quick Answer: What Is the Best Time to Visit Disney World?

If you want low crowds and pleasant weather, the best times to visit Walt Disney World are:

• Late January to early February

• Late April to early May

• Mid-September

• Early November

These periods typically offer lower crowd levels, shorter wait times, and better hotel prices compared to peak seasons. Want a beginner's guide to planning a Disney World vacation? Read about what it takes to plan your dream vacation in my Disney Planning Guide for Beginners. 

Disney World Crowd Seasons Explained

Before diving into each month, it helps to understand Disney’s crowd patterns.

Low Crowd Season

• Mid-January to early February

• Late April to early May

• September

Moderate Crowd Season

• Early March

• Late August

• Early November

• Early December

Peak Crowd Season (Usually when school is out)

• Spring Break

• Summer (June–August)

• Thanksgiving week

• Christmas and New Year’s

If it’s your first Disney trip, visiting during low-to-moderate crowds can make the experience much more enjoyable.

January at Disney World

Crowds: Low after New Year’s
Weather: Cool and comfortable
Average Temperature: 50–70°F

January is one of the best months to visit Disney World if you want fewer crowds and lower prices, as long as you wait until the 2nd week of January, when students have gone back to school from Christmas break.

Benefits of visiting in January:

• Shorter ride wait times

• Lower hotel rates

• Comfortable walking weather

• Easier dining reservations

One thing to note: some attractions may close temporarily for refurbishment during this slower season.

February at Disney World

Crowds: Low to moderate
Weather: Mild and pleasant
Average Temperature: 55–75°F

February is another fantastic time to visit. Crowds stay manageable, and the weather is ideal for long park days.

One highlight during this time is the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts, which features:

• Creative food booths

• Disney art displays

• Live entertainment

This festival is a hidden gem many first-time visitors don’t know about.

March at Disney World

Crowds: Moderate to high
Weather: Warm and sunny
Average Temperature: 60–80°F

March kicks off spring break season, which means crowds can increase significantly.

However, it’s also when the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival begins.

This festival includes:

• Beautiful character topiaries

• Outdoor kitchens with seasonal dishes

• Garden displays throughout the park

If you visit early in March before peak spring break weeks, you can enjoy a great balance of weather and crowds.

April at Disney World

Crowds: Moderate to high
Weather: Warm and comfortable
Average Temperature: 65–85°F

April offers beautiful weather and stunning floral displays thanks to the Flower & Garden Festival.

Crowds can still be elevated during Easter week, but late April is often one of the best times to visit.

Why April is great:

• Comfortable weather

• Colorful park decorations

• Plenty of outdoor festival food

May at Disney World

Crowds: Moderate (lower early in the month)
Weather: Warm and sunny
Average Temperature: 70–88°F

Early May is one of Disney’s best hidden-gem months.

Advantages include:

• Lower crowds before summer break

• Warm but not extreme heat

• Festival food at EPCOT

• Longer daylight hours

Crowds increase toward Memorial Day weekend, which marks the start of summer travel season.

June at Disney World

Crowds: High
Weather: Hot and humid
Average Temperature: 75–92°F

June is the start of summer vacation season, bringing large crowds and high temperatures.

Expect:

• Long ride wait times

• Afternoon thunderstorms (Usually lasting approximately 30 minutes)

• Very humid weather

The benefit is that parks stay open later, giving you more time to experience attractions.

July at Disney World

Crowds: Very high
Weather: Extremely hot
Average Temperature: 76–94°F

July is one of the busiest and hottest months at Disney World.

The biggest highlight is the Fourth of July fireworks spectacular at Magic Kingdom and EPCOT.

However, visitors should prepare for:

• Long wait times

• Intense Florida heat

• Packed parks

If you visit in July, plan midday breaks and stay hydrated.

August at Disney World

Crowds: High early, lower late
Weather: Very hot and humid
Average Temperature: 76–94°F

August can be challenging due to the heat, but crowds start dropping in the second half of the month when schools reopen.

Pros:

• Lower crowds later in the month

• Potential travel deals

Cons:

• Extreme humidity

• Frequent thunderstorms (usually lasting about 30 minutes)

September at Disney World

Crowds: Low
Weather: Hot but manageable
Average Temperature: 75–90°F

September is one of the best months to visit Disney World if you want fewer crowds.

Why September is great:

• Short wait times

• Lower hotel prices

• Fewer families traveling

This is also when Halloween season begins with fall decorations and seasonal treats.

October at Disney World

Crowds: Moderate
Weather: Warm and pleasant
Average Temperature: 68–85°F

October combines great weather and Halloween fun.

Highlights include:

• Fall decorations throughout the parks

• Seasonal snacks and merchandise

• Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

Many Disney fans consider October one of the most festive months to visit.

November at Disney World

Crowds: Low early, very high during Thanksgiving
Weather: Comfortable
Average Temperature: 60–80°F

Early November is another excellent time to visit Disney World.

During this time you can experience:

• Lower crowds

• Comfortable temperatures

• The start of Christmas decorations

Crowds spike dramatically during Thanksgiving week, so plan carefully.

December at Disney World

Crowds: Moderate early, extremely high during holidays
Weather: Mild and pleasant
Average Temperature: 55–75°F

December transforms Disney World into a holiday wonderland.

Highlights include:

• Christmas decorations in every park

• Holiday shows and parades

• Seasonal treats and merchandise

Early December offers a sweet spot with festive atmosphere and manageable crowds.

However, the week between Christmas and New Year’s is the busiest time of the year.

Best Months to Visit Disney World (Summary)

If you want the best overall experience, aim for:

Best for Low Crowds

• January

• September

• Early November

Best for Weather

• February

• March

• April

• October

Best for Festivals and Events

• March through May

• October

• December

Disney World Planning Tips for First-Time Visitors

No matter when you visit, these tips will help you have a better trip:

• Arrive early for popular rides

• Make dining reservations in advance

• Use Lightning Lane to skip lines

• Take midday breaks to avoid heat and crowds

• Wear comfortable walking shoes

Planning ahead can make your Disney vacation smoother and more enjoyable.

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Perfect Time for Your Disney Trip

The best time to visit Walt Disney World depends on what matters most to you.

If you want shorter lines, visit during slower months like January or September.
If you want festivals and decorations, spring and the holiday season are incredible.

Read more about planning a Disney World vacation in my Disney Planning Guide for Beginners. 

Save This Disney World Guide for Later

Planning a Disney trip? Save this Best Time to Visit Disney World Month-by-Month Guide on Pinterest so you can easily reference it while planning your vacation.

Want Help Planning Your Disney World Vacation?

Fill out my free no-obligation quote request form below or email me at bayley@storybookshorestravel.com and I would be happy to help you and your family make magical memories without stress! My services are completely free to you!

Planning a trip to Disney World can feel like a game of chance—show up at the wrong time, and you’re stuck in long lines, crowded walkways, and peak prices. But what if you could skip the guesswork and know exactly when to go for lower crowds, shorter wait times, and a more magical experience? Read more about planning a Disney vacation with my Ultimate Disney Planning Guide for Beginners. 

Ready to pick the perfect time for your Disney World trip?

Download your FREE Disney World Crowd Calendar and take the guesswork out of planning.

It’s the easiest way to avoid crowds, plan smarter, and make the most of your vacation.

Planning a Disney trip doesn’t have to feel overwhelming—you just need the right strategy (and insider tips 😉). If you want step-by-step planning help, money-saving tips, and the latest updates for Walt Disney World delivered straight to your inbox, be sure to subscribe to my newsletter. It’s the easiest way to plan smarter and make your dream vacation stress-free from start to finish.