What's the Weather Like in December?

[nanamae98]

Hello,
My family and I are planning a trip to DW in December 2008. I would like to know if anyone could share with me what the weather is like in December. Also, how should we dress. Thanks for your help.

 

[GoofyBaby]

I haven't been in December yet (going this year), but I've read several threads here on the DIS that say to pack for any kind of weather because it varies widely that time of year. So it would be wise to bring some shorts and t-shirts along with some long pants and perhaps a sweatshirt or jacket in case it gets really cold. And clothes that you can layer.

Hope this helps!

 

[5 for WDW]

Layers is the key.

I was there this past December 17-19th. We arrived right during a cold snap. It was 34' when we landed in Orlando. I was very glad we came from NY and had our winter coats with us. We were in MGM (It will always be MGM to me) that day and night. By late afternoon we were wearing our coats with hats and gloves. It was freezing.
The next day I was comfy in a fleece, a t shirt and jeans. The day we left I was in jeans and a t shirt without a jacket.

The week before we were there was really warm from everything I have read.

We are heading down this December and I am planning on packing a little of everything for us all. A pain but, the weather can be wacky everywhere.

 

[magik]

I've been in December/January time frame a few times and the weather has been different every time. One year it was in the 70's and 60's so we barely needed jackets (and we'd brought matching Christmas Disney hats and gloves and mittens so were disappointed not to be able to use them). One year it was in the 50's and 60's, for me it was heavy jacket - like fleece lined wind breaker, but not super warm winter coat weather. Last year, it was COLD. Colder than it was back home. Record lows. Winter coats, gloves, scarves, hats, thick socks, etc.

The tip to have layers is a good one. You will *probably* be fine in pants the whole time, although you never know...maybe pack a pair of shorts too just in case. Then have a t-shirt, sweatshirt, jacket and heavy winter coat with you. It is better to bring the winter gear and not need it, then need it and not have it.

 

[WDWDecember]

Great thread OP! I've been wondering the same myself.

I can't stand hot and humid weather so despite the crowds of December, I'm sooooo glad we're going to WDW then!!

 

[buffalogirl]

We've been to Disney the past two December's. In 2006, we wore our shorts and t-shirts almost every day and had a couple of days that were HOT. Last year we stayed Dec 10-17. As someone else mentioned, we had very warm weather until the last day or so when it got down to the 30's or 40's.

You really do need to pack a little of everything. Be sure to bring gloves for the night time activities, just in case.

Have a great trip!

 

[CarolinaBlue]

Layers is the key.

We are heading down this December and I am planning on packing a little of everything for us all. A pain but, the weather can be wacky everywhere.

ITA!
We were there in 2005, 2007, and will be heading down for the week before Christmas this year.

 

[Jack'sGirl5]

I agree with everyone, temps can really range in December. We were there for the first two weeks in December two years ago and were wearing shorts the first week and coats the second. I did find that even if it is shorts weather during the day you will really need warmer close in the evening.

I usually pack for fall Michigan weather -- longer shorts, capris and jeans with a mix of short and long sleeve shirts. A jacket and sweatshirt are a definate must.

We are going this December as well --- can't wait!

 

[Crystal824]

The weather can be very unpredictable in Dec. It can be very cold or very warm. I would bring a little of everything and watch the forecast closely the week before your trip.

I was a CP in December. Somedays it was warm enough to swim and somedays you needed a heavy coat.

 

[princess&her4princes]

We're going the second week in December this year from Boston and thought the kids might be able to swim.....think it's the best idea to leave the suits at home? I had no idea we might need coats/hats/mittens.....I thought jeans and sweatshirt would be enough......I'm a bit bummed!!!! But not bummed enough not to be excited about our trip in FOUR months!!!

 

[5 for WDW]

We're going the second week in December this year from Boston and thought the kids might be able to swim.....think it's the best idea to leave the suits at home? I had no idea we might need coats/hats/mittens.....I thought jeans and sweatshirt would be enough......I'm a bit bummed!!!! But not bummed enough not to be excited about our trip in FOUR months!!!

There were people swimming in the pool at BWV the day we left. You would not have seen me in the pool but, there were some brave souls.

Bathing suits do not take up much room, we are going to be bringing ours just in case. Since you are coming from Boston you will probably have a coat with you, Right? It was too cold here on LI to not have a coat on the way to the airport. I was glad I had it when we landed in Orlando. When I called my husband it was actually warmer at home. You can buy mittens and hats in the parks. I bought a pair of gloves since mine were back in my room. I think I paid $9 for them. Since we have 3 kids, I will be bringing them from home. We will be there December 7-12th.

HTH

 

[carlbarry]

I was there first week of December in 2006. From Monday to Friday the weather changed from sunny and comfortable temperature to overcast and threatening, still with comfortable temperature--except at night for Fanatasmic, I was uncomfortably chilled. On the other hand, I went this year at the end of Feb., and it was in the 50s!
I'm going this year dec. 5-12--reading here, I guess it's best to be prepared for anything!

 

[buffalogirl]

We're going the second week in December this year from Boston and thought the kids might be able to swim.....think it's the best idea to leave the suits at home? I had no idea we might need coats/hats/mittens.....I thought jeans and sweatshirt would be enough......I'm a bit bummed!!!! But not bummed enough not to be excited about our trip in FOUR months!!!

Bring the suits!!! We went early Dec 2006 and last year Dec 10-17, both trips had days that were great for swimming.

Have a great trip!

 

[princess&her4princes]

Bring the suits!!! We went early Dec 2006 and last year Dec 10-17, both trips had days that were great for swimming.

Have a great trip!

Thanks for the tip....we'll pack them and hope for the best! I guess the reality of it is, the water in the pools in WDW are probably warmer than the ocean here even in the Summertime so the kids will love it!! LOL!!

 

[mkwj]

I have been the first week of December and it was nice. My husband wore shorts and long sleeve shirts. It got cool in the shade and at night. Like others have said layers are the key.

 

[princess&her4princes]

That sounds perfect!!!!

 

[plasfam04]

We will be going in December as well (3-9). I was shocked myself to find out that we may need to use our winter coats, hats and gloves!! Since we are coming from NJ we will have our coats anyway but I didn't realize it would get that cold in Florida the beginning of December. We have never been to Disney in December so this will be a first for us. I guess we will have to watch weather.com right up until the day before we leave and see what they are predicting and just make sure to have lots of layers.