Weather/Temperature question...

[Dug720]

I'm 2 weeks out from my trip, so time to start checking the weather and planning for packing. And yes, I know temperature is relative.

I always bring ponchos with me (I get a pack from Amazon and just take a couple for each day so I can pitch them after wearing and not deal with trying to fold up and store a wet poncho. I figure better to have them and not need them than not have them and get caught in the rain.

Should I plan on a light hoodie for early mornings/after dark? I'm used to the humidity in NYC where even 68 still feels gross with the humidity. I know it's generally a drier atmosphere in Anaheim, so temps *feel* cooler when you're used to high humidity, but I don't know if it feels cool enough for a hoodie. I'll have one with me because planes get cold, so it's not a big deal to have it. Just wondering if I should pack an extra one or two so I can mix them up. I'm staying at the Anaheim Marriott so I'll be walking to and from the parks.

(I was there Labor Day weekend 2011 for the Half and I remember it being hot on the course but can't remember the early morning/evening weather. And the only other time I was there was Feb 2022 and it was leggings and hoodies the whole time pretty much.)

Thanks!

 

[Pluto468]

I think you'd be ok with just the one you're bringing on the plane, unless you want an extra for variety. I have a light hoodie that's almost like t-shirt weight, plus a nice cozy one. I get cold easily so I usually wear one in the morning and evening even when we're there on hot days.

 

[Dug720]

I think you'd be ok with just the one you're bringing on the plane, unless you want an extra for variety. I have a light hoodie that's almost like t-shirt weight, plus a nice cozy one. I get cold easily so I usually wear one in the morning and evening even when we're there on hot days.

Thanks. I'll probably wear the one I got at Avengers Campus on the plane and maybe throw one other light one in my suitcase just in case. They're light enough I can roll them up into my backpack.

 

[JulesR1212]

We visited in April and definitely needed a hoodie as it got down to 55. It is supposed to be around 10 degrees warmer for my visit next week. I'm not planning on bringing a hoodie. However I will have a long sleeve UV shirt as an option.

I think if you have the luggage space, it doesn't hurt to pack something light.

 

[ParkHopper1]

Yes...in SoCal it is super typical to be in shorts and t shirt mid day and it cools off enough to warrant a light jacket/hoodie early am and evenings. We always get a locker to stash them in.

 

[OKW Lover]

As you say, weather is relative. I've from central FL and just spent 4 days seeing DL/DCA. Didn't find the need for ponchos or long pants during any of that. Yes, I didn't wear long pants for dinner a couple of nights but that was more about being in a dressier restaurant than comfort.

There was essentially no chance of rain while we were there.

 

[DLgal]

Over the next 3 weeks, we will have unusual moisture rising up into So Cal from storm systems off the coast of Baja Mexico. This is going to increase humidity, cloud cover, and rain chances.

This also warms up the morning and evening temps, due to the relatively higher humidity. Last night at 10pm, for example, it was still noticeably "warm" outside. There was a warm breeze blowing. The typical cool nights, cool evenings thing in So Cal only works with low humidity. When the humidity kicks up, temps don't dip as low.

At this point, you will likely NOT need a sweater/hoodie for mornings or evenings. But it is always a good idea to be prepared, so I'd bring 2 as you are planning.

I get that the poncho is an easy thing to bring, but I doubt that you will need it unless your visit coincides with one of these storm systems (which you will have ample warning for). I'd suggest perhaps a UV umbrella that can double as rain protection as a more valuable item to bring. The sun here in August is STRONG.

 

[Lisa24jks]

It really just depends, but I always bring a hoodie even in summer. We were there the weekend before last and it was HOT and even when the sun went down, it was nice and no hoodie necessary. (Thanks to that extra humidity!)

But in typical SoCal weather, it can be cool in the morning before the marine layer lifts, hot when the sun is out, and then cool again after dark. So it's always good to have SOMETHING available just in case.

 

[Dug720]

I'd suggest perhaps a UV umbrella that can double as rain protection as a more valuable item to bring

I can't do that. I need air around my head or I feel like I'm suffocating. I hate using an umbrella even when it's raining because of that. (I only have one baseball cap I can do because it has a larger open area in the back. )

Also living in NYC I am definitely anti-umbrella in crowds. WAY too much chance of getting poked in the eye.

 

[SOCALMouseMommy]

Over the next 3 weeks, we will have unusual moisture rising up into So Cal from storm systems off the coast of Baja Mexico. This is going to increase humidity, cloud cover, and rain chances.

This also warms up the morning and evening temps, due to the relatively higher humidity. Last night at 10pm, for example, it was still noticeably "warm" outside. There was a warm breeze blowing. The typical cool nights, cool evenings thing in So Cal only works with low humidity. When the humidity kicks up, temps don't dip as low.

