When is rainy season at Disney World, and when it at its most unbearably hot? Planning for the weather ahead of your Disney trip is a good idea; scroll on to learn about the hot, cold, and rainy seasons in Orlando.
Planning a trip to Disney World is like a full-time job. You’ve got to make dozens of reservations—dining reservations, hotel reservations, Lightning Lane reservations. And making those reservations assumes you’ve already done your research to figure out which of the dozens of resorts you want to stay at and which of the 200+ restaurants you want to dine at.
Tools like Disney World crowd calendars can help you avoid busy seasons; resources like our own WDW Magazine can inspire unique ideas for your trip; and a certified Disney Travel Agent can step in when you’ve just had enough of planning. One important thing to plan for is the weather at Walt Disney World. Knowing about rainy season in Orlando is crucial to ensuring you pack strategically before your flight. And if you hate hot and humid weather, you may just want to postpone your trip until winter.
Use our guide to the weather at Disney World when booking your next trip:
When is the Rainy Season at Disney World?
The rainy season in Orlando runs from June through September. If you are traveling to Disney World during those months, there’s a strong chance that you will encounter a thunderstorm almost every day. But the rain passes quickly at Disney World. One minute you could be standing in a torrential downpour, and the next minute, that Florida sun will be beating down on your back.
Photo by Laurie Sapp
The list below shows the average rainfall in Orlando, based on US Climate Data:
- January: 2.74 inches
- February: 2.83 inches
- March: 3.79 inches
- April: 2.49 inches
- May: 3.3 inches
- June: 8.74 inches
- July: 7.1 inches
- August: 7.82 inches
- September: 6.02 inches
- October: 3.39 inches
- November: 2.43 inches
- December: 2.63 inches
As you can see, rainy season in Orlando runs from June through September, but Disney World clearly gets a decent amount of rain throughout the year.
Hurricane Season at Disney World
Not surprising, hurricane season at Disney World lines up with rainy season in Orlando. According to the Florida Climate Center, the threat of hurricanes runs from June 1 until Nov. 30. While Orlando is inland, it can still be affected by hurricanes. Walt Disney World has had to close down multiple times as it braced for hurricanes. But don’t worry: Your favorite Disney World attractions were specifically built to withstand high winds from hurricanes.
Unless the hurricane is barreling straight toward Orlando, Disney World can typically stay open during hurricanes in other parts of Florida. Monitor the weather closely, and review Disney World’s hurricane policy if you’re concerned your trip will be impacted.
What to Do When It Rains at Disney World
Photo by Laurie Sapp
Rain during your Disney World vacation is almost inevitable, but don’t sweat it. There are plenty of things to do when it rains at Disney World. Here are some of our favorites:
- Ride indoors: Most of the attractions at Disney World are actually inside, so they can continue to operate when it rains. Look for attractions that also have their queues inside to stay out of the rain, like Peter Pan’s Flight at Magic Kingdom, Soarin’ and Living with the Land at EPCOT, Toy Story Mania! at Hollywood Studios, or DINOSAUR at Animal Kingdom.
- Catch the parade: Did you know that Disney World has a special parade that only comes out when it’s raining? It’s called the Rainy Day Cavalcade, and it’s at Magic Kingdom. Don’t miss this one if it starts pouring at the Most Magical Place on Earth.
- Go shopping: Sure, all the guests are going to be heading indoors when it’s pouring, but if you were already planning to pick out some new merch anyway, now is a good time to head into one of the shops and start browsing for merch.
- Grab a meal: You might have trouble getting into a sit-down restaurant without an Advanced Dining Reservation, but some Quick-Service restaurants have indoor seating as well, like the EPCOT Connections Café and Eatery. If you can beat the crowds, you might be able to grab a seat.
- Wait it out: Storms pass quickly at Walt Disney World. Seek shelter (or just splash in the puddles if that’s your thing), and you’ll likely be able to find some sunshine within the hour.
- Head back to the resort: If it’s going to rain all day, you might be out of luck. You can continue to find things to do when it rains in the parks, or you can head back to your hotel, put on some dry clothes, watch some Disney movies, and venture out when things get drier.
What to Pack for the Rain at Disney World
Check out our comprehensive Disney World packing list if you’re a first-time visitor. But if you’re thinking about packing specifically for Orlando’s rainy season, make sure you add:
- Extra shoes: Your shoes may get drenched during your day at the parks. Having a second pair that you can quickly change into makes the rest of the day much more comfortable.
- Rain poncho: You can buy these in the parks, but you can bet that the Mouse marks up the price. Come prepared with a cheap dollar-store poncho.
- Quick-drying clothing: Light canvas or polyester clothes are much better for quick drying than denim. So as cute as those jeans might be, you’re better off looking for something a little lighter when traveling during rainy season in Orlando.
- A hat or umbrella: A hat to keep the rain out of your face. A hat is doubly important on a trip to Disney World; when it’s sunny out, it can protect your face and neck from sunburn.
