how bad is the heat in August?

[happymommy]

We've gone many times in late August, and I love it then! Last time we did the last 2 weeks of August, and it was great!

Yes, it can be hot, but it's also hot at home too.

It will rain, possibly every day in the afternoon, but it's short lived. Just bring an umbrella and you're fine.

It is surprisingly cool in the early mornings and late evenings honestly. Last trip we actually bought a couple of hoodies at Target while we were there. I do suggest one or two sweaters for air conditioning and after a rain storm!

July is one month I will not go. As it gets later in August the weather is much nicer (yes, there is rain, but it's not all day).

 

[mom2AidanAndEli]

We've been to Disney four times--every time the last week of August. This time we're moving it up a bit because son is starting high school and sports/band start earlier.

Yes, it's HOT. HOT, HOT, HOT! But....the crowds are totally manageable. Many schools have already started back. Free dining is not pushed off until September, so I think people who can wait for that do.

I can handle hot without the crowds---and I'm not a heat person at all! But by the end of August, even up here in New England, our bodies have adjusted to the heat and humidity. So I don't think it's as much of a shock to the system.

If you're used to going at a high-crowd-level time, you're going to love it! You can get in, go on a bunch of rides, see a bunch of shows in much less time and then take a break. Just make sure you go at a slower pace, hydrate, and take lots of breaks.

 

[middlesista]

Have also gone in the summer a few times in the past. Loved that the parks were open so late and found the daily rain and thunderstorms brief and not a huge issue. We usually went in July and we did return to the resort almost every day during noontime to swim or rest - our children were young and we stayed at a monorail resort so it was easy to head back to the room.

With all the hints folks have given you - you should be prepared to have a great vacation!!!

 

[lizzyb]

It's hot. Just take breaks and drink tons of water!

 

[puffkin]

I honestly didn't find August to be that bad. Loved the long park hours, the ability to tour rope drop to lunch, pool, then evenings (fits our style) and summer trips are so easy to pack for. Shorts and t's. We stay DVC so we just do laundry every day or two to keep the sweaty clothes under control.

Coming from PA, it honestly wasn't much worse than at home. One thing in August is that we have already grown accustomed to several months of hot, humid weather so our bodies can handle it better. We have had much more trouble during the late spring/early summer in WDW because our bodies just having gotten as aclimated to the heat yet.

 

[PartOfYourWDWorld]

I've been in Auguht before and we're going again this August. It'll be hot and humid, but you'll be fine. The majority of Disney's rides, and even many queues, are indoors in the AC. Plus there's water attractions and nice pools at the resorts. I highly recommend tnkig a mid day break.

The worst weather I've ever had in disney was in June 2004. It was over 100 every day. You just never know what you're going to get.

 

[Paigesmom2013]

We are from WI and went during the first week of September and would never go back again at that time because of the humidity. But our toddler did seem to tolerate the weather better than me and DH. My suggestion would be lots of pool days, the Frogg Toggs around your neck, and a towel for sweat. (Sounds gross, I know, but it helped.)
We did the air conditioned rides also for breaks. Casey Jr. splash area is fun for kids to cool off at MK. I know there are some fountains at Epcot. Our worst day was probably at Sea World because of the lack of shade.

 

[Bluegrrl]

Echoing a lot of what others have said here, but:

Get a very good sunscreen and wear it a lot. I'm currently wearing Aveeno moisturizing sunscreen (yellow and orange bottle - there is a face one and body one). Also, get a hat - a broad brimmed one (mine is a straw one from the GAP). Don't forget put sunscreen on your hands, feet, back of neck and back of legs. You can get sunburn from the pavement when the sun the reflects off of it! You can not not have enough sunscreen. Sunscreen early and sunscreen often!!! There is no such thing as a basic tan or a basic sunburn. All sunburn is bad.

Water is helpful, drink that or anything else that does not contain caffeine while at the park. In the evening, drink all the coke you want too, but not while out at the park. Water is good, but don't "over-water" yourself. That can be just as bad.

Body glide is great!!! I use it for marathons, and I love it. Use it for any hot spots you get - between the thighs is a good spot.

The other thing I use to "beat the heat" is skirts. Or kilts, if you are a guy. I love the fold over skirts from Old Navy and Gap, and my husband loves his Utilikilt. Neither of us like shorts, they are too confining and hot. I have worn capris, but find skirts to be so much better and give me a better breeze. Plus they are pretty!

During the hot months, Floridians and Disney tend to over-air condition their places. So, be sure to bring a light cardigan for the indoors.

Good luck, it's already 90 degrees here!

And BTW: Florida's rain is not normal - it's brutal and actually hurts!