At this point, you will likely NOT need a sweater/hoodie for mornings or evenings. But it is always a good idea to be prepared, so I'd bring 2 as you are planning.

I get that the poncho is an easy thing to bring, but I doubt that you will need it unless your visit coincides with one of these storm systems (which you will have ample warning for). I'd suggest perhaps a UV umbrella that can double as rain protection as a more valuable item to bring. The sun here in August is STRONG.

I agree with this. I went on Sunday (8/6) with my son and we wore shorts and t-shirts. We were there 8am to 8pm. It was about 85-90 as a high that day, and humid (for our area—not Florida-level humidity). We never once wanted the light sweatshirts we brought.

 

[DLgal]

I agree with this. I went on Sunday (8/6) with my son and we wore shorts and t-shirts. We were there 8am to 8pm. It was about 85-90 as a high that day, and humid (for our area—not Florida-level humidity). We never once wanted the light sweatshirts we brought.

Right now, at 7:30 am, it's 70 degrees with 91% humidity. No sweater needed. It already feels gross (to me, I hate humidity).

 

[Diana ZP]

Weather is looking warm for next 10 days, not too much chance of rain, but of course it can change! We here in the Puget Sound are getting some much needed rain...well mist, but I will take it! I too get the ponchos from Amazon for just in case! Always be prepared as they say!

 

[DLgal]

Weather is looking warm for next 10 days, not too much chance of rain, but of course it can change! We here in the Puget Sound are getting some much needed rain...well mist, but I will take it! I too get the ponchos from Amazon for just in case! Always be prepared as they say!

It's literally raining here today. I was just out running errands. There is also a chance of rain tomorrow. This pattern will continue for the next several weeks.

 

[SpaceMan5]

I can't do that. I need air around my head or I feel like I'm suffocating. I hate using an umbrella even when it's raining because of that. (I only have one baseball cap I can do because it has a larger open area in the back. )

Also living in NYC I am definitely anti-umbrella in crowds. WAY too much chance of getting poked in the eye.

I hear ya Dug720. I live in the Seattle area and you can definitely tell who the locals are and who the tourists are when it rains. Us locals just wear whatever or at least gear up with something that has Gortex. I found the light weight Northface jacket with a hood was perfect in the downpours in Jan and gave the extra warmth when it wasn't raining. Have a great trip and post your trip report

 

[Diana ZP]

I hear ya Dug720. I live in the Seattle area and you can definitely tell who the locals are and who the tourists are when it rains. Us locals just wear whatever or at least gear up with something that has Gortex. I found the light weight Northface jacket with a hood was perfect in the downpours in Jan and gave the extra warmth when it wasn't raining. Have a great trip and post your trip report

Exactly! I am north of Seattle and it is so fun to watch folks freak out when it rains, even a light one. And they always ask me where I am from- I just smile and say North of Seattle and they shake their heads.

 

[SpaceMan5]

Exactly! I am north of Seattle and it is so fun to watch folks freak out when it rains, even a light one. And they always ask me where I am from- I just smile and say North of Seattle and they shake their heads.

I know, right! I can't even remember the last time I used an umbrella. LOL

 

[tlprice]

I know, right! I can't even remember the last time I used an umbrella. LOL

Nobody uses umbrellas that live in Western Washington/Seattle. They just get blown inside out or are just a pain. I always had a good raincoat as do most people that live there. Much more practical.

 

[Lisa24jks]

Nobody uses umbrellas that live in Western Washington/Seattle. They just get blown inside out or are just a pain. I always had a good raincoat as do most people that live there. Much more practical.

I was a Seattle tourist last year and learned that as well! Was walking up one of those notorious Seattle hills during a downpour and my umbrella flipped inside out, while all the locals walking near me gave me side-eye. LOL. (To be fair, I am not from a rainy place, but LESSON LEARNED.)

 

[SpaceMan5]

I was a Seattle tourist last year and learned that as well! Was walking up one of those notorious Seattle hills during a downpour and my umbrella flipped inside out, while all the locals walking near me gave me side-eye. LOL. (To be fair, I am not from a rainy place, but LESSON LEARNED.)

LOL. I can only imagine the looks. Unfortunately, Seattle and some surrounding cities are know for the "Seattle Freeze." Meaning, they are not so friendly to tourists and newbies to the area. It's a real thing.

But too be fair to you Lisa24jks and others from warm climates, I bet you think those of us from the PNW are crazy for wearing our shorts and t-shirts in 55-60 degree weather in the parks. I remember dressing like that and seeing the CM's in their long winter parkas.

 

[DizMe]

It also depends on your personal comfort zone. I'm notorious for being cold when everyone else finds the temps pleasant. I ALWAYS have a light hoodie in my bag. A/C often leaves me freezing, and anything under 75 can feel chilly to me. It's rare that I won't need a sweatshirt after sundown at DLR.