weather end of Dec/early Jan

[Jackie H.]

Is it cold? Is is a hit and miss thing? Or can we count on cool nights every night.

We have gone in early December twice. We've been very hot and very cold at this time. But people seem to say January is cold all the time, so I would appreciate some input.

 

[Grumpy92]

Sorry to say that the weather in Fla is never the same from year to year. You will need to plan for both types, think layers. You may have beautiful weather one day and then it will rain and turn cold. As the natives say if you dont like the weather wait five minutes and it will change.

About a week out you may want to refer to the weather channel or www.orlandosentinel.com for the local weather. It wont be 100% but will give you a good idea what to expect.

 

[Ted and Holly]

We were at WDW for the week between Christmas and New Years in 2001. NYE we went to PI. It was COLD. I believe it was 32 degrees that night. During the day all week, it was in the 50s.

Last year, my friend lost most of his plantings in his yard down here. I think it was in the 20s for a couple nights.

Then again, the first day we were down in December of 2001, it was in this mid 80s.

I think Grumpy is right. Prepare for both ends of the spectrum. Layers work.

It is funny that you should mention the "as the locals say" quote. I believe "locals" of all regions of the country say that.

If you don't like the weather in New England, just wait a few minutes.
- Mark Twain

Ted

 

[G's mommy]

We've been at WDW the first week of January for the last 3 years and it has been cold, colder, and downright freezing!!! Haven't worn shorts one day in 3 trips! Pack for anything, clothes that can be layered, coats, hats, and gloves. The early mornings and evenings can be in the 40's, even had some upper 30's one trip.

 

[Disneymom2AA]

We were there last year December 29-January 4 and the weather was perfect! It rained only once and that was NYE night. We wore shorts during the day and brought sweatshirts just in case but we never needed them. Our last day it did get cool, then cooler and the night was cold. We are hoping for the same weather this year!!!! We are going the same time.!!!

 

[Jackie H.]

Just as I suspected!

Thank you all for your advice

ONe more question: what about swimming in the pools? Are all the WDW pools heated? I am thinking they are, but also wondering about freezing to death going back to the room!!! LOL

I guess we should bring robes!

 

[justhat]

We were also there last year from December 27-January 4, but we only wore shorts one day out of the whole trip, and that was January 1. It did only rain one night so that was nice, but the rest of the days we had to wear coats, hats, and gloves every morning and evening, in addition to many layers underneath, including turtlenecks and sweaters at night. During the day it was never that bad, but we still needed long pants and longsleeve shirts. We went back for a midday nap everyday and though we could drop off the coats, but then we'd need them again after dinner so we ended up just carrying them all day. We're from NJ so we're used to the cold, but we never expected it would be that cold when we were there.

Jackie H., the pools are heated, and we did see a few people using them. Never really saw anyone getting out though, but if your room is far away, robes might be a good option.

 

[Muffy]

We visit WDW every year at this time. We were there 12/29-1/13 last year and the weather was very nice. We wore shorts everyday but did need a light jacket at night. NYE it poured cats and dogs but the next day it was beautiful. We even managed to go to the waterparks 4 times during that trip. We have encounted some very cold weather during those weeks on previous trips. Prepare for all kinds of weather. We will be back this year 12/27-1/14.

 

[travelbug]

We were also there last year Dec. 28-Jan. 4. We were usually in slacks and light jackets for the mornings, in shorts and t-shirts during the middle of the day, and back in slacks and jackets after dark. We were swimming and sunbathing several days, and found it to be wonderful. The sun was out bright and warm, and the water was very nice (BWV clown pool).

We did have gloves and ear coverings (earmuffs, hats, hood on jacket, whatever each person chose). On the night we sat outside at Fantasmic, it was very chilly. We were nice and comfy while we saw some people blowing on their hands, hunching their ears down into their collars, etc. So I'd suggest packing gloves and something for the ears just in case.

We loved the weather that week, except for the monsoon that came through on NYE. Boy, did the rain ever come down! But by the next day it was sunny and nice again.

When I went back down about 3 weeks later, it was freezing. That was a short 4-night trip, and daytime temps were mostly in the 40s for our whole stay. We still had a great time.

I'll be back down this year Dec. 26-Jan. 4 and I'll be bringing my layered stuff again.