Early December weather tips

[yankebabie]

We are going to WDW first week in December to see Christmas. We usually go in September when it is extremely hot so not quite sure what to expect weather wise in early December. Shorts, pants, t-shirts, etc??? What to pack. Any tips for that time of year?

 

[TCRAIG]

I’ve been in early Dec many times - most times the weather is great - a couple of times it was so cold the old paper fast pass machines froze...I would pack a variety of clothes - but expect at least cool early mornings and nights... jeans and sweatshirt cool...and then T-shirt’s and whatever for days..and throw in swimwear too...

 

[mom2rtk]

You have to be prepared for anything. Could be hot, could be bitter cold. Usually very pleasant, sweatshirts in the AM and after dark but shorts OK. But you just never know. Layers are your friend.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Anything and everything. I've been there many times that same time period. It has been warm, seasonal, cool, cold and frigid. Plan on packing layers. A little bit of everything, from shorts and short sleeve shirts to even coats, gloves and hats. Check a day or two before you leave home to get a trend. Not a forecast, but rather a trend for last minute packing. I have been there when it has been in the 80's and when it was in the upper 20's. Two different years Disney was covering up the plants and bushes to protect from frost.

Also, not sure where home is for you, but if it is cool/cold at all (Chicago here for me), remember you are usually not out in it a long time. You go from house to car, to shopping, to work, etc. At Disney, you are walking out in the open a lot, much of it near water. And standing outside in lines, etc. 50 might seem warm at home, but at night at WDW, it can be quite chilling. And in the 20's, downright brutal. Ask anyone who was there in early Dec, 2010.

Enjoy, a very pretty time of the year.

 

[yankebabie]

Anything and everything. I've been there many times that same time period. It has been warm, seasonal, cool, cold and frigid. Plan on packing layers. A little bit of everything, from shorts and short sleeve shirts to even coats, gloves and hats. Check a day or two before you leave home to get a trend. Not a forecast, but rather a trend for last minute packing. I have been there when it has been in the 80's and when it was in the upper 20's. Two different years Disney was covering up the plants and bushes to protect from frost.

Also, not sure where home is for you, but if it is cool/cold at all (Chicago here for me), remember you are usually not out in it a long time. You go from house to car, to shopping, to work, etc. At Disney, you are walking out in the open a lot, much of it near water. And standing outside in lines, etc. 50 might seem warm at home, but at night at WDW, it can be quite chilling. And in the 20's, downright brutal. Ask anyone who was there in early Dec, 2010.

Enjoy, a very pretty time of the year.

Very good point about walking around in it and staying outside compared to in and out of the weather here at home (in NY).would not have thought of that. Thanks for all the great tips. Any and all tips are welcome

 

[fla4fun]

Ask anyone who was there in early Dec, 2010.

I was there! It was miserable in the parks at night. Even though it’s technically our dry season, the cold here has a dampness element that just makes it worse. Bring everything from a swimsuit to a jacket, gloves and hat. For the most part, you will be fine in a shirt and jeans, but the temps can swing from 80’s to 30’s within a four day period. We have even had snow flurries a couple times (and not the soap bubble kind).

I always go in early December. I pack a mix of capris and jeans, short and long sleeve shirts I can layer, a hoodie and a fleece jacket I can layer, a hat, scarf and gloves. If it’s hot, I am in the capris and a tee. December of 2010 I was in a tee, long sleeve shirt, hoodie, and fleece jacket with all the winter accessories and still shivering.

 

[Brett Wyman]

It was really cold in the morning this last November as well. Like several people said already, you have to pack warm and cold weather clothes. On average you'll be wearing a jacket in the morning and sweating to death by 1pm. If you're lucky you'll get those perfect days where its just cool enough for jeans and a t-shirt. Swimming also is focused much more around midday during this time of year.

