Weather Question: How are you packing for your December trip?

[up*all*night]

Hi there!

I'm new to the boards. My family (and extended family) will be visiting WDW on December 6-14 and I'm completely unsure what type of clothing to pack... Has anyone else been there at this time of year who can help me out? I've read the forecasts, but I'm having trouble judging if I'll be more confortable in short-sleeved t-shirts with a hoodie for mornings and evenings (will that be enough at 10pm at night?) or will I be more comfortable wearing long-sleeves and more layers? Do we need to pack winter coats for the evening temps? Will I get too sweaty just pushing up the sleeves on my long-sleeved tops during the hotter parts of the day?

We went to Disneyland in January two years ago and they were having highs between 65 to 70 degrees, but I swear it only stayed there for a couple hours before it dropped back down to 40 degrees and we nearly froze to death--My dd wore the same pair of pajamas under all her clothes everyday just to keep warm...

Anyway, if you could shed some light on how long it stays near the highs of 65 to 75 degrees that would be wonderful. Sorry for so many questions. :)

[etraible]

Would Decembers weather pretty much be the same as February's?

[up*all*night]

Was there a discussion about February's Weather that I missed? I might not have looked around enough...

[up*all*night]

OK I looked further back and did find a question about December weather so it looks like I need to pack for all types of weather. I'm still feeling a bit lost on whether we'll really need winter coats or capris based on the current forecasts or if long pants and layered tops and hoodies will be enough to manage the changing temperatures throughout the day... We don't have plans to go back to our hotel during the day so it would be nice not to have to lug around a whole change of clothes for each of us every day...

[jamstew]

OK I looked further back and did find a question about December weather so it looks like I need to pack for all types of weather. I'm still feeling a bit lost on whether we'll really need winter coats or capris based on the current forecasts or if long pants and layered tops and hoodies will be enough to manage the changing temperatures throughout the day... We don't have plans to go back to our hotel during the day so it would be nice not to have to lug around a whole change of clothes for each of us every day...

I'm leaving tomorrow for my first December trip, and I've packed all long sleeves (some cotton & some fleece) and long pants, a couple of fleece tops, a lined windbreaker, hat & gloves (but no winter coat since I don't own one).

How comfortable or uncomfortable it will be for you depends a lot on what you're used to. I live in central Texas and am not used to cold weather (my definition of cold being anything less than about 60, especially at night). I plan on layering during the day, but I will be going back to my resort each afternoon and will be able to change into the warmest things I have. It gets cold really quickly when the sun goes down (between 5:30-6:00), especially if it's windy.

I'd expect it to be pretty nippy (for me) until at least 10am, hit the daily high early afternoon, and start dropping shortly before dark.

[LittleBugsMama]

I'm leaving tomorrow for my first December trip, and I've packed all long sleeves (some cotton & some fleece) and long pants, a couple of fleece tops, a lined windbreaker, hat & gloves (but no winter coat since I don't own one).

How comfortable or uncomfortable it will be for you depends a lot on wh at you're used to. I live in central Texas and am not used to cold weather (my definition of cold being anything less than about 60, especially at night). I plan on layering during the day, but I will be going back to my resort each afternoon and will be able to change into the warmest things I have. It gets cold really quickly when the sun goes down (between 5:30-6:00), especially if it's windy.

I'd expect it to be pretty nippy(for me) until at least 10am, hit the daily high early afternoon, and start dropping shortly before dark.

I would definitely pack at least 2 short sleeve shirts in addition. It could get into the mid 70's in the daytime...probably better safe than sorry.

[jeminni]

I am packing long sleeve tee shirts, a couple turtle neck shirts, jeans , capris, a swimsuit ( gotta be hopeful to get to try out a hot tub ;) ), a zippered hoodie, hoodie and the winter coat I will be traveling in. Oh and a pair of magic gloves. :)

[jamstew]

I would definitely pack at least 2 short sleeve shirts in addition. It could get into the mid 70's in the daytime...probably better safe than sorry.

I'm comfortable in long sleeve cotton tees in the mid-70s (only one day of my trip is forecast to get that high). Besides, I don't think I can cram one more thing into the biggest suitcase I own :lmao: If it gets too warm, I can always buy something :thumbsup2

[up*all*night]

Thanks for the info. So far I've packed all long pants with about 5 short-sleeved tops, 8 long-sleeved shirts and a handful of hoodies and sweaters to wear over the top. I'm also packing a swimsuit just in case, but we'll see how that goes. ;) I might have to pack gloves and make my family wear their winter coats onto the plane as suggested since we don't have an inch to spare in our suitcases for them (just to be safe). I'm thinking after reading all your posts that I can do without capris, sandals and such though. Thanks for all your help. :)

[hollybearsmom]

We are thinking the same way.....but we plan on getting a locker so we can ditch the warm stuff for the afternoon and pick it back up after dinner when it starts cooling down again.

[Soon_2_Be_Swindle]

princess: So glad to have stumbled into this thread. My family and I are going Dec. 10-16 and I was wondering what to pack too!! Thanks for the tips!princess:

[ZoZo]

I find it very helpful to find a weather forecast that has an hour-by-hour breakdown (I think weather.com has that). That way, you can tell if it's going to be 50 degrees by 5:00 p.m., or if the early morning hours will be chilly.

