Give me the honest scoop on swimming in late January in California.

[disney-super-mom]

We're trying to decide if we should go to DL or WDW for our late January vacation. DH and I went to WDW last January, and although it wasn't hot, it was certainly warm enough for swimming (it was around 75-80 degrees everyday we were there and also humid, which made it feel a little warmer).

We've never been to DL in January, so we don't know what to expect as far as temperature/weather. I looked up the average temps for that time of year, and it seems to be between 65 and 68 degrees.

So, anyone been to DL in January that can give me some insight on if swimming is really feasable? Also, how warm do they keep the pools of the DL resort during this time of year? Is it just too cold outside for kids to even want to use the slides at the DL resort pools?

Thanks for any insight you can give me.

 

[Albort]

they vary year by year. Jan 2007 = the coldest time ever in the history of California.

 

[tinker-girl]

they vary year by year. Jan 2007 = the coldest time ever in the history of California.

And in 2006 we had a heat wave where the temps hung around 90 degrees for several days.

So, it's really hard to predict. More often than not though it's not going to be ideal swim/pool weather.

 

[godalejunior]

We were there this year in January, the last few days of it and into Feb. We went in the pool on a Friday at DLH, the warmest day, and it was 69 degrees. We are from WA so 69 degrees is warm to me and we had a blast.

 

[Dizneydaz]

January-Brrrrrrrr! (at least for So Cal.)

 

[biolabetty]

Last January we had a big freeze with a chance of snow for several days. The lows were in the 20s, but this was in the valley. DL is closer to the coast, but still can get pretty chilly for socal then.

 

[disney-super-mom]

Brrrrrr, this is not sounding too promising for swimming and sliding at DL in January.

Decisions......decisions!

Lets see, DL is ALOT closer, the rides better, it's easier to get around between the 2 parks and DTD, and they have some new stuff for us to check out (Nemo subs and Pirates Lair), and we LOVE IT THERE!

However, WDW will most likely be warmer for swimming and sliding (and by late January we'll be ready for some warm sunshine since we're coming from the Northwest), and it has lots of new things for our boys to experience (they've never been to WDW before). They have fireworks almost every night. And, of course we'd make a side trip to US/IOA for a couple of days too.

What do I do?

 

[MyLove4Disney]

I'm form northern California, it might be nice it might not. I go to florida the 2nd week of Feb almost every year to get away from the cold to cool weather. You know the song it never rains in california, not true. Don't get me wrong I love california, I am a native. I love norther california best, but if I had to travel at the end of Jan and wanted some place warm that I could swim, I would more likely go for Florida.

Last year 2nd week of Feb, Florida was very windy and chilly, I would not have swam.

California last week of January, see below.

check out this link from last year. Malibu is not all that far away from anaheim considering how big CA only about 60 miles north west.

http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/01/22/snow-in-malibu-ca-is-a-mild-winter/



So it just depends. Now I would say if you go to the carribean it will be BEAUTIFUL and almost hot. thats where I went in 2007 with DCL so had DISNEY and warm weather in Feb2007

Either place you go, you know what you will have a great time. It's DISNEY (land) or (World)

 

[EnnEss]

I've been there in Jan and Feb. I'm from Vancouver and I always swim then. Its usually fairly warm by my standards. 60+. I'm sure there are cold times. The pool at Paradise Pier, which is where I stay usually, are always warm, very warm. I've made this comment before, they're too warm to "swim" in if you actually wanted to swim laps. I just say that so you can get a reference of the warmth. I love sitting in the hot tub on cool nights and watching the fireworks.

 

[BraMax]

We went this past Febuary(the beginning) and we swam but our hotel pool was heated quite warm. Our first few days were in the 80's then it dipped down to the 70's. But I'm from Alberta Canada and well I left tempatures below freezing lol . So maybe I shouldn't be answering this thread

 

[tinkerbelt]

I've seen people swimming in the winter. I'm a So Cal native though, so 65 is COLD for me, and there's no way I'd be in the pool! But for some people, that's warm for that time of year. I know that the pools are heated, but I am not sure how warm.

 

[Amy&Dan]

I have swam at both DL and WDW in January. But we love to swim, if the water is warm enough to not turn us blue, we go for it! As for DL vs. WDW, I might lean a bit towards WDW. And don't get me wrong, I love DL. But in the offseason at DL, the lack of weeknight entertainment turns me off. Also, all weekends, all year long are packed at DL. Whereas at WDW even the weekends offseason can be very doable. Also, maybe they will (or have already announced) the Pirates and Princess Party at WDW for this winter which would be fun for your boys. You can't make a wrong decision (too bad all of life is not like that ). Either way you'll have a great time! Oh and another thing that I like about WDW is the mulititude of onsite accomodations. I have gotten rates at the Values and Mods offseason for as little as $49 a night (AP rate at Pop). I love staying onsite and hate that at DL I only have three high priced options. Of course after all this, look where I am headed in January: Disneyland and the DLH! And I can't wait!