June vs August

[psu1978]

We are considering our first summer trip. Unfortunately, with school schedules this is our only option.

Which would be a better choice...

3rd week in June or 2nd week in August?

August is better for us, but are concerned that the heat and rain might be worse then. I figure the crowds will be about the same either time.

Any thoughts?

Thanks!!!

 

[4greatboys]

I would think the crowds would be better the second week in Aug. Many kids have gone back to school by then. As for rain, when we went in June the second week we were there it rained everyday. Rain I can handle but there was also lots of lightning so many times things closed down til the storm passed over. I havent been in Aub but I think June has more rain.

 

[Mike]

Both will be hot and crowded and historically you can expect more rain in June, but ......

We went the 2nd and 3rd week of August in 2003 and had lots of rain - not just the typical afternoon shower - steady downpours lasting hours - our Illuminations Cruise was cancelled one night and several other days we left the parks early because we had had enough of the rain

We went the last two weeks of June this year and we hardly had any rain - just a couple of showers.

I found both vacations very enjoyable. Both times I prepared myself to be miserable with the heat and humidity but I wasn't. We went to the parks at opening and then went back to the hotel from 1-4 for rest and to cool down and then ventured back out late afternoon.

As far as crowds go, it was busy but very manageable with fastpasses. I don't recall waiting more than 15-20 minutes in any line. I don't think there was any significant difference in crowd levels between the two trips.

Hope this helps. Have fun!

 

[sugermouse]

Personally, I would choose June over August.

 

[MrsG]

We found June to be much more humid and crowded. The second week of Aug was cooler and less crowded. Most of the schools in the south were opened by then. Be careful, though, WDW closes earlier after mid August. Check the WDW times before you make your decision.

 

[sters]

August is in the hurricaine season, but I don't think June is.

 

[psu1978]

So far it looks like August is slightly favored. Although the hurricane thing has me a little spooked after this week!!

Thanks for the replies.

 

[CarolynK]

We were there August 2003, mid-month. It rained every day, hard. We were there this past June, second week. It never rained once, but it was brutally hot.
Considering what is in the news right now, reinforces our decision to return again next June, NOT August.

 

[smittys_girl]

The thing about Florida is that you can never predict how bad our rainy seaon will be. Sometimes we have drought, others it storms every day. One thing you CAN count in is the heat and humidity. If you go in the summer, take a spray fan and go in August. That is the time in which a lot of the kids are back in school and hurricanes are very rarely hit Orlando. As for the rain, do all of the things that will be closed during bad weather early in the morning before the rain usually comes. Hope this helps!

 

[psu1978]

Thanks for all of the replies! They were very helpful. I like the fact that some students are back in school in August...might cut down on the lines a bit. However, it appears to rain more in August (at least in more recent years).

Since preferences seem to split both ways, and August is better for us...we'll probably go with August and hope for the best. Personally, I wish we could go the beginning of December...that's my favorite time...but that is no longer an option for us.

Thanks again for your valued input!

 

[bytheblood]

I vote for June.

1. Hurricane Season
2. East Coast Schools, I believe this includes Florida, go back to school later. They do not get out until Mid-June.

 

[Mike]

Originally posted by bytheblood

2. East Coast Schools, I believe this includes Florida, go back to school later. They do not get out until Mid-June.

This is true for northeast schools. Most Southern schools - Florida included - go back in August and get out earlier in the year.

 

[tar heel]

There will be fewer students back in school next August than this year, however. That's because no public school will be starting earlier than August 25. Given that we're within driving distance and one of the bigger states population-wise, there probably will be some effect.