When is the best time to visit Walt Disney World? That answer has changed quite a bit since The DIS created this list in 2017. Crowd patterns have shifted, seasonal events have expanded, and some of the traditional “best times to visit” have become victims of their own popularity.
While there is no guaranteed period when the parks will be empty, certain times of year still offer a better combination of weather, crowds, and overall experience.
5. Mid-September
Mid-September has long been promoted as one of the slowest times to visit Walt Disney World. For years, Disney fans have repeated the same advice: schools are back in session, summer vacation is over, and the parks are practically empty
But some days, especially around Labor Day, it can feel like the secret is out.
The reputation of September as the slow season has become part of the problem. After roughly two decades of hearing that September is the perfect time to avoid crowds, more people have started planning their trips around that exact window. That does not mean September is always crowded, but the days of assuming you will find nearly empty parks are becoming harder to justify.
You also still have to deal with intense heat, humidity, and hurricane season. September can be a good time to visit, but I think its reputation as a guaranteed slow period is now overstated.
Since 2017: Mid-September has moved down the list because the secret is no longer much of a secret. Its long-standing reputation as the slow season has helped make it more popular.
4. Early February
Early February has become a more appealing option for visiting Walt Disney World, particularly for guests who want cooler weather and a potential break between the holiday and spring break seasons.
The Christmas crowds have disappeared, and spring break has not yet fully arrived. That can make this period a good choice for visitors who want to avoid the extreme heat of Florida’s summer months.
However, February is not automatically quiet…there is a brief window to work with when using this recommendation. runDisney events in January and Late February mean this period can be fairly busy, as race weekends bring additional visitors to the resort. Even so, the weekends can be a bit crowded, which kept this from being higher on the list.
Even with those considerations, early February offers a strong combination of cooler temperatures and the potential for manageable crowds.
Since 2017: Early February has moved up the list, although runDisney events have made parts of the month considerably busier than its traditional low-crowd reputation suggests.
3. Early October
For years, October was considered one of the more popular times to visit Walt Disney World. The Halloween season was in full swing, the weather was beginning to improve, and families were looking to enjoy the parks during the fall. But as more people have shifted their trips toward September and early November, I think October has quietly become a hidden gem.
Unlike September, October does not carry the same reputation as the slow season. That can work in its favor. While you will still encounter crowds, particularly during weekends and Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party nights, October can offer a nice balance of seasonal entertainment, more comfortable weather, and an atmosphere that feels distinctly Disney.
Since 2017: October has become more appealing as September’s reputation as the “slow season” has attracted more visitors. With Halloween entertainment, improving weather, and the period before the holiday crowds, October may now be a hidden gem worth considering.
2. Late April to Early May
Late April and early May can be a great time to visit Walt Disney World, particularly after the major spring break crowds have passed. The weather is generally more comfortable than it is during the summer, while the busiest stretch of spring travel has begun to fade.
This period is not guaranteed to be quiet. School calendars, holidays, and special events can still have an impact on crowd levels. However, if you time your trip after the spring break rush, you may be able to enjoy a good balance of manageable crowds and favorable weather.
Since 2017: Late April and early May have become more appealing because they offer a potential break after spring break season, before the full intensity of summer travel and heat arrives.
1. Early December
Early December remains my top choice for visiting Walt Disney World. The parks are filled with Christmas decorations, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, and seasonal atmosphere, but the crowds can be more manageable than they are later in the month.
There is something particularly special about visiting Disney World during this period. The Christmas music is playing, the resorts are beautifully decorated, and the parks feel different from almost any other time of year. You can experience much of the holiday magic without necessarily dealing with the crowds that arrive around Christmas and New Year’s.
The weather is also generally more comfortable than during the summer, although cooler temperatures and occasional cold fronts are always possible. Early December is not guaranteed to be quiet, but the combination of holiday atmosphere, weather, and timing keeps it at the top of my list.
Since 2017: Early December remains number one. While crowd patterns have changed, the holiday atmosphere and generally comfortable weather continue to make it one of the most appealing times to visit Walt Disney World.
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