December Weather?

[steen995]

I was hoping to take a poll from those who have gone before in early December. What was the weather like and what year did you go?

My husband has such high hopes for warm weather (were from Seattle). I just thought I could show him a thread from people who had been there. He thinks I'm nuts for thinking we should bring gloves.

 

[dizneycc]

No, you are not . It can get down right cold at night in December. We went to MVMCP last year, the second week of December, and I wish I had gloves. It was freezing. Had to buy a sweat shirt, and even then I was still cold. Thank goodness for the hot chocolate! It kept us warm.

This year, I am going to be prepared for cold and warm weather in December!

Enjoy!

 

[BarbaraK]

The average temperature in December is 73 - 51 and the average rainfall is 2.2 inches for the month.
My sisters and I have been to WDW in December several times. We usually wear shorts during the daytime and depending how late you stay at the parks slacks and a sweatshirt at night will do. Although I remember one year we were watching Illuminations at EPCOT and could have used a pair of gloves and a warm jacket.
I think the best time to visit WDW is in December because of the holiday decorations and the great weather.
Have a magical vacation.

Barbarak

 

[tarheelmjfan]

We live a little further south in Tampa, but I can tell you our experience. Keep in mind, that it is usually a little warmer here than in Orlando. We moved here 7 years ago, and last year was the first year that we had to abandon our shorts prior to Christmas. We had what I consider a cold winter last year. I'm not a meterologist, and really don't know how much one thing relates to another, but we have already had a few cool days this year, which in our experience, is unusual. DH & I were discussing expecting a colder winter. However, cold to a Floridian is relative. We went below 32 degrees an estimated 4 nights last year. I think it depends alot on what weather you're used to. Definitely, bring a couple pair of pants, a jacket, and gloves wouldn't be a bad idea. We were in WDW once in October, and froze. You never know. I'm not sure I helped any, but I gave it a try.

 

[Tink]

I've been in December 2x. The first time it was very warm. The television weather had said it was unseasonable for that time of year. That was 98. We went again in 02, and we had weather all over the map. One night was humid, another was pouring rain and yet another was freezing. I needed and purchased a pair of gloves.

Just be ready for anything.

 

[Kaycee]

We went the second week of December 2002. We were there a week, and within that week we had days when we could wear shorts comfortably the whole day, and days when we needed jackets the whole day! You really just have to be prepared for anything in December.

 

[Lucky4me]

Yep it can vary a lot. I bring a pair of jeans, a sweatshirt, a windbreaker, stretchy gloves and a knit cap. If I need them, they're there, but I always hope I don't. I think I needed them, out of three years, one time for just one evening.

 

[Shutterbug]

yes one year at MVMCP it really felt like a Christmas party because of how cold it was..coats hats gloves.

Another year it was too warm to drink the hot chocolate.

Also in the same week one day it was cold and windy I needed hat, gloves, jacket and sweatshirts. The next day it was clear and sunny and I was back into shorts and t-shirt.

 

[DebbieB]

I've gone the beginning of December the past 6 years. We've had trips where it was high of 80 the whole time and times where some days were 50's/60's. The day we arrived last year it was in the low 50's. Except for 2002, very little rain. If highs are below 70, you will need a warm jacket and gloves for evening. Let's hope this year will be a repeat of 2001, where it was highs around 80 the whole time and just a little cool at night.

By the way, my mom thought I was nuts for bringing gloves one time. When the nights are cold they bring out the gloves on the counters. Guess who had to buy a pair?

 

[WEDWDW]

I would agree that you have to be prepared for warm and cold weather.I arrived at WDW last December 20 and it was 36 degrees,I believe,on Main Street that night!You definitely needed a coat and gloves.There were some days that I needed my coat all day and there were a few days when I could wear shorts with a long-sleeved shirt until the sun began setting.It can especially get chilly around the World Showcase Lagoon at Epcot.I didn't think I would like the cold weather on vacation,but it added to the holiday "feeling".Prepare for anything and HAVE A GREAT TRIP!

 

[zurgswife]

I also was there in 2002....weather was indeed ALL over the map...I will be packing heavy stuff just in case.....

 

[Kimmie5870]

Try the farmers almanac online. it's calling for freezing weather from Dec.7 -Dec.15...

 

[DebbieB]

Originally posted by Kimmie5870
Try the farmers almanac online. it's calling for freezing weather from Dec.7 -Dec.15...

Yikes! Hope they are wrong!

December 2004
1st-3rd. Rain/wet snow shifts into Tennessee, points south to Gulf Coast, then clear, cold. 4th-7th. Storm from Texas moves up to Ohio River Valley, depositing heavy rain/wet snow northern portions Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee. Very cold air follows. Freeze conditions into Florida. 8th to 11th. Unseasonably cold, dry. 12th-15th. Frigid air extends into Florida, then milder. 16th-19th. Mixed clouds. Mild days; chilly nights. 20th-23rd. Showers, wet snow, then bitterly cold air. 24th-27th. Showery rains fall across much of Southeast. 28th-31st. Blustery winds diminish.

 

[disneyfan551]

Ugh, I shouldn't have even opened this thread...

 

[steen995]

Originally posted by disneyfan551
Ugh, I shouldn't have even opened this thread...

Ah, come on, as long as you've got a warm coat and some gloves. (That's what I'm telling my husband anyway ) It's all about the planning. I just think I'd rather know and plan for it. That's what is so great about these boards. Your really able to be prepared for all the little "what ifs" Wouldn't you rather know you might freeze your tail off and be prepared than only bring shorts?

 

[nancyL]

Ok, how accurate is this farmers almanac anyway? We're going to US/IOA the first week of Dec and I was hoping to do the 'wet' rides too- I dont really care for pneumonia. Sigh. Pools are heated at onsite hotels, correct?
Really, does anyone know how accurate the almanac has been in the past?
Thanks, NancyL

 

[disneyfan551]

steen995...You're right! We were very unprepared last year, and needed mittens, hats and jackets. I only had 1 sweatshirt, and wore it constantly! We will be much more prepared this time!

 

[kupperman]

Oh well.. we'll still have a blast