When to visit Orlando
Orlando: A destination for all seasonsOrlando's enduring appeal makes it a destination that never truly experiences an off-season. The city's true peak travel times coincide with school holidays, which is no surprise given the wealth of family-friendly attractions that keeps visitors coming back year-round.
Some say Orlando's weather can be divided into two seasons: hot and hotter. However, we prefer to describe it as miserably hot and humid, and quite pleasant. The miserably hot and humid season typically spans from June to late September. These months not only bring the highest temperatures but also high humidity, making it feel even hotter than it actually is. Daily thunderstorms are common, starting in mid-June and tapering off in September. Although the chances are slim, as summer is also hurricane season, it's worth considering the possibility of a hurricane affecting your vacation plans. Despite the less-than-ideal weather, summer remains the peak tourist season in Orlando due to students being on summer break. The best weather in Orlando can be experienced from March to May. During this time, temperatures are pleasant, ranging from the high 50s to the high 80s, and the humidity is relatively low. Apart from Spring Break, tourism during this period is relatively slow. Planning a vacation for early May allows you to avoid both the spring break and summer break crowds, as well as the risk of hurricanes. The opposite shoulder season, from mid-September to early November, also offers a great time to travel, with fewer crowds, shorter lines at attractions, and more available hotel accommodations. Travelers can enjoy a relaxed and enjoyable experience exploring the city's various family-friendly attractions.
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Best time to beat the crowds at the theme parks
It is not a great surprise that the crowds at theme parks like Disney World and Universal Studios align perfectly with school calendars. The parks are busiest when most of the country’s schools are out of session. To avoid the crowds, try to hit the park during January, February, or the last week of August. Weekdays during these periods are far less busy than weekends.
Several parks – including the four theme parks under the Disney World umbrella – have a crowd calendar on their website that predicts park attendance for the next 12 months. The calendar will help you narrow down the months, weeks, and days of your visit. In general, the busiest time at the theme parks tends to be during summer break, the week of Thanksgiving, spring break, and long holiday weekends.
Best time for budget-conscious travelers
After the bustling holiday season officially ends, Orlando experiences a significant drop in visitor numbers from January through mid-February. This period of reduced tourist activity offers a prime opportunity for budget-conscious travelers. Not only is the weather pretty amazing, with daytime highs in the 70s and minimal rainfall, hotels and airlines also typically offer the most competitive rates of the year. Additionally, some attractions may offer discounted rates or special promotions during this period, allowing visitors to save on their vacation expenses.
As a result, planning a trip to Orlando during these quieter months can lead to considerable savings, while still allowing travelers to enjoy the city’s numerous attractions.
Best time for ideal weather
Florida is called the Sunshine State for a reason. Even during the winter, you can expect to be out on bright, sunny days. Don't forget to pack essentials like a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses when planning your vacation.
Weather in March and April is just about perfect, with temperatures consistently ranging between the mid-50s and mid-80s and the humidity remaining low. While there may be a chance of rain some days, it is typically a dry time of year. Families flock to Orlando during spring break and Easter weekend, but they typically stick to the theme parks, making it a great time to enjoy other Orlando activities like renting swan-shaped paddle boats at Lake Eola Park, strolling through the botanic gardens at Harry P Leu Gardens, or biking the West Orange Trail.
Best time for flower lovers: Springtime
My favorite time to visit the water parks in Orlando is the second week in May. The weather is warm, but not yet oppressively hot and humid. Plus, school is still in season (and parents usually do not pull their kids out of school right before the end of the year), which means the lines for the rides are not too long.
The International Flower & Garden Festival at Epcot starts in March and continues through until the end of May. The annual event showcases an extraordinary array of flowers from around the globe by transforming the park into a stunning floral display. Alongside horticultural displays, the festival also offers garden-themed seminars, outdoor kitchens with fresh food and drinks, and live music, making it a must-visit for nature enthusiasts and Disney fans alike.
Best time for golfers
While most golf courses in the country are under a layer of snow in December, golfing in Orlando during December is as close to perfect as it gets. Not only does the average high hover around 73 degrees, but it is one of the least rainy months of the year. The mornings can be chilly, so most golfers wear layered clothing and remove those layers as the temperatures increase progressively in the morning.
Best time of year for (horror) thrill seekers
Orlando might be the best destination in America for Halloween lovers. Disney World transforms into Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, which offers all-ages Halloween-themed shows, trick-or-treat extravaganzas, and themed parades. Universal Studios kicks it up a notch with its Halloween Horror Nights. Guests can experience elaborately designed haunted houses based on popular horror franchises, encounter menacing scare actors roaming the streets, and witness breathtaking live shows that immerse them in the macabre atmosphere. This renowned event attracts horror enthusiasts from around the world. In addition to the theme parks, the city hosts numerous festive events, including Halloween parades, costume contests, and haunted hayrides.