Is August really that bad?

I will say personally I wouldnt do it again. June July or August. but it is doable especially if you dont have young kids with you. Late August should be the best weather of the summer but it will still be very hot and very humid.
 
PNW gal here and we have been the end of August/beginning of September once. The low crowds were awesome, but the heat and humidity were definitely not to be messed with! We would go again at that time if it were the only time we could do a trip, but November/December are our favorite months now because of the cooler temps and decorations.

Drink tons of water and have fun!
 
We live northeast of you in Canada where it never gets truly hot in the summer. I was very worried about August heat the first time we travelled during this time of year. It is very hot and you have to make accomodations in order to enjoy yourself....do rope drop (enjoy the early hours with low crowds, short lines, and lower temps), take advantage of air conditioning where you can, stay hydrated, take an afternoon break if it's practical, return to the parks in the evening for the lower temps and nighttime shows, and have fun! We have done late August in Florida 6 times now and we are heavy park-goers.....looking so forward to returning this August once again! You will do fine.
 
I went once in July and I found July was hotter with more rain than August. Orlando summer is hot and humid but it is not the worst. We went to HKDL last July and it was much worse. I remember asking DD to wipe off the sweat on her face (it was drenching in sweat). She replied, "what is the point? The sweat will come back out in seconds!" It was true. Now, I am looking forward to our late August trip. We plan to have TS lunch and an afternoon break from the heat daily. This year Food and Wine Festival starts early and Halloween decorations will be up the last week of August. Can't wait for the festivities!
 

I'm so glad you started this topic. We are from southeast Texas, so we are used to the heat and humidity. But the last 3 trips we've gone in February, December, and October. We've been in August before, but never with kids. Our daughters will be 6 and 19 months. I'm worried about the 19 month old, but we spend a lot of time outside in the summer, so she'll be acclimated to the heat and humidity.

We plan on hitting the parks early, and taking the toddler back after lunch for a nap, while our big girl swims. I'm definitely going to buy the cooling towels recommended here, and fans for the girls. Plus lots of meals inside!
 
We are from upstate NY. DH and I visited in late August last year. It is hot and very humid in August. You will sweat...ALOT. We hit the parks at opening and usually left by 1 for a break. We would swim or shop for the afternoon and head back to the parks after dinner if that was the plan for the evening. I know that I had many whiny moments but overall it wasn't as bad as I expected.I found that I was fine until we hit air conditioning. My body had a hard time adjusting to the extremes. You cannot over hydrate. Drink water all day. We are going back at the same time this year with DD6. We're planning on taking it slow. Definitely pack ponchos. We were there just before Gaston hit full force and it rained every day for at least an hour. The Poly closed the pools at least 3 times in the 4 days we were there. I wouldn't say don't do it. Just be prepared and realistic when planning.
 
We LOVE end of August. I have kids in school so we are pretty much confined to summer. We are from NJ so we don't start till after Labor Day. The southern schools all go back mid August. It is very hot at that time of year, and you can almost guarantee afternoon showers because of the humidity. The upside is that it isn't crowded and you can usually get good deals at that time of year.
 
I've done early Sept. for years and the crowds are amazing - often its been late Aug./early Sept. so, all I can say is that it sounds perfect for ya'll. I'm really big on rope drop, and getting out of there around lunch for someplace with AC/to the pool/a nap and then shutting down the parks. Its lovely. Have a blast.
 
So if everyone leaves around 1 for a break does that mean the parks are empty from 1-5?
 
We love going in August. Disney makes the heat very manageable.

So if everyone leaves around 1 for a break does that mean the parks are empty from 1-5?

If only. We stay all day and I've never noticed less crowds in the afternoon.
 
So if everyone leaves around 1 for a break does that mean the parks are empty from 1-5?
The only ones who leave at 1 for a break are those that are wise enough.
 
Our first trip was the third week of August. Our true incentive for going in August was because we had our choice of either free dining or kids play/stay free public offers for our week. Those were the days. It's the kind of heat I'd personally rather not experience again, but it's manageable with a plan and the right expectations and attitude going into it. The daily afternoon downpours, although not lengthy, could also be an issue if you don't plan for them. We would go back in August again if we really had to, but because of the oppressive heat and humidity we would probably plan to spend most of our time in the parks in the evenings/nights and spend the days in the pool and air conditioning or even a waterpark. I wouldn't be able to do that type of trip now with a toddler but it would be fun for my older kiddos. I suppose FP+ makes that kind of plan work, but not if we wanted to park hop though. The crowds start to thin out the later in August you go so that's definitely a plus.
 
We love August. We have gone 3 times, I believe. It's not any worse than being home in MN, and there are plenty of ways to keep cool - swim, misters, into stores, rain storms, etc. Don't be scared off.

Just wear your sunscreen, take it not-as-fast, and know it will be hot and sunny.
 
I haven't been in August, but the older I get the less I can tolerate the heat and humidity (and I'm from Louisiana, lol). My wife and I went on our first trip in May of 2000, and we were miserable. I can't imagine August. We always go in the late Fall or early Spring. We haven't been in 5 years, but we are going next week.
 
I did not read all the replies, but let me say please do not let anyone downplay the heat. I live in South Louisiana and even I try not go outdoors for most of August and September. I've lived here my entire life and it's not something you "get used to" in the terms of walking miles and standing around on concrete. Just be prepared and take care.
 
We have gone 2xs in August , 2014 was last week in August and 2015 was me August. The last time we said never again it was inferno hot! 105 in the shade hot. Let's just say we are planning to go the first week in September. We had a great trip. I really had a hard time the last time with the heat but then when we got home I found out I was pregnant while I was there. The first time it was bad but not as bad as 2015. Put it this way we are willing to try it again it couldn't be that bad.
 
I've gone in early August, early December, and early May. August and May were both hot, but the humidity in August definitely made it worse. I didn't mind as much, we have hot & humid summers where I am in the midwest, so I was ready for it. I just drank tons of water, wore lightweight moisture wicking clothes, and made to sure to go into shops and do some indoor activities to cool down every once in a while. And that was all without taking mid-day breaks. I'm on the go from rope drop to park close and I managed just fine. Never got overheated or dehydrated (which has happened at home before). I would totally go again in August, preferably late August for the lower crowds. It'll be hot & humid but definitely manageable.
 
Forgot to add, the time my kids and I went for 15 nights, last two weeks of August, we stayed off site. Glad we did; DD and I bought sweatshirts at Target (and pajamas at Walmart). Evenings were chilly! Yes, it's hot, but no more hot than Maryland at all. But evenings after the rain we needed a sweatshirt, and I agree that you need something as air conditioning is WAY too blasting or chilly.
 
We find August to be miserable in terms of the temps. We will never go in August again. Worth it to just take my kids out of school. LOL
 


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