When Is the Best Time to Visit Orlando? Including December & Winter Travel Tips

best time to visit Orlando

Best time to visit Orlando? Here’s what you need to know.

Orlando is a year-round destination—but the experience changes a lot depending on when you visit, especially during the holiday season, when crowds, events, and special entertainment reach their peak. Weather, crowd levels, travel costs, and seasonal celebrations can make your trip feel very different from one month to another.

As local hosts who welcome families to our Blue Gems vacation homes throughout the year, we know exactly how each season affects the overall experience. Whether you’re planning your first visit or returning to your favorite parks, this guide explains the best time to visit Orlando based on weather, crowds, and what you want from your vacation.

Quick Answer — The Best Times to Visit Orlando

✔ January–March
Pleasant temperatures, low humidity, lighter crowds.

✔ Late April–May
Sunny weather, great park days, manageable lines.

✔ Mid-September–Mid-November
Lower crowds, fall festivals, perfect conditions.

✔ Early December
Cool weather, beautiful Christmas decorations, and lower crowds before Christmas week.

Orlando Weather by Season

Winter (December–February)

Weather: 50–75°F, low humidity, mostly sunny
Why go:

  • Best temperatures of the year

  • Perfect for Disney & Universal

  • Beautiful Christmas decorations and winter entertainment

Good to know: Christmas through New Year’s is the busiest week, but early December is calm and magical.

Spring (March–May)

Weather: 60–85°F, mild, breezy
Why go:

  • Excellent overall conditions

  • Great for long park days

  • Spring flowers and outdoor dining

Crowds: Spring Break (mid-March–early April) brings heavy crowds, but late April–May is one of the best times to visit.

Summer (June–August)

Weather: 75–92°F, high humidity, afternoon rain
Why go:

  • Longest park hours

  • Extra entertainment

  • Great for families on school schedules

Expect: Heat, thunderstorms, and crowds from mid-June to early August.

Fall (September–November)

Weather: 68–88°F, decreasing humidity
Why go:

  • Lowest crowds of the year

  • Excellent prices

  • Seasonal events

Events:

  • EPCOT Food & Wine Festival

  • Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

  • Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights

Orlando Crowd Levels Through the Year

Lowest Crowds

  • Mid-January

  • Early February

  • Late April–early May

  • September

  • Early November

  • Early December

Moderate Crowds

  • Late February

  • Early March

  • Late October

Highest Crowds

  • Christmas–New Year’s

  • Spring Break

  • Summer (mid-June–mid-August)

  • Thanksgiving week

Best Time to Visit Based on Your Trip Style

For Good Weather

February–April and October–early December

For Lowest Prices

September, early November, early December, late January–February

For Theme Park Fans

January–early March and late April–May

For Families

Summer and early winter holidays

For Holiday Travelers

December offers Orlando’s most festive period, with Christmas décor across Disney and Universal, themed shows, fireworks, and winter celebrations.

Insider Tips From Your Local Host

Choosing the best time to visit Orlando also depends on your family’s schedule, budget, and the type of experience you want.

  • Visit parks early for the shortest wait times

  • Expect brief afternoon rain June–September

  • Stay hydrated—humidity is strong year-round

  • Weekdays (Tuesday–Thursday) have lighter crowds

  • Book early for December and Spring Break

  • Avoid I-4 traffic from 4–7 p.m.

Planning Your Orlando Trip? Stay Close to the Magic

Make your Orlando vacation unforgettable with the right place to come home to. Stay in one of our modern, family-friendly Blue Gems homes near the parks.
Book your stay: https://bluegemsmgmt.com/properties/

Share this post