packing for January

[goemanb]

Has any of you gone to orlando in January - can you help me come up with clothes to plan for... We are there Jan 22-30 - so I am not sure if we will need 8 outfits each? I don't know where we would do laundry and I am guessing you can't rewear what you had on for 13 hours the day before. I am sure more layers, but will we need full length jeans? jackets? We will get to the parks early when they open so it will be cooler, but coming from south dakota - I am not sure how cold florida gets? I have looke at averages for weather.com, but it is still hard to imagine.
Thanks

 

[Revulkcor]

This past year it was slightly cold, so you'll definately want to bring some jackets, sweaters, etc. But bring some Jeans, etc aswell. It's kind of hard to tell. It's cooling down here already and raining quite a bit. I live 45 minutes from Orlando so we get just about the same weather as they do. :/ You might be able to tell as it gets closer.

 

[Uno Mas]

I've been several times in January and it's just so hard to predict. One year we wore shorts, the next long pants and jackets. I usually can get away with capris and tshirts with another layer over top for the morning and evening. It's definitely chillier then but warms up as the day goes on. I would say yes, you need 8 outfits. I usually pack a short option and a long option for each day, with a couple sweatshirts/raincoat/lightweight jacket. It's a lot of clothes but well worth it when you can't predict the weather.

 

[Bephus]

I agree with PP, you will want a versitile wardrobe as the weather in January can be unpredictable. Since you are from SD, you will be used to much colder temps but the humidity in FL can make it feel colder. You can get away with jeans or pants with maybe one or two pairs of shorts/capris for the whole trip. I would then bring some shirts you can layer and at least one sweatshirt. You will already have a jacket from home- try to wear the lightest one that you won't freeze in and you can use that too, a heavy parka will not be comfortable to tour in. Don't forget a bathing suit! You will want to take advantage of the heated pools if you get a warm sunny day which is very likely.

 

[gabriellyn]

We've been in January twice now - the weather is totally unpredictable. It went from FREEZING (literally) to shorts-weather. Pack for all types of weather.

 

[Cyndibear]

We go every January. We check online the week before what the weather is going to be like and pack accordingly. Too hard now to give you any idea, January is so iffy. January 2010 was very cold (32 degrees) so we packed our winter gear. The year before we were walking around in shorts and flip flops. Wait till it gets closer and just check the weather online. If you are staying at a Disney Resort, they usually all have laundry facilities available.

Cyndi

 

[Hootch]

layers.

A couple of years ago It was in the low 80s when we arrived. Three days later it never got out of the 40s.

 

[taragarza1]

When we went in Jan. it was freezing. We are from Ohio so we had our winter jackets in the car. Those can in handy a couple of the mornings.

 

[At World's End]

We were there last Jan 9-19. The high temp was 34 the day we arrived! By the end of the week it was in the mid 70's, but every morning it was in the 40's. Most days we wore long pants, long sleeve T shirts, jackets, hats & gloves. There were 2 days that it was warm enough for shorts, for some of our group! We are going again next Jan 22-Feb 1. I am planning to watch the weather, but be prepared for cold again. I'm packing two pairs of gloves and hats for each child, in case one gets lost. I'm also going to pack thermals that they can wear in the morning, then take off later if needed. We'll be traveling in cold weather clothes (pants, LS t shirt, sweatshirt, jacket), to reduce some space in the luggage. I think it's better to pack more cold weather clothes than warm weather clothes. You can always buy T shirts in Florida, but if you need hats or gloves, you might be out of luck. DS (4) lost his gloves on day 1 and we called EVERYWHERE in Orlando trying to find some. Everybody was sold out due to the freak cold snap.

 

[lkhenrie]

I have been in January a couple of times. You need to be prepared for any type of weather. I know a couple of years ago we went to Boardwalk and the pool slide was closed because it was icing up but a few days later the kids were in shorts!! I agree layers are best and a sweatshirt can be your best friend!

We normally stay at OKW and do have laundry in our room but check with your hotel they may have a washer and dryer that you would be able to use.

 

[TK Brown]

We have been in January each year since 2004. Each year its different. Freezing to start and hot at the end. I would wait until the week before and see what the weather "shows" to be. If you are staying somewhere with a washer/dryer, that could save you some of your packing. But its a great time to go!