[SnowWtch]

We'll be there Thursday and I've been packed since Sunday. Long pants, short sleeves and a hoodie jacket. I threw in a pair of shorts just in case but doubt I'll use them. It looks to be good weather and warmer than where I am 2 hours away.

[suzimar57]

we're leaving this friday, and accuweather.com shows a 15 day forecast with mid 70s during the day, low 50s in the morning - bringing jeans and tee's with sweatjackets for us both, along with one long sleeve tee each - we're used to cooler weather, and prefer it over hot/humid (especially me lately, with hot flashes....)

[disneydad861]

I will be wearing short sleeves withe jeans and i will have a warm leather coat for early mornings and nights. My wife kids will wear the same thing minus the leather coat they have warm winter coats they will wear tho. We plan on geeting a locker to keep our coats in during the day while it is warmer out.

[carlbarry]

I'm going Dec. 5-12, and have been checking the extended range weather forecasts for days now. The forecasts from both weather.com and Accuweather are calling for mid-70s every day, partly cloudy, with lows in the 50s. Previous threads discussing December weather all reach the same conclusion: prepare for everything!

[The Hendies]

For Dec 5 - 11 Accuweather is saying mostly in the low 70's during the day with lows in th 50's. I am thinking layers. We are in the 30's every day here in Upstate NY, so even 50's will seem balmy! But, Layer-up and enjoy! I know I am!

[etraible]

Everyone here is so helpful. Thanks for all the good info. I was wondering about swimming in Dec -Feb months - are you planning on swimming? I know the water is heated but then you have to get out of the water... brrrr.

[ToddyLu]

:) The idea about the locker is cool. I have been considering what to wear. I think long pants and t-shirts is the way to go. Then layer as needed. In 2006 it was cool enough for athletic wear then we wore shorts and capris last year. I was kinda hoping for cool nights so I could really enjoy the snow on Main Street. We live in MS, so we only get to enjoy snow in Disney.:banana: :santa: We are leaving this Friday, for 10 days--Yipppeeee

[Cinderumbrella]

I guess I am the odd one out! Low to mid 70's seems warm to me since I am coming from the 20s. We leave Friday and I have packed mostly shorts and short sleeves. I will bring a couple pairs of jeans, long sleeves and a coat just in case, but I plan on being hot! :lmao:

[suzimar57]

just tossed a couple more long sleeved tees in the luggage - will be there dec 5 - 13, and are ready for any weather (even bringing along Tide, if i need to do wash...)

[kristinw3girls]

I have gone, and am going this time of year. We leave 12/7-12/14. I have found that capri's and t-shirts or shorts for most days. We go nap for 2 hours in the afternoon. Wethen change to capris or jeans and long sleeve tees. If needed we can bring a jacket or sweatshirt. I have only been one night that was really cold. We had our sweatshirts, jeans and sweaters on and we were still cold. This year we are bringing down vests ( nicer if a little warn but great for layering in cooler nights. We have always had at least 1-2 days w/ 75 degree days and end up swimming. Have fun! I know I'm going to!!:santa:


Poly 12/7/08
Contem. 06
Contem. 02
Poly 93
Off site- 77, 80, 84, 86

[micheleq]

We'll be there Dec. 7-12th and I plan on swimming! It's cold here in New England so 60 to 70 degrees sounds great. Like everyone says, layering is key. DH and I went in January 2001 and we wore shorts one day, then jeans and fleece another...

I believe many of the WDW resorts have heated pools and hot tubs, so I'd bring your bathing suit. Go for it!

[LittleBugsMama]

princess: So glad to have stumbled into this thread. My family and I are going Dec. 10-16 and I was wondering what to pack too!! Thanks for the tips!princess:
Welcome to the Dis Boards! We will be there 10-17th! Maybe we'll see you there!:flower3:

[Eeyore's My Favorite]

For anyone traveling down here you might want to check out the local TV stations for the local WDW weather - be warned - it was 39 degrees in Orlando this morning, and at least here at our house it hasn't warmed up alot!

You can check out www.wesh.com (NBC), www.local6.com (CBS) or www.wftv.com (ABC) - all are very accurate.

Our weather down here's been quite erratic lately.....shorts then you have to bundle. I'm ready for it to either be cold or back to normal for Florida's December weather!! :confused3

Travel safe everyone! :santa:

[Darth Sidious]

During the day it can get quite warm. The past few times I've gone with my family we have brought a whole assortment of clothes. Shorts, pants, hoodies, scarves, wool hats, gloves, heavy jackets. During the day I wear shorts and short sleeve shirts while my dad wears pants(only wears shorts during our august trips) and short sleeves. My mom and sister(13) wear caprees and short sleeve shirts. Then once the sun starts to go down it gets very cold. It gets to around low 40's, but its a different low 40's for us in the northeast. It gets cold at night so i change to pants, put on my hoodie, jacket, wool hat and gloves. and then I am nice and warm. This is also the worst time to go with suitcases because of the weight limit on the airlines. Grrrrr.... curse those airlines! heh

[deejohn]

Dec is a hit-miss in FL. In 2005, we got an unexpected cold snap, down to 34!!! We bring shorts and sweats for night. My kids go swimming because the pools are heated.