Advice sought on July weather

[jna]

I was glad to find this forum as I would like to obtain some views on the weather for mid to late July from those who have been to the resort at this time of year.

I have been to WDW in February and in early June in the past, but next year we are planning a family visit for three weeks with our children who will then be 15 and 16 years old. We don't want to take them unnecessarily out of school because of GCSE exams etc., hence the timing. Perhaps the last family holiday before they think they are 'too old' to be seen on holiday with their parents etc.

Can anybody comment on what the weather is generally like at this time of year? I accept that it will be hot, but is it generally cloudy with rain most days which can spoil the occasion?

Web sites that display annual climate data indicate that July/August are the wettest months, but a tropical downpour can create a couple of inches of rain in next to no time.

I shall be very grateful for any imput. Thanks in advance.

 

[JohnnySharp2]

Hi,
I think predicting the Florida weather is getting more difficult, the local weather forecasts do not appear to be able give accurate information either.

Generally, July should be very hot, with temperatures in the low 90 degrees and high humidity too. Also the odd afternoon thunderstorm is very common, normally these clear quickly.

We are going in just over 3 weeks, our first time in August (school holidays etc) and are expecting it to be very hot and sunny.

Having said all that, when we went in March it was much cooler than average and actually quite chilly most mornings. Added to that a few days where it just rained all day. So I think it's getting harder to predict, however, usually July is very hot indeed.

 

[Miffy2003]

Hi there,

I have been in August which is I think similar to July.

It is hotter than you can imagine, and that is partly due to the very high levels of humidity which makes the heat seem worse (see my temperature thingy at the bottom of my post to see how hot it is today in Orlando!)

I don't remember much in the way of cloud!

There is usually a torrential downpour for 30 - 60 mins or so around 2pm but this is good as it clears the air

Have you thought about going for the last few weeks in August? Still in school holiday time for your GCSE students! We enjoy this time of year as relatively speaking the parks are quiet (well they are in comparison to July, anyway!)

Oh and welcome to the Dis

 

[Miss Mickey Mania]

I go every year in July, since 1991 so I've seen everything it has to offer . I just got back last week in fact. Yes it rains most days - but not necessarily every day. It definitely doesn't spoil anything, it can be a relief at times. In the past couple of years I've noticed the afternoon rains getting a little later, like around 4pm, especially this year. They don't usually last too long though so either poncho up and cope with it, or take shelter and wait it out.

I don't need to mention the HEAT, that's a given. Just walk in the shade when you can, and go into air-conditioned buildings at every opprtunity. It is not so bad if you are sensible.

I'd love to go around February when it's cooler and quieter but my job doesn't allow for that. I have to go at the very busiest times as I'm a teacher. Great holidays but always at peak times (ie busiest and most expensive). Oh well, you can't have it all!

 

[Red-Snapper]

Usually quite a lot of cloud (and sun) in July and August.

Clouds over after lunch building up to the T storms.

Couple of years ago it rained and was overcast in July virtually the whole 2 weeks - woke up to heavy cloud and rain which we have never done before or since so you really cant tell.

Last year we went in (August) and apart from a few heavy but brief showers we had the best weather we have had since we started going in 1990 (oh apart from the hurricane at the end of the 2 weeks).

 

[Hilary]

We've been before in:

March and April - mostly sunny, ranging from low 80s to high 50s with beautifully warm day-times and cooler early mornings/late evenings. Very little rain for us.

October/early November - our favourite weather; comfortably warm from early morning to late evening with a few hot spots some days. One year we caught the tail end of a nearby hurricane and had a few days of squally rain, but mostly it's been dry for us at this time of year.

Christmas/New Year - ranged from mid 70s down to freezing (literally!). No rain.

This year was our first visit in the summer months (we got home last weekend) and we were worried about how well we'd cope with the heat and humidity. Yes, it was HOT some days, other days it was still hot but we had a lot of cloud cover which was a blessing! We had some torrential downpours, but only two or three occasions when it stopped us doing what we'd planned. I didn't find the humidity a problem, but DH was sometimes uncomfortable. Easy access to air conditioning was essential for us.

Would we go again in the summer? Yes, we would, although it wouldn't be our first choice.

 

[disneyholic family]

we're just back from 2 weeks in WDW.
the humidity is unbelievable (100% even when it's not raining....i didn't realize that was possible....i always thought it had to be raining for 100% to register)...

the heat is oppressive and getting worse every year.....
in the 2 weeks we were there it was never under 95 degrees and at least 90% humidity...

however, it is sunny all the time except for the few hours each day that it rains....so if sunny is all that you're concerned about, no need.....you'll get lots and lots and lots of sun.....and heat.....and humidity......and daily afternoon thunderstorms (well...most days...we had several days without rain this time)..

but despite that weather, we had a grand time...
and now returned home to 95 degree, 90% humidity weather....but without mickey to make it fun...

 

[Looby Loo]

Having just got back from my first July in Disney I have to say that I absolutely loved it!! I went through the worry that it might be too hot or too humid or too busy - but I took the advise from others and took our time. If you are going for 3 weeks you should have plenty of time to take it slow! Planning and lots and lots of water is definitely the key!!

If we can afford it, I will be back in WDW next July, without a seconds thought!

 

[wicket2005]

I have just got back from a fantastic holiday (16th-30th July).

It was very hot and humid but nothing we couldn't manage. We just continually perspired and got soaked in water rides/parks to cool us down. We would definitely go again in July.

I was expecting rain every day but hardly saw it. We had a brief shower the first day, the second a very heavy downpour for a short while, then all we had was a couple of very light brief showers. There was a heat wave whilst we were there and it was commented on the rarity of the thunderstorms which were making a come back after our return. To be honest getting a soaking would have been lovely because of the heat.

We usually go in February but again due to 'A' and 'GCSE' studies choose to take the kids in July. The only bad thing is the price.

 

[sue&and]

I'd agree with Wicket. Have visited in both July and August and although very hot and humid it is bearable. Rain is very difficult to predict as when we travelled in July we had one shower (yes, 1!!); last year we travelled in August and had rain every day including Hurricane Charley. The showers are very brief tho' and a welcome relief from the heat.

We're travelling at the same time as you next year (17th - 31st July) so may see you there!

 

[jna]

Thank you to all of you who responded to my enquiry. I have to say the answers have been of great help, and in fact have swayed us from a mid-summer trip. Two years ago we 'suffered' the heatwave in central France whilst on holiday with daily temperatures of 100 plus. We've have not forgotten how debilitating that was, and without the high humidity.

We have decided upon the last three weeks in October next year. Yes, this means two weeks out of school or college for our daughters, but one of them would have probably gone on a school organised trip during one of those weeks - and then you can get one or even two Inset days.

So, we've even at this early stage put a deposit on our Virgin flights. This was because I noticed when checking prices and availability on the Virgin website that on some of the days around the time we are going, some flight numbers did not appear when they should have done, which suggested to me that perhaps they were already booked.

I shall now keep an eye on the forum for other useful information. Thanks again.