Rain in December???

[Babyfatt]

Too bad there's no weather forum here on the DIS with Florida's weather and all.

Anyway, what's the rain like in early December. I know it can get a bit cold and the rain is minimal at that time.

The question is, how freguent is it and how long do the spurts last? Eventhough I'll be bringing an umbrella just for insurace but how bad is it? I'm wondering if a hood jacket would be more practical.

Any thoughts out there?

Thanks in advance!!!

 

[LuvTigger]

I've been to WDW once in December (1997, the first week of the month), and the best advice I got was to be prepared for anything, and boy were they right!

We stayed 6 nights. The first day it rained all morning and part of the afternoon. It was pretty steady, but I've seen worse, it wasn't like the summer afternoon thunderstorms there. Temperature was in the 80's.

The next 4 days, it was absolutely beautiful, but COLD!!! (30s-40s)

Our last day, it got up to the 70's and 80's and was nice during the day, but at night there was a thunder and rain storm which was pretty heavy.

I personally prefer a poncho or hooded jacket when I go to WDW, partly because I don't like to carry umbrellas, and partly because I'm always afraid that an umbrella might act as a lightning rod during the thunderstorms!!

 

[JCTurner]

Thats useful to know thanks Luvtigger - Im at PC end Nov start of Dec and wondered how far the weather could vary from one extreme to another.

Colin

 

[goofy4tink]

We were there from 12/12-12/17 last year. It rained on one day for most of the morning. But it was more like a drizzle. We just toured the different resorts. One time it did rain mid-afternoon but it was over very quickly. If it rained at night I would imagine it could be chilly as the nights were on the cold side.

 

[crow11ad]

I hope it doesn't rain while we are there from 12-4-04 - 12-10-04. I mean please don't rain during the mmvmcp and the decorations with lights at night

 

[mrsltg]

I've been twice in December. The first time it was near 90 all week - perfect weather! This past year it was chilly and on 12/14 there was a torrential downpour from early morning till around 1 or so. DD and I went to the AK and I ended up having to buy new sneakers because mine were soaked! The bonus of this storm was that she and I had a private safari. The guide asked her name and pointed out each and every animal to her and even stopped to let me take pictures - it was better than the Sunrise Safari we had done earlier in the week!

Erin

 

[wannabee princess]

We were there last Dec 7-14, and until the 14th we had clear skies. The rain as we left the World really matched our mood that morning.

I think the "be prepared" motto is appropriate for Dec in Orlando. We had everything from swimsuits to gloves and we used them all!

 

[SamanthaL]

Well we have been there 2x during the first week of December and had 80's to 90's on both trips without a drop of rain. i guess it is the luck of the draw.

 

[sorchamac]

Originally posted by SamanthaL
Well we have been there 2x during the first week of December and had 80's to 90's on both trips without a drop of rain. i guess it is the luck of the draw.

90's????

Please not 90's!! I'm going 11/27-12/4 and I'm praying for 65-70's !! I'd even be happier with 50's than 90's!! I HATE hot weather!!!


Sorcha

 

[DebbieB]

We've gone the first or second week of December the past 6 years. 1998, 1999 & 2001 were beautiful, high 70's/low 80's, no rain. 2000 was cold, highs in the low 60's almost the whole time but no rain. 2002 wasn't good - the high temps varied from 50's to high 70's but twice we had 24 straight hours of miserable hard rain. Fronts kept stalling over Florida. Last year was a mix also, highs from the 50's (one day) to upper 70's, one night with some rain. All in all it's a good time to go. Bring a heavy jacket or light winter coat if high temps are lower than 70's, the nights can get cold, bring gloves too.

 

[TinknBoys]

We have gone 4 out of the past 5 Decembers, 1st or second week. The only rain we ever had was 2002, and it was chilly and rained all but 2 days of a 9 day stay. Every other year was wonderful, our favorite time to go. Some years low 80s day, 60s night, some years high 60s to 70s day, 50s night. But with the exception of 2002, we had a wonderful time. Take layers, watch the weather before you go, lot's of internet sites to chose from. Buy a mickey poncho at any store on site, including hotels if you see you need one( they replace them if they get a tear in them so you only ever buy one per person)Have one pair of shoes( tennis) that will dry out rather than just leather. Have fun, you will be in Disneyworld. We will also be there the 3rd thru the 10th.

 

[DebbieB]

Originally posted by sorchamac
90's????

Please not 90's!! I'm going 11/27-12/4 and I'm praying for 65-70's !! I'd even be happier with 50's than 90's!! I HATE hot weather!!!


Sorcha

High 80's are very rare. Checkout this link on weather.com, record highs for dates in December vary from 82 to 90 (12/16/61). The record low is 20.

http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/climatology/daily/32830?climoMonth=12

 

[LuvTigger]

I just wanted to expand a bit on what others have said about layering...

When it's cold outside, they really turn the heat up in the attractions. What worked for me was wearing a short-sleeved t-shirt with a sweatshirt or zippered jacket over it. Whenever we got into a ride or attraction, I'd just take the sweatshirt/jacket off, and I'd be comfortable. But I wouldn't wear ONLY a long-sleeved shirt/sweatshirt because you'll be dying once you get into the building!!!

 

[diznee25]

We were there December 14-27, 2003. No Rain! It was cold though. Had to wear jeans and a fleece jacket everyday.

Diznee25