Pro/Con of May VS Oct

[LisaRay]

We haven't been to DL or California for that matter in over 20 years. Our options for a trip are either May or Oct.
We are wanting to fly into the San Fran area and drive the coast over a few days and then end at Disney. Can anyone give me the positives and negatives of weather for those months to help me decide. Both for a park trip as well as the coastline drive.
We really aren't that interested in the special Halloween events. Also, it's just my DH and I on the trip, no kids. Thanks for an input.

 

[Aspencreek]

Can't speak to the coastline drive from SF part, but we have gone a ton to Disneyland. If you aren't much into Halloween then I'd say for sure go in May, especially earlier in the month before schools start to get out in force. October has become one of the busiest times at DL, so much so that after an October 2023 visit we vowed to never go again at that time of year (we have since found September to be much better if you want the vibes without the crowds.) We did an early May trip from the 2nd to 6th in 2025 and found it be delightful with very reasonable crowd levels and warm but not hot weather (highs in 70s.) October averages a bit hotter than May, so take that in to account if the chances of a bit warmer/cooler weather matters. Hope that helps, but whatever you decide will be a great time I'm sure!

 

[VandVsmama]

Weather for both of those months will be awesome. October is very very very popular at DL. I’d go in May.

 

[cruisehopeful]

May is better weather (October has some brutally hot days), but expect to be cool in the evening.
The last couple of years, the week before memorial day through the end of the month has been a great time to go as far as things being open and entertainment. Oct used to be enjoyable. Now it's miserable. Way too many people, rides breaking down because of all the people, add in some excessively hot days.

 

[Obi-J Kenobi]

If you and your DH are Star Wars fans there are Star Wars events and attraction overlay at SM during May.

 

[longboard55]

October they will have California Adventure close early 3-4 nights a week for the Halloween party

 

[JerrodDragon89]

The Cons of October is it can be Hot and DCA has days where it closes early and this will affect Disneyland nighttime crowds

The Pros are you get all the Halloween stuff out, more Villains meet and greets, the DCA Mickey Mouse Treat or treat show is cute and worth it even for adults

For May, you get mostly lower crowds, nicer weather but a few rides could be down as they get ready for summer