Weather comparison: Early May vs. Late August

[TeamEvansGo]

We went last year in early May, (we've also done mid September years ago) and are thinking about our next trip during the last week of August.

Let's talk HEAT. My research shows that there isn't much difference in average highs/lows for the temperature in comparing the two times. (roughly 2 to 3 degrees difference) Yet, I have read a lot of people decrying that the late August heat is "unbearable!". How can it be that much worse than May? On our last trip the temps got up to close to 90 most days. It was hot, but really not something that slowed us down.

Any thoughts from those in the south or that can handle heat? I grew up in Georgia, and currently reside in Virginia where summers are hot and humid, so I'm guessing my idea of "unbearably hot" isn't the same as others. But reading people freaking out about the heat and stories of kids throwing up have me worried, can't tell if they are just not used to the heat or it really is that bad...

 

[DebbieB]

We went last year in early May, (we've also done mid September years ago) and are thinking about our next trip during the last week of August.

Let's talk HEAT. My research shows that there isn't much difference in average highs/lows for the temperature in comparing the two times. (roughly 2 to 3 degrees difference) Yet, I have read a lot of people decrying that the late August heat is "unbearable!". How can it be that much worse than May? On our last trip the temps got up to close to 90 most days. It was hot, but really not something that slowed us down.

Any thoughts from those in the south or that can handle heat? I grew up in Georgia, and currently reside in Virginia where summers are hot and humid, so I'm guessing my idea of "unbearably hot" isn't the same as others. But reading people freaking out about the heat and stories of kids throwing up have me worried, can't tell if they are just not used to the heat or it really is that bad...

Humidity is worse in August. I was there the week of May 8 this year, it was low 90's but it wasn't extremely humid. Not a drop of rain. I've gone in June before and it was a noticeable difference in humidity and rain.

 

[roselark]

Yep...humidity is the biggest difference and the morning lows are cooler in May. Average of 65 compared to 73 in August.

 

[addiln]

I have gone to WDW the last week of August last year and will be there again this year the same week. I have gone in mid September and mid October as well. You can tell the difference in August since it is more humid. We had kids with us last year with the oldest being 12 and the youngest was 6. They were fine and did not have a problem at all with the heat and humidity. I don't think it is a bad as people say. If it is bothering you just take it slow and take breaks in places that have some sort of air conditioning.

 

[tobikaye]

100% agree on humidity. I have gone in mid-May and had high 80's and it was hot, but not horrible compared to July, August or September.

 

[TeamEvansGo]

Yeah, like I said I'm from Georgia and live in Virginia so I know and deal with humidity on a daily basis in the summer. It seems like we will be fine since we are conditioned to hot and humid.

 

[maltdizzy]

Yeah, like I said I'm from Georgia and live in Virginia so I know and deal with humidity on a daily basis in the summer. It seems like we will be fine since we are conditioned to hot and humid.

You'll be fine. If you live in the D.C. area, you already experience humidity that even people from the Carolinas and Georgia complain about.

Everyone already noted.,..the temps are close, late August/early Sept definitely seems hotter because that's peak humidity.

But...it's also the beginning of peak hurricane season. People forget this because it's been severla years of mild hurricane seasons, but (historically) WDW offered great discounts mid-August to Mid-October because of hurricane season.

I grew up in Virginia and we always go in late August, all the way back to the '80's. To me hot+humid feels like summer vacation.

 

[georgina]

Agree it is the humidity, but the only time I have ever felt heat issues in Orlando was in May. I have been in July, August, and Sept without problems. My thought was that in May I am not used to the high temps yet, while later in the summer I have acclimated to the summer temps back home.

 

[DisneyOma]

August is heavy into the hurricane season.

 

[Mikie]

Yeah, like I said I'm from Georgia and live in Virginia so I know and deal with humidity on a daily basis in the summer. It seems like we will be fine since we are conditioned to hot and humid.

I agree that humidity is worse in August and also that it NEVER seems to get cooler - evenings/nights just still feel hot, where in May it seems like morning and evening are much more pleasant. However, as you point out, the daytime highs aren't dramatically different, and my husband theorizes that our early fall trips (when it's still hot in Fla) *feel* somehow nicer than a spring trip (when it's still very cold at home but is already getting hot in Fla) because we're still conditioned to the heat from summer.

If you're used to Georgia/Virgina then you'll probably be quite familiar with the heat - it's just that at home, you probably don't spend nearly as much time in it or do so much walking in it!

 

[mister morrow]

I'm from NJ and even the heat up here (during the summer) can't prepare us for the heat in Florida during late August.

I've been to disney both in may and august and i would pick may.
although the crowds are really low late august, may is not bad weather-wise and the crowds aren't too bad if you chose the right time.

 

[HopperFan]

Live in Georgia.

LOVE early May as there are some highs/lows and have mostly had good weather. Early morning and evenings can be pleasant.

HATE August/late August as the hurricane season means more humidity, sweat rolling down nonstop and more rain showers that make it more humid. There is no break from the heat since no highs/lows. It's a hot house 24/7 and creeping on 100 degrees which feels hotter than that.

That said I cut my May trip to just 4 days this year (due to the chaos in parks and lack of things opening on time) and booked a 3 day trip last week of August ........... is it doable? Yes. Will it be enjoyable? Not for me.

To me there is a HUGE difference. I love early May, I hate ALL of August and I am certainly conditioned to handle the worse of it.

 

[CAS239]

Humidity is brutal here during the summer.

 

[pigletto]

I've been during both times. There really isn't a comparison. The heat just never lets up in August. It's hot all times of day, all night long, hot. And it's very humid. It's better in May. That being said we plan to go back in late August because that is what works for our family schedule next year. It's doable and we'll have a good time but there will be way more pool time on our August trip than there was on our May trips, and the pace will be much slower. Given the choice I would pick May again.

 

[MaleficentRN]

I've been mid May and early September. It's waaaay more humid in late summer and it makes the heat just that much more oppressive.

 

[anniemae]

Aug is like the surface of the sun hot. I have never felt heat and humidity like Aug in Fl. It radiates off the pavement and smacks you in the face. We saw more than one person faint from dehydration. Like a pp said, it is relentless, it does not cool off at night or when the sun goes down. It rains daily and is also hurricane season. I wish I could go in May. Actually, Nov is my favorite time to go!

 

[momimouse27]

I live in GA, but grew up in Mississippi. I agree, humidity is the difference. There is a humidity in late August that's not happening yet in early May.

We have been both those times and are going back Labor Day week this year....simply dreading the heat. When we went late April/early May 2015, there was a little breeziness to the air. I would do early May if I had the choice. The upside to September is lower crowds(maybe?) and if you're like me you enjoy a mid day rain that cools the air and clears the crowds.

 

[Oozma_Kappa]

Aug is the hottest month in south mississippi! I'm sure it's even worse in Orlando.

 

[TeamEvansGo]

Ok folks, that seals the deal. After reading your responses, I've changed our dates to early May.

We really loved the weather when we were there in May 2015, so why try to tempt fate! Sure I can handle the heat and humidity, but it's a vacation, if we can avoid it for a more enjoyable trip, than I'm willing to move some things around.

Thanks for all the responses and advice!

 

[lovethattink]

Ok folks, that seals the deal. After reading your responses, I've changed our dates to early May.

We really loved the weather when we were there in May 2015, so why try to tempt fate! Sure I can handle the heat and humidity, but it's a vacation, if we can avoid it for a more enjoyable trip, than I'm willing to move some things around.

Thanks for all the responses and advice!

I think you'll be happy with your choice! We are braving it the last week of August. But we live in FL, so we'd have the same temps at home.