What's the weather like at Xmas?

[Mike Jones]

We are off to WDW area 18th Dec - 27th Dec 2003, followed by 7 days near Sarasota (Siesta Key)... as we've only been at Easter before (last 3 years) when weather has been generally predictable.. hot and sunny... what can we really expect at the two venues at this time of year?

 

[athurstance]

It can be quite mixed at Xmas. We went Xmas 2001 and we had some really hot days the week before Xmas and then it was quite cool and a bit rainy Xmas week. The first week of January was dry but in the 60s rather than hot. We still managed to go to the water parks most days - they were deserted so we got plenty of ride time but you wouldn't have sat out sunbathing in it.
It was great weather for touring the parks though.

Having been at Easter aswell I would say you will find it much cooler. Still very pleasant though - much warmer than the UK. We're going Xmas again 2004.

Angela

 

[Peebee]

As Angela says, it can really be quite mixed at that time of the year. We've been in December 3 times in the last 6 years, and have experienced pretty much everything that Orlando can through at you short of hurricanes! With a bit of luck you will still be wearing shorts around the parks most days, but check out the weather reports each morning just in case.

Probably the main thing to be aware of is that it can get pretty chilly in the evenings, and you would be well advised to have layers of clothes with you just in case, and perhaps even a poncho or umbrella too if rain is predicted. I don't mind getting wet in the warm summer storms but am less keen if the temperature drops to below 50F or so.

Paul

 

[stal]

We went at Chistmas about 6 or 7 years ago. It was freezing for the most of our stay. All the water parks were closed. (I don't know if they were scheduled to close, or the weather was too bad).

 

[richard3330]

We went Christmas/New Year last year and the weather was very changeable.

New Years Eve in Epcot brings back some memories (!) it tipped down with rain. there were some pleasantly sunny days and the temperatures were never 'too cold'. We still wore shorts for almost everyday of the trip, except in the evenings.

Like Paul said, it does get quite chilly in the evening and early in the morning, so pack a jumper with you each day.

Richard.

 

[Grumpy John]

We spent Christmas and New Year just gone in Orlando and apart from the first couple of days (Dec. 18-20) the rest of the time we wore jeans and sweatshirts. It was even too cold to go in the villa pool and cold enough at night to put the heating on in the villa. Christmas Eve and New Years Eve we had heavy thunderstorms and enough rain to overflow the pool!

 

[WILDCATS]

Hi Mike,

We are also going on the 18th out of manchester, as we have for the last five years for xmas & new year. As people have said, the weather can change & it seems to change on xmas day & gets cooler onwards - we have had to scrape ice off the car windows before we could go out. Then last year on new years eve you would have been better wearing a wet suit rather than jeans or shorts, but thats the florida weather for you - all this does is mess your plans in what to pack.

P.S.
If you are stopping in a villa then I suggest that you should pay the extra & get pool heating.

 

[foxyfee]

We're due to be out on the 13th December, and have spent quite a few Christmases (sorry I know it looks wrong!) in Florida. Weather can be very unpredictable. It can be gloriously warm - particularly during the day, but is often chilly at night. And sometimes it just rains, darn it, just have to spend the day shopping!

I say chilly - it's still a heck of alot warmer than it is at home! Of course we stand out as the tourists because we wear shorts and t'shirts during the day and the locals are in jumpers, and then in the evening go out in jeans and a jumper and they are wrapped up in a coat!

I take a lightweight coat, a scarf and gloves plus shorts and jeans, layers of t's and jumpers.

Never known a park shut except on Christmas Day and New Year's Eve when MK and MGM are fill to bursting pretty early on. But I don't expect to swim at the water parks. And Wildcat's suggestion about pool heating is spot on, otherwise you have to be very hardy to get more than your big toe in!

It's our favourite time, we get our christmas deccies out, try and compete with our American neighbours (and lose of course!) for most outside lights, and just driving round adds to the whole occasion. And first stop after the tree will be Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party. Also don't forget to visit Downtown Disney, they have a beautiful tree with singing there every night, and it's open until late, absolute magic atmosphere.