 

[Snow White DPMP]

December can really vary.
Average high is 72. Average low is 52.
I have been when its in the 80's and then there was last year where it reached 60 at 3pm and there was a raw breeze and that night it was in the low 40's and felt like 35 at 10pm.
I'd bring a variety.
I'd bring some shorts but mostly pants and t-shirts.
Also make sure you have a light jacket at the minimum but if possible I'd also pack a mid/heavy weight jacket.
Yes I have worn a winter coat in the parks before and when I thought no I won't need that today I have had to purchase a second zip up jacket to wear over the top of my light jacket.

 

[beccasmom]

We’ve experienced temperate and pretty chilly weather in December, but have been lucky most of the time (who wants to leave a northeastern winter and head to Florida for more of the same?). On one trip it was mid-70’s and fabulous. But as other posters have noted, anything goes. Keep an eye on the local weather for 10 days or so before your trip; that may be helpful but don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Pack for both types of weather and keep your fingers crossed.

 

[lorenae]

It was cold when the wind brew just right at Fantasmic! but overall one year it was actually pretty hot- shorts and t-shirts and sandal and lots of time finding those misters and places to get cool. I think one night we might have put on a light sweatshirt.

One year we wore hats and gloves in the evening, sweatshirts and jeans during the day.

It's likely to be a mix of nice warm days and cool mornings and evenings- but it could be any combination. Just keep an eye on the weather, so you have some packing ideas, but bring layers so that you can add if you need to.

 

[Traveling on cc points]

I’m still hope the weather will change but next week looks pretty cold.
Sat & Sunday look nice but mon, tues wed, thurs are cold.

 

[lorenae]

Oh, no. I didn’t look at the weather forecast for next week, and I’ll be there Wednesday night.
Keep in mind that in Florida, the weather changes often and the forecasts are not always accurate a week out.

 

[Traveling on cc points]

Oh, no. I didn’t look at the weather forecast for next week, and I’ll be there Wednesday night.
Keep in mind that in Florida, the weather changes often and the forecasts are not always accurate a week out.

That’s true but I tend to believe it because of the cold front heading across the country. It is what it is. A cold day a Disney is better than a cold day at home

 

[lorenae]

That’s true- but sometimes people coming from up north are disappointed when we have a cold front. (I had a sweatshirt on today until nearly noon, but it was pointed out to me that it was over 72 degrees, so I’m a bit of a baby). It’s supposed to be warm through this weekend for sure, but I do have my furnace on just in case.

It gets cool at sunset and has been nearly cold at night.

 

[DVCjj]

I’m still hope the weather will change but next week looks pretty cold.
Sat & Sunday look nice but mon, tues wed, thurs are cold.

Will be there those exact days and very disappointed when I saw that. Thought we could get away from the tundra of the Midwest but no. I should know better though because several years ago at the exact same week, Florida had BELOW 32 degrees. It was warmer (by a little) in the Midwest! Boy, you never know about Florida weather.

 

[North of Mouse]

Be prepared for 'any' temperature range! As @Dan Murphy said in his post Dec. '10 was brutal - we were there and so thankful we had brought hats, gloves, coats, etc. Staying outside in that type weather with wind blowing was miserable. In fact, we left two days early - no fun for us.
Have also been when it was mild - hot - just never can tell!

And, the saying that a cold (wet, rainy, hot, you name it) day at Disney is better than being at home/work - nope, not to us! We'd definitely rather be home.

 

[Traveling on cc points]

Will be there those exact days and very disappointed when I saw that. Thought we could get away from the tundra of the Midwest but no. I should know better though because several years ago at the exact same week, Florida had BELOW 32 degrees. It was warmer (by a little) in the Midwest! Boy, you never know about Florida weather.

We get there on Black Friday and leave on the 7th. We went last year the 2nd week of December and it was freezing at night but decent during the day. I had to buy a hat and gloves one night while walking through epcot.
Luckily we fly southwest and can pack an extra suitcase for all the layering we will need to do.

 

[North of Mouse]

Don't worry overly much for this year first of Dec. Doesn't seem to be setting up to be near as cold as what we experienced. But, evenly moderately cold temps with wind blowing can be miserable if you're constantly out in it. Better to be prepared than not!