Swimming in January?

[Mama Odie]

We'll be at one of the WDW resorts in mid-January 2013 and I was wondering what the pool situation is like at that time of year. Is it too cold to swim? Are the outdoor pools even open? I don't want to pick a resort because it has a great pool and then get down there and find out we can't even swim!

Thanks!

Julie

 

[wendypooh]

ALL the pools are heated!!! and generally, at least in our experience, you most likely WILL be able to swim, as you can have very very warm temps in Jan./Feb. - pack your suit, and hope for the best!!

 

[Missytara]

We'll be at one of the WDW resorts in mid-January 2013 and I was wondering what the pool situation is like at that time of year. Is it too cold to swim? Are the outdoor pools even open? I don't want to pick a resort because it has a great pool and then get down there and find out we can't even swim!

Thanks!

Julie

All the pools are heated.

But you are asking a very subjective question and there is no way of predicting the weather this far in advance.

What level of cold can you tolerate? How far of a walk will it be back to your room? Can you tolerate the walk back to the room?

 

[alyssa810]

We've really had the spectrum of weather temps when we've gone in January and early February; one year, we had the "pleasure" of 28 degree lows (2009, most recently) but last year, I think we had highs in the 80s- it was the best January weather we could remember. We tend to swim in the evenings so it gets cooler, but as long as towels are readily available, we've gone when it's been chilly.

 

[disneyfanlincoln]

Word of warning pool at POFQ was definitely not heated end of January 2012, it was probably a blip but we swam anyway, it was cold but fun, we got out when we turned blue !!!!

 

[MinnieSummer]

Yes there is always the possibility of being able to swim -- I've seen people swimming when it is in the 40's out. We are not that brave but I have found that at the mods and value resorts, there is usually a laundry room right near the quiet pools. My DD will swim and I will put her beach towel in the dryer just before it's time for her to get out. That way it's nice and warm and we make a dash for the room.

 

[AJA]

In mid January it could be 30 degrees or it could be 80 degrees and it could be at both extremes during your trip, there is no way to predict what this coming January will be like.

I agree with those that are saying there's a good chance you'll be able to swim at least one day of the trip since the pools are heated. If swimming means a lot to you be ready to schedule it in for the warmer days.

ETA: The middle of winter is the one time I would not pay more for a resort that has an awesome pool.

 

[*Fantasia*]

I would suggest moderate or deluxe resort. They have a hot tub (except Poly), so if you want to relax in the water, and air temp is too cold for you, then at least you can hop in the hot tub. During summer, we can stay at the value resort because I know you wouldn't catch me in the tub when it's 90° outside.

 

[cjsm&d]

Being from Maine, we plan to swim unless there is a layer of ice on the pool.

The pools are usually open, but when we were at CSR a few years ago on the colder days (mid 60's) they didn't have lifeguards, the lounge was closed, and the slide was closed.... we went for a swim anyway. By the last 3 days of our vaca the weather broke and it hit about 80.

 

[shaynar]

We were there last year, and there were some days that it was nice enough to swim, and others that were not. We're going to BC this January with the hopes that we'll get to go to SAB, or at least play in the sand!

 

[FantasiaMagic]

I have been to the world in January and swimming was totally fine - esp in the morning/afternoon. It may get a little chilly at night but we did that also. Depending on the weather it can be very hot, mod, or a little chilly. I say go for it either way!!! - your in Disney!!!

Enjoy your trip to the world!!!!!

 

[canopynut66]

have been in January when can swim and all pools heated anyhow but have been when had to buy jackets one never knows for sure in January thru Febuary

 

[Sue M]

We always go mid to end of January. This past Jan 2012 the weather couldn't be better. We like swimming mid day when it's warmest. Even in the nice weather, early mornings and evenings can be cool.
However we hit a big cold snap Jan 2010 and jan 2011 the cold snap lifted half way thru trip. But we've always found days we could swim. Cold snaps don't usually last that long.

 

[mariamouse]

We were there last year, and there were some days that it was nice enough to swim, and others that were not. We're going to BC this January with the hopes that we'll get to go to SAB, or at least play in the sand!

We will also be at the BC (villas) this January-- cross the fingers!

 

[LC102310]

Where are you from? That will factor into this as well.....I live in Boston, so 45-50 degrees is lovely spring weather, where others may need a hat and gloves.
So if you are used to the cold, swimming in January will be no problem for you.

 

[dpmfloyd]

january 2010 wdw saw some of the coldest temps in its history. BUT the week i was there, it was slightly warmer (no frost!) we landed and all we wanted to do was swim. we unpacked and put on our suits and made the brisk walk to the pool. i jumped in, my fiance put her toes in. the second my skin came above the water i was shivering. i floated around for a minute and RAN back to the room. i tried swimming again, this time just after lunch a few days later with slightly better results, but with that same chilly air clutching my skin. so come prepared, but can those expectations just in case.

 

[laceemouse]

Where are you from? That will factor into this as well.....I live in Boston, so 45-50 degrees is lovely spring weather, where others may need a hat and gloves.
So if you are used to the cold, swimming in January will be no problem for you.

This! It depends on what is "cold" to you. But in general, for a winter trip I would NOT base my resort choice on the pool.

 

[kiwitinkerbell]

We've been jan twice before and had gorgeous weather. Swimming both times, several times. We stayed at pop both times and found the pool lovely. (and we came from summer in new Zealand)

 

[prune1977]

We'll be at one of the WDW resorts in mid-January 2013 and I was wondering what the pool situation is like at that time of year. Is it too cold to swim? Are the outdoor pools even open? I don't want to pick a resort because it has a great pool and then get down there and find out we can't even swim!

Thanks!

Julie

We went the last 2 years in January. First year I wouldn't have even tried to swim. It was cold for January in FL. Last year I would've swam had we had the time, Was high 70's low 80's while we were there. SO hard to say.

 

[Missytara]

This! It depends on what is "cold" to you. But in general, for a winter trip I would NOT base my resort choice on the pool.

Thank you for re-iterating my comment.

The questions regarding us to predict the temp six months from now, in addition to ascertaining if someone can tolerate cold weather strikes me as odd.

I work outside in DE and can tolerate shorts with a flannel shirt down to the low 50's. Why don't people ever say where they are from and their tolerance level. My theory is that people continually think Florida is part of the Caribbean and not really part of the Atlantic coast. Really????

It is right up there with is it worth it for me to spend a thousand more dollars to go deluxe.