Disney World: When is the Best Time to Go?

Dreaming of a Disney vacation? The question isn't just when to go, but what you want from your trip! With four theme parks, two water parks, and a calendar full of special events, choosing the perfect dates involves balancing crowds, weather, price, and festivals.

Here is your guide to finding the best time to experience the magic, tailored to what matters most to you.

If Your Priority is Low Crowds & Low Prices

The general rule of thumb for low crowds and cheaper prices is simple: when kids are in school, the parks are emptier.

🏆 Best Overall Time: Late August & September

This is the sweet spot for crowd-averse travelers and budget planners. Schools are back in session, leading to the lowest crowds of the year.

• Crowds: Historically the least busy time of the year (excluding Labour Day weekend). Average wait times are often at their lowest.

• Prices: You’ll find some of the cheapest prices for hotels and park tickets.

• The Catch: The weather is hot, humid, and it's peak hurricane season. However, this is the trade-off for short lines and low prices.

🥈 Runner-Up: January (Post-New Year) & Early February

After the Christmas and New Year's rush, crowds plummet, and prices drop.

• Crowds: Very low, especially the second and third weeks of January.

• Prices: Generally the second cheapest time of the year.

• The Catch: The weather can be unpredictable, ranging from pleasantly warm to downright chilly. You'll need layers! It’s also often the time for the runDisney Marathon Weekend and Martin Luther King Jr. Day weekend, which will bring spikes in crowds.

If Your Priority is Perfect Weather

For many, comfortable temperatures are key to an enjoyable trip. You’ll find the best weather during the "shoulder" seasons of spring and fall.

🏆 Best Weather Time: March-May (Excluding Spring Break) & October-November (Excluding Holidays)

You’ll get warm days and comfortable evenings without the stifling humidity of summer.

Month	Average High (Approx.)	Notes
April	High 80s°F	Minimal rain, great for swimming and park hopping. Expect higher crowds due to Spring Break/Easter.
October	Mid-80s°F	Drops off from summer heat. Great temperatures, but crowds can be higher due to various fall breaks and special events.
November	High 70s°F	Fantastic, mild weather. Weekdays outside of Thanksgiving are an excellent choice.

• Avoid: June, July, and August have the hottest, most humid weather, with average high temperatures in the low 90s and afternoon thunderstorms.

If Your Priority is Special Events & Atmosphere

Some visitors prefer to brave the crowds for the unique magic of Disney's special seasonal offerings.

Time of Year	Seasonal Theme/Events	Crowd Level
March – June	EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival	Moderate to High (very high during Spring Break)
August – Mid-Nov	EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival & Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party (select nights)	Low to Moderate (August/Sept low, Oct higher)
Late Nov – Dec	Holiday Decorations & Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party (select nights)	Very High (especially the weeks of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's)
Jan – Mid-Feb	EPCOT International Festival of the Arts	Low to Moderate

Our Pick for Best Festive Balance: The First Two Weeks of November. The Christmas decorations go up almost immediately after Halloween, crowds are generally minimal before the Thanksgiving rush, and you can enjoy the fantastic fall weather while still experiencing the Food & Wine Festival.

The Worst Times to Visit (High Crowds & High Prices)

Unless you have no other option, it is generally recommended to avoid these periods if you value low crowds and cost savings:

• The Weeks of Christmas and New Year's: The busiest and most expensive two-week stretch of the entire year.

• The Weeks of Easter and Spring Break (Mid-March to Mid-April): Crowds are exceptionally high as school calendars align.

• The Week of Thanksgiving: A major travel holiday that fills the parks with guests.

• Summer Vacation (Mid-June to Mid-July): Peak summer crowds combined with the most extreme heat and humidity.

The Verdict

There is no single "best" time for everyone, but by combining the factors above, we can highlight the winning choices:

Goal	Best Time to Go	Why?
Lowest Crowds	Late August & September (excluding Labor Day)	Kids are back in school, wait times are minimal, and prices are low.
Best Weather	Mid-April/May or Early November	Warm, but not scorching, temperatures and lower humidity.
Best Value	Early January or Late August/Early September	Lowest prices on tickets and accommodations.
Overall Best	The First Two Weeks of December	Beautiful Christmas decor, great weather, and crowds are usually manageable before the Christmas Eve surge.

No matter when you decide to go, planning ahead is the best way to ensure a truly magical trip!