- Dry bag: Look online or at an outdoor gear store for a dry bag (what you might take on a kayaking trip). Place important items inside the bag, like your phone, your spare shoes, and a change of clothes. Anything kept in a regular backpack could get soaked during a rainstorm at Disney.
When Is It Hottest at Disney World?
Orlando is hot year-round, but it is of course worse during the summer months. The hottest months at Disney World are May through October with peak heat June through August.
Below are average highs for each month in Orlando, based on the 2023 US Climate Data
- January: 71ºF
- February: 73ºF
- March: 77ºF
- April: 82ºF
- May: 88ºF
- June: 91ºF
- July: 92ºF
- August: 92ºF
- September: 89ºF
- October: 84ºF
- November: 78ºF
- December: 72ºF
Peak Humidity in Orlando
Orlando’s heat is compounded by its humidity. Be ready to feel constantly damp from your own sweat, the rain, and the moisture that is just thick in the air all summer long. Even in winter months, Orlando averages at least 50% humidity, but from June through September, humidity hovers above 70%.
How to Stay Cool at Disney World
So how can you stay cool at Disney World? Here are a few tips to beat the Orlando heat:
- Go early and stay late: As a resort guest, you’ll get early entry. Take advantage of this by rope-dropping the park, knocking out some rides, and then sitting down for lunch (somewhere air-conditioned, ideally). After lunch, if the heat is overwhelming, head back to the hotel for a nap or some pool time. This is when the parks are the hottest (and most crowded). After you’re refreshed, head back to the park in the evening and stay until close.
- Ride indoors: Air-conditioned rides are a must at Disney World, especially during the summer months. Prioritize rides with indoor queues, and use Lightning Lane Multi Pass to skip any rides that have lines outdoors.
- Head to the waterparks: Disney World has more than just its four theme parks. You can also head to Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon for a day of fun in the water.
- Dress appropriately: Disneybounding is a fun way to express yourself during your trip to Disney World, but when temps are critically high, it might be better to ditch the thick, heavy outfit you designed to bound as Kronk or Cinderella and instead go with a light T-shirt and shorts.
What to Pack for the Heat at Disney World
Photo by Judd Helms
Packing for the heat is essential. Here’s what your park bag should have on hot days at Disney World:
- Refillable water bottle: You can refill your water bottle at drinking fountains throughout the day, as well as at Quick-Service restaurants. Water is totally free—and staying hydrated at Disney World is important.
- Medicine: If the heat gives you headaches, plan ahead with some painkillers.
- Handheld fan: You can usually buy these in the parks, but they’re much cheaper online. Bonus points if you find a fan that will mist you too.
- Cooling towel: Orlando locals and Disney World regulars know this secret all too well. Wet a cooling towel and drape it around your neck to cool off. Throughout the day, just get them wet again using the sinks in the Disney World restrooms. You can store them in a gallon-sized Ziploc bag when not in use to keep the rest of your stuff dry.
- Sunscreen: Even if it’s not particularly hot out, you should wear sunscreen. In fact, PSA: Whenever you are spending time outside, no matter where in the world you are and what the weather is like, just put on sunscreen. But here in Orlando, you’re closer to the equator, and the sun is even less forgiving.
Bonus Tip: If you’re prone to chafing when walking long distances, especially in the heat, pack your favorite anti-chafing protection. Even a small container of Vaseline and some baby powder can work wonders.
Does It Ever Snow at Disney World?
While nothing is impossible, it has not yet actually snowed at Disney World. In the winter months, temperatures can go below freezing in Orlando, and meteorologists have predicted flurries. But actual snow has not fallen at Disney World. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t see snow at Disney World …
It’s not snow … it’s snoap! Photo by Judd Helms
How to See Snow at Disney World
Leading up to the Christmas holidays, Disney World likes to sprinkle snoap over some of its parks. No, it’s not snow; it’s snoap. To create a snow-like consistency for holiday snowfall over guests, Disney uses soap (which is why it’s called snoap) shot out of machines above the crowds.
While seasonal offerings change from year to year, you can typically experience snowfall at Disney World during Magic Kingdom’s Christmas party, during Sunset Seasons Greetings at Hollywood Studios, and even while shopping at Disney Springs. To determine where to find snoap at Disney World during your winter visit, just check out our seasonal coverage. Each year, we’ll share up-to-date guides on the holidays at Disney World, including where to find snow!
Planning Around Disney World Weather
Rainy season in Orlando runs from June through September, but then, it can rain any time during the year—and hurricane season stretches for six months. It’s hottest at Disney World during the summer months, but it rarely dips below freezing in the winter. And while you can’t find actual snow in Orlando, Disney does a good job at creating snow for its guests each holiday season.
The weather can be unpleasant in Orlando, but none of that matters when you’re at the Most Magical Place on Earth. Enjoy your trip!
Like what you just read? That tells us you’re the type who never misses a Hidden Mickey. Respect. 
