Really, the truth, how bad is the summer?

[JerseyJanice]

I’ve done three trips in August and they were all very enjoyable.

Yes, it’s hot, but the hottest days in WDW are no worst than the hottest days in NJ where I live. We went swimming during many afternoons and hit the parks in the evening. It gets dark early in late August so I found it easier to take the heat then compared to June when you can get a broiling sun until almost 9:00 PM.

 

[teachmedis]

New Yorker here, and we visit every year in mid to late August. It certainly is hot, and humid, but the crowds thin out, especially later in the month. The heat is manageable, the par hours are still pretty long. I honestly think it is a fine time of the year to visit.

I'm glad to hear this from a New Yorker as I want to make plans for a summer trip. Could use a little sweltering heat and humidity now huh neighbor?

 

[fizzymint]

It really depends on your heat tolerance. It's too much for me combined with the amount of walking you do, but if you don't mind it, it'll be fine. Plan what you want to do in advance and you'll make it work!

Just get ready for those afternoon downpours!

 

[Tomh]

I'm glad to hear this from a New Yorker as I want to make plans for a summer trip. Could use a little sweltering heat and humidity now huh neighbor?

Hello Neighbor In general, I don't do well in the sweltering heat and humidity, but I manage pretty well in Disney. We've done summer trips every year for the last 10 years. First time was in July, rest have been middle to late August.

I sure would go for a bit of that heat right now. Negative 10 with the wind chill is no fun for sure.

 

[Babs1975]

It's so hot. Like surface of the sun hot. LOL We are from the northeast also. We use to go in summer, but switched to November/December and I hope to never switch back! I just don't enjoy that feeling of not wanting to be outside because of the heat and the insane anount of water you have to drink and sunscreen you have to use. Not for me!

 

[magical-me]

Lots of rain. Lots of heat. Lots of humidity.

I don’t mind the crowds tbh

 

[Tomh]

Yes, it is hot, you do need to purposely work to stay hydrated, and sunscreen is a good idea, though I don't use tons of it. Generally I give myself one spray in the morning, and then possibly once again in the afternoon if I start feeling like my skin is getting too hot, or if I have gotten particularly wet and think the sunscreen might have washed off. That has been enough to keep me from getting a sunburn.

It does rain nearly every afternoon for a bit, and occasionally there will be a day where it rains more consistently, but mostly they are just brief storms, and then it goes right back to being sunny.

 

[queenofthehive]

We usually have a trip in August. I love going in the summer time. The days are longer, you can enjoy lots of pool time and parks are usually open later. We take advantage of evening extra magic hours. It is amazing how many rides you can do at this time. Go to the parks early in the morning, go back to the resorts by noon to swim and nap, then go back to the parks in the evening.
As for Hilton Head instead of WDW, I personally would not use DVC points and just rent a house or condo. We go the SC low country beaches every summer and you get more for your money by renting a place then staying at the Disneys HH resort. You would be better renting your DVC points out and using that cash to rent a larger space for you family. We really like Sea Pines and Shipyard areas of HHI. Rent bikes and use them to get around the island. DVC at Hilton Head is just over priced (points or cash) for what you can get in the area.

 

[Jo*Mama]

We like the summer because of long park hours and full operating capacity for rides and shows. July has actually seemed less crowded for us than late September because they actually have both sides of rides running, more showtimes,etc. Have not been in August though.

As far as the heat, the clothing choices are key! Dry-fit everything and comfy sandals!