January Temperature, Crowds, and what to Expect

[MikeWazowski]

I've never been to Disney World in January and my family is planning a trip to WDW in January now.

I've heard from my father and mother that it usually only hits around 70 for the high. But, I'm assuming that the temp. would keep down the crowds.

Is there anything else I should know when I go in January?

 

[disneygeek]

We've been many times in January. The weather can vary greatly year to year. Usually it is comfortable without a jacket in daytime. At night you need a jacket or coat. Crowds are excellent. Park hours are short. Have fun.

 

[tjkraz]

We were at the World the last week of January '03, and were very happy with the weather. Over our 6 days, it hit the mid-70s at least 4 days. Layered clothing is very important. Chilly in the morning, warmer at mid-day, cold after dark. We often arrived at the parks in shorts and a sweat shirt, only to lose the sweatshirt as the day progressed.

But, as you said in your post, it can be quite unpredictable. Disappointing though it may be, it's entirely possible that temps won't get above 60 for a week. Just the luck of the draw, I guess.

My theory is that if you visit for a week, you're likely to get at least a couple of days of 70+ (swimming) weather.

Crowds during the week (not including MLK holiday) are non-existent. On the weekend things pick up, and you could get cheerleader groups on Friday / Monday. Mid-week, we didn't see a standby line with a wait greater than 20 minutes. Most rides were virtual walk-ons. The shows (Indy Jones, Fantasmic, etc.) were also rarely full--we could arrive 15 min ahead and get a great seat, but there were still empty on the sides as the show began.

Personally, I wouldn't hesitate to schedule a January trip again. Just avoid MLK weekend if possible.

 

[wdwfreak]

We went in January 2002 and it was HOT!! We were expecting cool weather for most of the trip, as we have been in Feb a couple of times and the weather was cooler. It was 80 degrees or warmer almost every day we were there. Still cooler than in the summer months, but we weren't used to sweating so much during that time of year. Still, with reduced crowds, it was quite an enjoyable visit.

Goes to show, you can never predict the weather ...

 

[MdmMim]

I've been going to WDW in Jan/Feb for years, and the weather is unpredictable. It can be in the 70-80's or it can be in the 20's, as I experienced this past trip. There was a killing frost, and on the coast, it actually snowed a bit. School's were closed due to the cold. I wore my winter coat (with the hood up), sweatshirt, and gloves, and I still froze a few days.

On the other hand, a week later--it was hot--near 80.

It's best to dress in layers and be prepared for warmth and cold.

Cold or hot, January is the best time of year to visit WDW!

 

[ljsmom]

We have been twice in January and our experiences have been like night and day. In January '99 we used the pool everyday. The daytime temps. were in the low 80's. In January of 2001 it rained a lot, and we only got to use the pool once. Very unpredictable.

 

[Philly12]

We were there in Jan 2002 and had the best time. The crowds were small and the weather was great while we were there. In the morning we needed a jacket, the afternoon was beautiful, and the night required some bundling for the wife and kids. If not for tax season we would go every January. Sure the park hours are shorter but believe me with the light crowds you will see all you want.

 

[shamrocks]

We were just there January '03 over
the MLK holiday weekend and wouldn't hesitate to go
again. Lines were non-existent. (Even though
it was a holiday weekend we never waited more than
5 minutes for the most popular rides.)
We walked into Fantasmic just 10 minutes
before showtime and got a great seat.
They didn't even have most fastpass machines
operating because they weren't necessary.

The weather is unpredictable though. It was
freezing for all but one of the days we were there.
In the 30's except for the one 70 degree
day we had. Pools are heated so those of us who
live up North and are insane actually enjoyed the
pool that day. You just have to pack for every kind
of weather.

Parks closed early but since everything was
practically a walk on we didn't mind and we
were done with the parks well before that. We
had more time to enjoy a nice relaxing dinner or
shopping in Downtown Disney or the resorts.

Have fun! We can't wait to go back

 

[eeyore0062]

Well, predicting the Florida weather in January is a little bit like playing roulette... you really don't know... and you need to be prepared for anything.

We were there Jan 2-6 in 2001. When we got there it was in the high 60's. Within 2 hours, it had dropped to the low 50's and was raining. The next day, it drizzled all day and was in the high 40's. The following day, temperatures of high 40's during the day, dropping to 32 degrees that night, with windchills of 23. The following morning, we were scraping ice from the Aladdin ride seats. It warmed up to a balmy 47 degrees. On the last day, we hit the high 60's again.

You just never can tell!

 

[BAST]

We were just there - Jan 21 through 31. We had record cold temperatures for a few days and nights, we also were able to go swimming on two days (we are from Wisconsin so we are used to cooler weather). We had no rain at all.

Crowds were minimal the whole time - it was a truly great time to go. I only wish my kids were not starting school this fall - I would definitely go again in January.