Weather in December

[JulieMB]

For those that went in December, what was the weather like?

When we went 6 years ago, it started out warm and then cooled down to jacket weather the closer we got to Christmas!

I know it's unpredictable, I was just looking for a gauge.

 

[Monoxide]

2014 was there 2nd week in December and it was 60's at night and 70 during the day. Coat or sweatshirt early morning later eavning hours.
2015 was there again 2nd week in December and had record highs of almost 90 and nights in mid 70's. No coat or sweatshirt needed any day.
So from personal experience, it all depends. Pack both ways is what I would recommend.

 

[strat68]

Pack layers.

 

[100acreHiker]

We've gone in December twice, and once in November. First December trip 3 years ago was perfect (for me, at least): temps ranged from 65-73. No rain, mild, but it was too cool for me and DH to swim, though the kids did jump in for a short bit. Last year we went in November and it started out 85 degrees and 4 days later the high was 55, low was 39. Wet, cold, windy. Thankfully, that was the day before we left, but the rest of the week (again, this was before Thanksgiving) was bitter and friends who stayed on said it was hard to tour the parks. We went this past December for 6 days, and we had two days where it was in the 80s, two days were it was gloomy and wet and cool, and two days of mild temps. You simply cannot know ahead of time. You must bring rain gear, cold weather gear (including hats and gloves--we needed them at night), and weather for hot days. Lots to pack, but that's December.

 

[Reddog1134]

I was there for the first two weeks of December 2012. I wore shorts and t-shirts everyday except our last. It got cool that day and I had to wear jeans and a light jacket.

 

[lovethattink]

This past December was particularly cold. Layers are a necessity.

 

[mickeymom629]

One year we went the week of Christmas to NYE and it was warmer than when we went the following Easter time. But we have been some years and needed coats, gloves and hats.

Layers! If you are coming from a cold place, at least you probably already have your warm stuff on when you arrive.

 

[Tara1988]

I've never been to Disney in December, but I live only a few hours away, so we have similar weather. It's very unpredictable. Within the same week, you could need shorts one day and a thick jacket another day. Pack a variety, wear layers, and if you need to conserve space in your luggage, plan to wash clothes there. If you're from the northern states, swimming is doable.

 

[hakepb]

This past December was particularly cold. Layers are a necessity.

I just checked Weather Underground December 2015 history and there was only 1 day below average (Dec 19, 68 degrees) there were 20 days with a high of at least 80

There were certainly a few chilly nights requiring layers, but in large Dec 2015 was well above average.

FL in Dec could mean an entire week with 50 degree highs and literal freezing lows, or a week of 80 degree highs and 60 degree lows. Average is closer to 70/50.

 

[lovethattink]

I just checked Weather Underground December 2015 history and there was only 1 day below average (Dec 19, 68 degrees) there were 20 days with a high of at least 80

There were certainly a few chilly nights requiring layers, but in large Dec 2015 was well above average.

FL in Dec could mean an entire week with 50 degree highs and literal freezing lows, or a week of 80 degree highs and 60 degree lows. Average is closer to 70/50.

I'm a local. I was cold. 75 to me is cold.

 

[WEDWDW]

Those of us who were there will NEVER forget December 2010-we still haven't thawed out!

 

[Fall1]

We've been 3 times. Twice we lived in shorts and tees and the other time we froze! Had to go to the store to buy pants and hoodies froze! I'm now a believer thet you just never know in December.

 

[jaysmom4285]

Check the Orlando extended weather forecast a couple days before you leave. Yes, I know that weather reports aren't very accurate more than a couple days out in terms of rain vs. sun, but they will give you a pretty accurate idea of the general temperature trends for the next several days. If they're predicting highs in the 60's and lows in the 40's, you know you'll need more layers and heavier clothing If the predictions are for highs in the 80's and lows in the 60's, then you won't need to pack much warm clothing. THere's no point in taking up room in your suitcase with fleeces and jackets and jeans if the weather forecast is indicating unseasonably warm temperatures in December, and, on the other side of it, you won't be caught with just tee shirts and shorts if it's going to be unseasonably cold. This has always worked for us.

 

[DebbieB]

I used to always go the first week of December. Highs over the years were anywhere from 48 to 82. Some trips were in the 80's the whole time, wore shorts like summer. Some trips never left the 60's and got very cold at night, brought my winter coat and gloves for night. Some were a mix. I went last year December 5 to 11 and it was beautiful.

 

[cluvsdisney]

We've been in Disney in December a couple of times with temps ranging from 35-85. It's best to check the forecast before you go and plan for layers.

 

[CAS239]

You'll have to check when it gets much closer. We always go to Disney in December and a few years ago we were playing the Winterland putt putt course in jackets in 40-50 degree weather, then this past December we were in the parks in shorts and shirts with 75-80 degree weather. It varies

 

[TAK]

I was curious about this too but will wait until it gets closer (like, days before) and check the predicted temps as suggested.

A little of it depends on where you're from, of course. I live in the northeast. 50 in December is balmy to me.

 

[SaintsManiac]

We were there 12/7-12/14 last year and it was very comfortable for the most part. We had one day that felt very hot and humid, but the rest was perfect. We packed layers and brought them in our backpack every day. AK felt miserably hot on our last day, but it was crowded and I swear it feels like they pump humidity in there!

Just keep checking the weather right up until the day you leave

 

[Baptist]

Remember your rain gear too! In 2014, there was enough rain to cancel the evening parades for MVMCP. Over the years, I have seen everything from snow to 85. This is when I like to fly Southwest with no baggage fees so you can pack a wide variety.