Orlando has numerous things to offer for every traveler. Considered one of the top vacation destinations in the U.S., this marvelous city has an enviable reputation for the fun activities and attractions it offers. Whether you dream of seeing your favorite Disney characters, discovering Florida’s most stunning beaches, or exploring fantastic museums and art galleries, Orlando can make for an incredible destination.
And although the city is a year-round destination, certain months are better than others. Check out this guide below on the best time to visit Orlando, Florida.
Best Time to Visit Orlando For the Weather
One of the reasons that so many people visit Florida is for the weather. Nicknamed the “Sunshine State,” Florida boasts warm, sunny weather for most of the year. While its subtropical climate gives Florida a reputation for being hot all the time, it still experiences seasonal changes. The summer months are hot and humid, but the spring and fall in Orlando are much more pleasant. And in the winter, it is typically nice during the day and cool at night.
If you are looking to visit Orlando when the weather is the best, look to travel there in the early fall (mid-September to early November) and late spring (late April to early June). Yes, early fall is in the middle of hurricane season for Florida, but hurricanes hitting Orlando are rare, given its location in the middle of the state. Hurricanes that do hit Florida are more likely to affect coastal areas.
Here are the average temperatures to expect in these months:
- April – Average high: 84°F (28.9°C), average low: 63°F (17.2°C)
- May – Average high: 88°F (31.1°C), average low: 69°F (20.5°C)
- June – Average high: 91°F (32.8°C), average low: 73°F (22.8°C)
- September – Average high: 89°F (31.7°C), average low: 74°F (23.3°C)
- October – Average high: 85°F (29°C), average low: 68°F (20°C)
- November – Average high: 78°F (25.5°C), average low: 59°F (15°C)
These months are also some of the least humid months of the year to visit Orlando. The average humidity trends downward starting in September after being brutally high during the summer months. It reaches its lowest point in April, before starting to ramp back up in May and into June.
Best Time To Visit Orlando for Activities
The best time to visit Orlando may also depend on your preferred activities. Many people visit Orlando for Universal Studios, Walt Disney World Resort, and its other theme parks. These resorts operate year-round, but theme parks like Universal and Disney offer numerous events throughout the year that may appeal to your family. These events may determine the time of year you want to visit.
For example, Walt Disney World Resort hosts runDisney race weekends throughout the year. They also have the Epcot International Festival of the Arts in January/February, The Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival in the Spring, The Epcot International Food & Wine Festival in the late summer through fall, Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party in the late summer through October, and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party November through December.
Universal Orlando features a Mardi Gras celebration, Halloween Horror Nights in the fall, and Holidays at Universal in the winter.
LEGOLAND Resort has Brick-Or-Treat for Halloween, and Holidays at LEGOLAND during the winter months.
SeaWorld Orlando also has Halloween and holiday season events.
Of course, there’s more to Orlando than its theme parks. Orlando is jam-packed with family-friendly attractions. If your activity involves exploring outdoor parks and discovering wildlife, visit around November to mid-March. At this time, the freshwater spring at the famous Blue Spring State Park will be full of hundreds of West Indian manatees – a spectacular sight, especially if your kids love the wildlife.
When to Visit Orlando to Avoid the Crowds
Now, because everyone wants to get the most for their money, the best time for your family to visit Orlando might be when the crowds are low. Low demand typically means you are spending less money to visit, and it also means shorter waits at the theme parks. The result is getting more bang for your buck.
Since many families choose to travel to Orlando when their kids are out of school, summer, holidays and school breaks are some of the most popular times to visit. Therefore, to avoid the crowds, try to visit Orlando at these times if you are able to:
- January through February (except Disney’s marathon weekend and President’s Week holiday)
- Late April through Early June
- Late August – Early November (weekends can get busy for Festivals and Special Events)
- Late November – Early December (between Thanksgiving break and Christmas break)
Best Time for Families to Visit Orlando
If you want to head to Orlando, Florida when the weather is at its best, the crowds are at their lowest, and there are plenty of fun activities for the whole family to enjoy, your best bet is to visit in May or early June, or from about mid-September through October.
These two periods are the sweet spot for saving money, avoiding the heat and humidity, and experiencing the most fun with the least amount of standing in lines and navigating crowds.
But hey, sometimes the best time to go somewhere is whenever you have the opportunity. If that means going during the busiest or most expensive time of year, there are still ways you can save a little money, keep yourself cool, and enjoy an amazing time in Orlando!