Going in June vs. July?

[bettymae1121]

We're planning a one week DLR stay (Courtyard Theme Park Entrance) next summer. Originally I wanted to go as soon as school is out here, so we'd be in DL the first full week of June. But I've read here that, unlike WDW, that 4th of July is actually a good time to visit DLR as it isn't as crowded as other summer weeks, and something about "June Gloom". But I'm not sure I can get the 4th off, my co-worker likes to take it most years and I'm not sure if it's worth the hassle to try and get that week specifically.

While park crowds are of course a consideration, weather is a big factor too. I loathe park touring when it's super hot and I'm not a fan of humidity either (although I know So. Cal isn't nearly as humid as Central FL). That said we are planning to rope drop then rest/swim in the afternoons and then head back to the parks in the evening so even if it is hot, I'm hoping to avoid the worst of it.

Sorry I know this is a bit all over! So basically what I think I'm trying to ask is....if you are hoping for a good balance of decent weather and manageable crowds (we plan on getting MaxPass FWIW) and you had all of June and July to choose from for a 1 week stay - what week would you pick? And also, if you had both months available except the week of the 4th, what week would you pick?

 

[smartlabelprint]

Always choose what’s best for your schedule. DLR crowds are super unpredictable.

We chose a week in July after most of the annual passes are blocked out. The block out calendar can change so keep that in mind as well.

 

[smartlabelprint]

Blockout calendar https://disneyland.disney.go.com/passes/blockout-dates/

 

[Aurora0427]

This summer, we went in June and the weather was sunny and in the 80s. July we went three times and it was HOT (we are native Texans so used to hot and humid) and we felt like it was more crowded. Does Anaheim get June gloom??? We are in San Diego and 99% of June was so gloomy, but we are directly on the coast. You just never know about crowds at DLR and the weather.

If you’ve got a great pool in which go swim, I’d say either month. It’ll be nice again in the evenings!!!

I personally would pick early June since Southern California public schools are still in session and I’d be hoping for cooler weather!

 

[theluckyrabbit]

June Gloom is your friend! Overcast mornings, making way for warm afternoons, then cooling off in the evenings -- you can get a lot done in the parks when the weather is like that! Agree with the pp to check the AP blockout calendars -- that is a key factor to predicting crowds at DLR. You want a time when the lower passes are blocked. Also, check the 2020 dates for Grad Nites. They should end around the second week of June. I would try to visit after the last Grad Nite so that you don't have to worry about them at all. Do a search on this board -- the dates have been published. The last few years have been good as far as July 4th goes, but next year the 4th will be on a weekend -- that could change things a lot. Unlike WDW, peak season can be a good time to visit DLR. When the parks are prepared for crowds, things run pretty smoothly and you don't notice the crowds as much.
So, to answer your questions: look at the AP blockout calendar, check when the last Grad Nite is scheduled, then choose whichever week in mid-to-late June or in July (barring the 4th) that works best for your schedule. Then come back here to confirm that nothing crazy will be going on at the same time. And start planning your trip. We'll be here to help!

 

[FeistyDisneyMom]

Personally I'm a huge fan of doing June - the gloom is actually a positive imo as lucky rabbit mentions. This past summer, 4th of July looked like a pretty busy day compared to other days, but as others have said crowd levels at DLR are incredibly hard to predict. Go with what works for your schedule, and then worry about adjusting expectations and planning later as you get closer to the date and have a better idea as to what kinds of crowds and events will be happening.

 

[bettymae1121]

Thank you for the feedback everyone! At the end of the day, no matter what week we pick it will be a great time. My initial plan was the first full week of June but maybe we'll push it a few weeks to avoid grad night. I'm thinking we'll skip July if for no other reason than I'm looking forward to this trip and don't want to wait longer than I have to to go! Patience is not a virtue I come by naturally!

 

[tarheelalum]

June usually has great weather. Cloudy and cool with little to no humidity. July is usually when hot weather starts in Southern California. But it is usually not humid or very hot compared to Florida. Even when people in SoCal say its hot, its not really hot compared to Florida. The only exception to this is when the Santa Ana winds are blowing and then it feels like hell on earth but you can't predict them. Mid June crowds are usually very nice as well. June is probably the best time of the non holiday months to go in my experience.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

... The only exception to this is when the Santa Ana winds are blowing and then it feels like hell on earth but you can't predict them....

But, generally, you can predict Santa Ana wind season which runs from September to May -- which then makes June Gloom that much more welcome!

 

[VandVsmama]

The 1st full week of June is one of my favorite times of year to go. You get the benefit of long park hours, but it's overcast in the mornings and while afternoons are warm, it's not scorching hot. The weather is PERFECT!

Every time we've gone in June, there have been grad nights. But grad nights are totally manageable. When you're in the parks on a Grad Night day, make sure that you're out of DCA by about 8 pm. And do the big E-ticket rides earlier in the day. Stay out of Tomorrowland in the evening until the grads are required to be all in DCA.

If you can, do rope drop a couple of mornings. The parks will be WONDERFUL until about 11-11:30 am. That's when you'll notice the crowds start to show up. But from 8-11:30 am? Oh my goodness, it's pure Disney magic.