May vs September

[Isaiah4113]

Which is hotter?

Which has lower crowds?

 

[mesaboy2]

September is hotter. Early September has probably the lowest crowds.

 

[BridgetBordeaux]

We used to always go in September, but the high heat and hurricane risk caused us to avoid it. If you can go in early May, the crowds are medium and the mornings are comfortable. The afternoon heat is definitely less intense and does not seem to hang around as long as it does in September.

 

[JerseyJanice]

September has a huge disadvantage to May because the MK will be closing early three to four nights per week for the Halloween.

If you want to see the new fireworks show, this makes it so hard. The crowds are insane on the nights when there is no party, at least there were last September.

I tried May last week and hit some major rain, but I don’t think it’s typical and I would go in May again. But I am done with going in Halloween party season for now.

 

[jhoannam]

Never been in September, but we were there May 14-19 and loved it! Crowds were low, not sure if it was the timing or the rain. It rained for hours every day, but we didn’t let that stop us. Rain jackets and Keens saved the day, every day. On Monday we were able to get several fastpasses at MK, we hoped from AK to MK at 6pm and were able to get fastpasses as soon as we tapped our magic bands for 5-10 minutes later.

 

[Isaiah4113]

Thanks everyone. This will be our first time. I am in the early stages of figuring things out. All information is greatly appreciated.

 

[brockash]

Which is hotter?

Which has lower crowds?

We actually just got back from our first May trip (we usually go first week of Sept.) The weather was MUCH more pleasant in May. It was unusually rainy when we went, but even with that it was still less rain than most of our Sept. trips, and while it was def. warm enough to swim and there were times it was hot and sweaty in the sun, it was nothing compared to how hot and humid Sept. is.

Crowds were probably a bit more than what we usually have first week of Sept., but honestly way lower than what I expected. If the scheduling works out, I would pick May over Sept.

 

[caribbeandream]

What everyone else said. September is still the height of summer AND hurricane season in Florida.

 

[beccasmom]

Early May is very nice. We can’t usually manage it now due to school and work schedules. Crowds are low, weather pretty nice - you can hit some humid days, but not usually as bad as later in the summer.

 

[doubtingthomas6]

late April through late May is my personal favorite time to go.
The weather and the crowds are both manageable and pleasant. Everything is typically open and running to normal capacity. I really enjoy the flower and garden festival at EPCOT but I'm sure the food and wine festival is better.

 

[JennyDrake]

Another vote for May. I've been (early) May every year for the last 13 years. Only been in September a few times and golly geez was it ever hot and humid- NOT as bad as my August trips, but not for the faint of heart or heat sensitive. If you can manage May, the earlier the better as far as crowds. As others will note, there is truly no longer a SLOW season as we once knew it at WDW, but I do give the edge again to May. Was PPers said about MK--holy cow.

 

[automaticsoap]

I would choose early May as well. September is SO humid! Also Epcot during the springtime is beautiful!

 

[Tk0021]

We went in June and September. September was hotter and we were there over labor day weekend and it was busier in September

 

[Micca]

late April through late May is my personal favorite time to go.

Yep, this is the time to go if you have a choice. In fact it might be turning into the ideal time to go for a weather/crowd balance.

 

[Farro]

OP we chose to go in May in 2020 - 5/6-5/15 to be exact! I'm just choosing to ignore the weather that happened this year.

I figure although crowds will be bigger due to Star Wars, at least we have a fighting chance of families not wanting to take kids out of school that close to summer vacation.