End of June weather vs end of August/September weather

[Ava]

Is it much different? Our last two trips have been end of Sept and end of Aug, and both trips we got rained out on at least one day. Last year in August was particularly bad; we didn't even get to see half of AK or ride several things we wanted to in MK because of the torrential downpours that lasted from lunchtime through late evening. I don't want to deal with that again and am willing to pay higher prices and forgo Free Dining to get better weather. So, is the end of June typically much less rainy than Aug/Sept since it's not hurricane season yet? What have your experiences been with end of June trips?

I would love to go in spring but our Spring break next year is back to Easter week and I don't really want to deal with those crowds. So my next best option is the last week of June, when school gets out for us.

 

[glassslippergirl]

Crowds in late June will be comparable to spring break time; the closer to Fourth of July, the more crowded it gets.

Summer is rainy season in Florida, so afternoon storms are to be expected. That said, August/September is the hottest, most humid time of year, which spawns more frequent and violent afternoon storms. Sounds like you experienced this on your last trip. It's also the height of hurricane season, but we've been lucky for the past several years (knock wood). There's no guarantees-- it's Florida, and it rains on summer afternoons-- but you may find better luck in June.

 

[mm1971]

It's Florida, really hard to say when the rain will be a factor. I would say that the potential for longer periods of rain would certainly be in Aug/Sept. Late June crowds can be pretty high if everyone is out of school, especially on the weekends. We have been end of August the last 3 years and the crowds have been larger than in the past, but still not near peak. We have been lucky as I think we only had one day with significant rain in all of our trips. Of course there were daily afternoon storms, but no wet weather patterns.

So the answer is yes, late June should be less rainy overall. The downfall is higher crowd levels, increased cost and still the possibility of rain exists and there really is no way to tell. The temps will be similar as summer is summer. For us, the end of August and rain potential beats higher crowd levels and we get to save some $$. I will say the rain doesn't really bother is though, we just keep going. Lightning however can ruin even the best day since a lot of attractions do not run.

 

[Ava]

I will say the rain doesn't really bother is though, we just keep going. Lightning however can ruin even the best day since a lot of attractions do not run.

Yes, we had the unfortunate luck last year to be there the week tropical storm Erika was brewing off the coast. Lightning shut down the outdoor rides and pools on probably half of our days. Even if it wasn't raining, if there was lightning a certain distance away they would close the rides/pools. Which I understand for safety but it was a bummer since it made the indoor rides and eateries that much more crowded.

That said, I think I've talked myself into going in Aug/Sept again. It's just so much less crowded, and cheaper. The kids will be older, and it will just be the 4 of us, so we won't be trying to navigate in the rain with a toddler and two grandparents in tow. I will also be smarter with my touring plans and hit the outdoor attractions first thing in the morning. Hopefully that way we won't end up missing out on much if they close these rides in the afternoon due to rain/lightning.