What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit Walt Disney World?
One of the questions I get asked all the time as a Disney travel advisor is: “When is the BEST time to visit Disney World?”
My honest answer? There is no single best time for everyone. The best time to go depends on what you value most: low crowds, lower prices, ideal weather, special events, or school schedules.
Here is my month-by-month breakdown of Disney World crowds, pricing, weather, and special considerations, so you can decide which month is the best fit for your family.
January in Disney World
Pros:
One of the cheapest times of year to visit
Generally lower crowds, especially after the first week
Great time for adults, toddlers, and families with flexible schedules
Epcot Festival of the Arts is usually happening
Cons:
Weather can be surprisingly cold (pack for any type of weather!)
Disney’s Skyliner is often closed for maintenance toward the end of the month
Pools may be less enjoyable due to cooler temperatures
Best for: Budget-conscious travelers who don’t mind cooler weather or traveling at the start of the new school semester
February in Disney World
Pros:
Similar to January with lower crowds and costs
Cooler temperatures
Epcot Festival of the Arts is usually happening
Cons:
Cold snaps are still possible
Usually more expensive than January
President’s Day week brings very large crowds and higher prices
Best for: Travelers avoiding holiday weeks and looking for value
The topiaries at Epcot’s Flower and Garden Festival are stunning.
March in Disney World
Pros:
Weather starts to warm up but still mild, usually great weather
Epcot Flower & Garden Festival begins
Relatively low crowds in early March
Cons:
Spring break crowds start arriving mid-month
Prices increase with the spring break crowds
Important note: Spring breaks differ by region. Many Midwest schools break in mid-to-late March, while East Coast spring breaks often fall in early-to-mid April. A lot of my Midwestern clients try
Best for: Families who want to travel during spring break
April in Disney World
Pros:
Beautiful spring weather
Flower & Garden Festival in full swing
Gorgeous Easter decorations at some of the resorts
Late April is lower crowds
Cons:
Crowded for the first half of the month during spring breaks and Easter
Also more expensive during spring break season
Best for: Guests prioritizing weather, spring break and festivals over crowds
May in Disney World
Pros:
Early May is a sweet spot, lower crowds and prices because people don’t want to pull their kids out of school right before the end of the year
Warm but not unbearably hot weather
Late May brings awesome summer promos
Cons:
Most likely requires pulling kids out of school to visit
Best for: Families with flexibility who want a balance of weather, crowds, and cost
Disney’s Blizzard Beach is one of two outstanding water parks. For summer 2026, you get free water park entry on your arrival day!
June in Disney World
Pros:
Surprisingly low crowds
Excellent summer discounts
For Summer 2026, Disney is offering FREE water park entry on your arrival day!
Cons:
It can get hot (though not as extreme as later summer months)
Best for: Families comfortable with heat who want great value and low waits
July in Disney World
Pros:
Similarly low crowd levels to June, except for around the 4th of July
Great summer discounts
Cons:
Very HOT
Best for: Heat-tolerant families who want summer savings
August in Disney World
Pros:
Late August crowds drop dramatically once school starts
Excellent deals
Cons:
Heat and humidity
Higher chance of heavy rain
Hurricane season risk
Best for: Families with flexible schedules who want lower prices
The fall decorations at Disney World are magnificent, and Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party is a MUST do event!
September in Disney World
Pros:
Typically the cheapest and least crowded month of the year
Especially quiet right after Labor Day
Fantastic value for resorts and tickets
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is incredibly fun (starts mid-August but I personally find it bizarre to go to a Halloween party in August )
Cons:
Higher chance of rain
Hurricane season still in effect
Best for: Couples, adults, and families with flexible school schedules
October in Disney World
Pros:
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is going strong
Fall decor and seasonal treats
Slightly cooler weather, but also risk for rain
Cons:
One of the most popular months to visit
Higher crowds and prices than in the past
Christmas is absolutely gorgeous at Disney World, and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is the MOST magical event!
Best for: Guests prioritizing seasonal events and atmosphere
November in Disney World
Pros:
Cooler, comfortable temperatures
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and Jollywood Nights begin
Christmas decorations are stunning
Cons:
Thanksgiving week can be busy
Prices increase after Halloween steadily until Christmas
Best for: Families wanting holiday magic without December-level crowds
December in Disney World
Pros:
Truly magical Christmas atmosphere
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and Jollywood Nights in full swing
Full holiday decor, music, and special events
Cons:
Christmas break is the busiest week of the entire year
Highest prices and longest waits
Best for: Guests who value holiday magic over crowd levels
So… What Is the Best Month to Visit Disney World?
The best month to visit Disney World depends on your priorities:
Lowest crowds & prices: September, January, early May
Best weather: March-May, November
Best discounts: Summer months (June–September)
Best seasonal events: October and December
I’ve visited Disney almost every month of the year and they all have their pros and cons! You truly can’t go wrong, whatever time of year you decide. If you want help choosing the best month for your family’s schedule, budget, and travel style, that’s exactly what I help my clients with, so they don’t have to guess.
✨ Planning Disney doesn’t have to be overwhelming, it just has to be strategic. Want help planning your magical Disney vacation? Reach out today to get started!