How bad is August?

[ShannyMcB]

We are a mid-August family! As everyone has said preparation is key. Even though the kids don’t need naps anymore we do a mid-day break (hour or so) for showers and a few minutes of chill time.
Cooling towels are a necessity as is anti chafe lotion as you will be sweating in places you didn’t know sweat.
Last trip we looked over the weather on arrival and noticed one day considerably hotter than the others. We dubbed this “show day” and spent the extra muggy afternoon hours bouncing park to park and seeing every indoor show we could. It was a surprisingly fun way to spend a couple hours.
Plan lightening lanes (if you use them) for mid day when the heat is the worst so you aren’t stuck in outdoor queues. In general target rides with outdoor queues for early morning or evening. You may end up waiting longer for more popular rides but an hour in an air conditioned queues beats 30 mins in direct sun.
The crowds are lower and the prices better so it’s the time to take your savings and treat yourself to a unique experience or fun restaurant. And AK is uniquely fun during those mid-day rains as the animals perk up. Pack your ponchoes and take advantage while everyone else is ducking for cover you can stroll onto the suddenly available rides. Bring an extra pair of cheap flip flops to have n your park bag in case of soggy shoes. If you are wearing socks bring extra pairs of those too (and undies swamp butt is real) in the bag or fanny pack….although I don’t consider that tip unique to August.

 

[beccasmom]

We were limited to summer trips for many years because of school - students and teachers in the family. Usually that meant traveling in August. Yes, it’s brutal but doable. But I find it hard to adequately describe it to someone who has not experienced it before. We certainly have humidity in SE PA, but there’s simply no comparison. My preference would be spring or fall months - we’re going in October this year.

 

[patty57]

It depends on your tolerance for heat and humidity. Some people can manage it, and feel okay. Others can't. I think going in August really comes down to how your family deals with extreme heat and humidity. I can say that I spent one summer in Florida, and there isn't enough money in the world to make me do it again. My husband would be fine.
You need to be realistic and decide how your family would handle it.