How is the weather the beginning of December

[Tigger&Belle]

I'm planning on going to WDW in early December for a week (meeing my 81yo mom there, who has never been to WDW). I'm thinking about going a few days early, to give my 4yo a chance to do the preschool rides and shows that he would enjoy before doing more senior rides and shows when my mother arrive. If I go with this plan I would also want a few hours a day to hang around the resort and let my son play in the pool and generally not wear ourselves out before "Part 2" of the trip.

I know that they weather could be warm or cold, but it is *usually* warm enough to swim in the afternoons the first few days of December?

I also know that the water is heated and we'd be coming from Maryland and would be used to a cooler climate. I could find out the average daily temperature for December, but that would factor in the colder days the end of the month, which doesn't really help me. I suppose that afternoon highs of 70 degrees or warmer would be warm enough to swim. Anyone have any idea?

Thanks, T&B

 

[mickeysaver]

Trying to tell you what the weather will be like is a stab in the dark. The last two years, it's been a little too cool for most folks to consider swimming much. But, in the past, it's been too warm for most to even wear a jacket. It just depends on what mother nature gives you. Sorry. Maggie

 

[ceejay13]

I agree that it is somewhat unpredictable. The last visit we made the first of December I remember being in the MK on our last night in shorts and a tshirt and being very comfortable. A few days before that we were in sweatshirts in the evening. All the pools are heated, however. Having said all that, it is my absolute favorite time of the year to visit. If you have a chance visit several of the resorts to see their X-Mas decorations and gingerbread displays. They are incredible.

 

[Tigger&Belle]

That's always the problem. I just checked one website and looked at average December high temps, and it said 73 degrees (and that was the whole month average). If it were in the mid-70's it would be fine for some swimming, but, like you said, who knows.

We were at WDW early this past Feb and my son played in the Pop jets one afternoon (was too cool the other days, but was very nice the day we arrived). Early December should be warmer, but of course we're only talking averages.

I hate decisions!

If it were just a matter of going a few days early or not going, it would be a non-issue (of course I'd go), but what I'm debating is taking him down for a few days in mid-October. We'd still do the December trip, but I'd only go the days that my mom will be there. Of course I KNOW in October it would be warm enough to swim, but that means a separate trip, extra airfare, etc.

To further complicate things, my DH and I might go down for several days sans children in early October and don't know if I can do back to back trips without feeling very guilty (time away from home, the $, rubbing WDW in my older children's noses, etc, etc). BUT, I wanna go! It would be easier to tack on a few days to the December trip because it would be the same trip and it's my birthday so my family would cut me some slack.

Could be worse, I could not have any trips in the works!

T&B

 

[YourMajesty]

Last year we had a couple of days it was in the 80's. The day we left if was very chilly and the life guards were wearing jackets. We did swim one of the warm days but the sun was down it was was a bit chilly. If we had gone earlier in the day I'm sure it would have been great. If you are going to be there a weak or more you would probably have some good days to swim but which days would impossible to predict. We were there the first week of December last year. Good luck with your decision!

 

[Jeanny]

We went Thanksgiving 2002 and wore shorts the entire time... but we're also from the north and left in a snowstorm... so I was NOT going to wear long pants while in Florida. I remember it being warm during the day in the high 70's, some nights were cool, there was one when it got down to 45-50, but I was still wearing shorts!!!

we're going again this year so I'm hoping the temps will be about the same. We're not swimmers, so it doesn't matter to me about the pools.

 

[danny1649]

First part of December each year since 1992.During those trips we have experienced very hot and very cold weather and everything in between,sometimes on same trip.I would advise you bring clothes you can layer,so you can adjust clothing to weather.Most years we have been able to wear shorts and tee-shirts during the day and jeans with windbreaker in evening.We have not encountered many rainy days during our visits with exception of two years where one time it rained all but one of seven days we visited.The other we had 4 days of rain out of seven.

 

[Tigger&Belle]

Even though I would be down there well over a week, only about 3 of those days would be lower key with time to swim at the pool. The other days would be touring with my Mom and sister and staying offsite. Sounds like it might be worth the gamble and it would sure save $ over making an additional trip in October with my 4yo. And I know my husband would be in favor of me extending the December trip over making two trips down with Jake, especially since my DH and I would have just returned from WDW.

T&B

 

[Tinkerbell58]

Went to WDW last year the first week of December. It was chilly! It was cloudy with a cool breeze almost every day. In fact, when we left So. Jersey, it was snowing and the plane had to be de-iced before take-off. What a disappointment it was to arrive in chilly Florida. I wore shorts only one day. The rest of my trip I wore jeans and carried a jacket.

Like many have said, the weather is unpredictable, so plan accordingly.