Disney weather in December?

[tink0283]

I am going to disney this coming december and i was wondering what the weather is like? i can look online for estimates of temp. but i wanted to know what type of clothes to wear..maybe feedback from those who have visited during that month. i have not been to florida during fall/winter weather in many years so any info will help.
thanks!

 

[chskover]

We were there last year. The week before we arrived it was in the 80's. On our first day(12/15/07) it was in the 70's the rest of the time it was 60's and below. We were glad we had winter items with us, because we were so cold and we're from Ohio! It was still great just being in Disney.

 

[edamethyst]

oh great, we're going in December also and while I don't mind the cool weather at all we have reservations at Dolphin Cove and 60s will be alittle cool to be swimming with the dolphins. I hope its a little warmer than that when we're there!

 

[goofydebi]

My only experience in December happened to be the coldest in Orlando history, most miserable trip ever. It was in the 20's. I was thinking about going this year and if so hoping for much warmer weather. I live in northwest FL and it's in the 60's today and that's cool to me.

 

[dsnymomof4]

We've been there twice in Dec and both times the weather was beautiful. Upper 60s/lower 70s during the day and maybe 50s at night. We wore shorts some days and lilght jackets others, but it was wonderful! We even went swimming one night because the water is so warm. Have a great trip!

 

[5 for WDW]

I was there this past December and it was 34 the day(17th) we arrived. We were in our jeans and winter coats. By that night I added gloves and a hat. It was colder there then it was here on LI.
It warmed up a little the next two days.

We are taking lots of layers this December. A little bit of everything. Jeans, shorts. T's and long sleeve shirts. We will already have our coats with us since we are coming from NY. Probably hoodies for the kids. Its a pain but, I don't want to buy sweatshirts for 5 of us if it is cold.

 

[princess&her4princes]

Oh no....and here I thought we'd be leaving the cold New England weather for Florida early December!!

 

[BradyBz12]

we have reservations at Dolphin Cove and 60s will be alittle cool to be swimming with the dolphins.

We swam with the dolphins at Discovery Cove several years ago in November. It was a breezy day in the low 60s. Definitely chilly! Swimming in the reef was fine as the water is heated, but the dolphin pool is not. The life jackets help a little, but DH and I had serious goosebumps when we got out (it was still super cool!)

That being said we go in December a lot and have hit everything from 60s-80s with evenings where we needed jackets and mittens. Layers are good.

Have a great trip!

 

[WDisneyWforMe]

As another above posted LAYERS are your friend!! Coats are a hassle so we went the layering route, you will be surprised how warm you can stay just by layering up t-shirts, long sleeve t-shirts and sweatshirts. We were there in 2006 in December and the night we did MVMCP it was FREEZING! Thankfully we were regulars on sites like this one and knew to expect anything, so indeed had brought lots of layers to apply, mittens, gloves, stocking caps and scarves. It really saved us. The next day at AK though we were burning up, so again Layers are your friend.

 

[TiggerificSox]

Oh no....and here I thought we'd be leaving the cold New England weather for Florida early December!!

It is much warmer than up here in New England! I've been the past two Decembers visiting family. I'd say capris and tshirts during the day, jeans and sweatshirts and/or a light jacket at night is pretty safe. Layers are also an excellent option.

 

[OKW Lover]

As others have said, layers.

We've been to WDW every year for at least 15 years now and the weather then is extremely variable. We have pictures from one December where we are in shorts and polo's on Friday and in everything we brought (including winter coats) on Monday.

 

[*Seanaci*]

I must be the odd ball of the bunch. We went 5 years ago during the Christmas season (got there on the 19th, and left on the 25th). It was nice the whole time we were there, 60's and 70's. Mornings and evenings were a little chilly...though not for us cause we're from CO. We were wearing shorts every day we were there. People knew we weren't from town the first day because we were wearing shorts and sweatshirts over T's, while everyone else had on jeans and heavy coats. lol

Anyhow. Layer layer layer.

This year, we're going the same time of year as 5 years ago (our arrival date is 12-21), and we plan on packing jeans/capris, and shorts. As well as taking bathing suits (we'll see about that).

 

[DisDreaminMom]

It totally depends. It was 38 here in KY last night and my DF in Ocala, FL said it was 38 there, too. Now it didn't get warmer than the mid-50's here, but I bet it got in the 60's there. We lived for 3 years in FL and the weather was all over the place. I did get a mosquito bite on Christmas, so that should tell you how seldom it actually freezes. Ditto all the people who said bring layers. Plus, WDW gets cold when you go from dark attractions to back outside so bring something you can get off and on easily for you and the kiddos (cardigans, etc.) and wear it around your waist.

BTY, when is colder than 65, and you see people wearing heavy coats and gloves, those are the Florida residents. When you see people on the same day wearing shorts and t-shirts, those are the Europeans and the Northerners....We never used our pool when it got below 70 degrees outside, but all the people who visited us were swimming fools because the water was so warm to them.

 

[disneym2m]

Gee, I went last year (Dec. 8 to 14) and it was freakin HOT!!!! I brought shorts just on a whim and ended up wearing those the whole week. I wore jeans in the evening twice but that was it. I usually go in December so I brought a heavy jacket because in the evenings it can be cold, but last December that jacket stayed in the hotel closet. I didn't wear a single sweatshirt...it was shorts and tee-shirts the whole week.

So I guess check weatherchannel.com and look at their 10 day forcast. Bring a few extra warm clothing but bring cooler clothing as well. This was the first December I could actually go swimming and not be chilled.

I know you are still confused.

 

[mom0299]

We've been for the last two years in December. Two years ago it was the week before Christmas and the weather was perfect. You still needed a light jacket at night.
Last year we went the week after Christmas. We were wearing shorts the first few days. In the middle of the week we had two of the coldest days on record in Florida in about 30 years.
My advice is to pack for all kinds of weather. I know that makes it hard, but it's better to be prepared. Believe me, you'd rather bring your own hats, gloves, and sweatshirts than to pay Disney prices for them!

 

[onehotdisneymama]

Florida weather is soooooo unpredictable. Lived here all my life and still get confused. Like some people have said, Dress in layers. It is easy to get cooler or warmer, by taking something off or on. We always bring our swimsuits, the water in pools is usually heated to a certain temp. The hot tubs are interesting at night when the temp falls and the steam comes off of them. Today we are in the 60's and tonight some areas will drop in the 30's. In a couple of days we will be back in the 70's. Oh, well, enjoy your stay. We will be their in December too. With our layers.....

 

[tink0283]

thanks so much for all the comments. and yes, i am still a little confused but i know the weather can vary there so thats why i posted the question...to get peoples feedback from their experiences. we will bring our layers and be ready for any kind of weather...whether its freezing or hot, we will still enjoy ourselves. can't wait!!!