When should you make the trip? The answer depends on your passions.
You feel the draw of Orlando’s iconic attractions: fantastical castles, wizardly villages, theatrical animal shows or thrilling roller coasters — Orlando is known to be an all-in-one vacation destination for good reason. But when is the best time of year to visit Orlando and become one of the tens of millions to visit this highly popular tourist destination each year? The answer will vary based on which experiences you crave and what you’re keen to avoid.
It’s highly likely that your visit to the city known as the theme park capital of the world will involve at least one dip into a single element of the Disney, Universal, SeaWorld or Lego entertainment complexes. You’ll find plenty more too, from quirky museums to go-karting and indoor flying. Interactive is key, also, at venues with escape rooms, ax-throwing facilities, off-road vehicles, or the chance to drive restored British military tanks over crushed cars. But when should you visit? Read on to find out.
When Is The Best Time To Visit Orlando?
Orlando has so many fun things to do. But when is the best time to do them? Time your visit according to what you care about most: avoiding crowds, attending seasonal events, or enjoying a certain type of weather.
Here’s a primer on what to expect for each season of the year. Opt for:
Autumn if you like temperate weather and fewer crowds. The span of time between Thanksgiving week and Christmas week is the sweet spot, neither too hot nor cold, and historically the theme parks have fewer visitors. That means late November through mid December is the best time to visit Orlando for shorter lines and temps that won’t make you sweat (too much). Lines will also be ultra-short in September right after Labor Day, when kids are just back in school and parents hesitate to take them out of class for vacation. It’ll be steamy outside at that time, though. If you get a kick out of scary fun and don’t mind crowds, book a stay for the time leading up to Halloween. Orlando has a host of eerily masterful attractions, from cheerful to scream-worthy, budget-priced to splurgy.
Winter if you crave warm sun and blue skies to escape your wintry home base. Start the day wearing layers, since it’s occasionally (relatively) cold in the morning. You’ll pack them away by noon for sure, just in time to pose for superhero selfies and ride the coaster at 70 miles per hour. You won’t be alone: families and conventioneers head to Central Florida in droves for a break from the chillier weather up north.
Spring if you enjoy outdoor festivals in welcoming weather, or simply want to take advantage of school closing for a week. Theme parks roll out massive events celebrating flowers, multicultural food, and Mardi Gras. Also in March, April, and May, the rest of the region gathers at big and small multi-day events in honor of art, theater, film, sports, and African-American and Caribbean culture.
Summer if you want a full-on Florida experience. You’ll find the theme parks chock full of cheerful children in shorts and sandals embracing the thrills of their summer vacation. Make sure to pack a protective sun hat and high-SPF sunscreen, as temps will be in the 90s and above nearly every day. Your reward for braving the high heat and humidity? You’ll love feeling the sun shining until well past dinnertime, and the tranquil feeling of an evening swim to cool off after the day’s heat-filled hustle and bustle.
So what is the best month to visit Orlando? The best month to visit Orlando depends on your preferences on weather and crowds. It also helps to pay attention to other elements like resort availability and rates, which generally peak in accordance with demand.
Essential Orlando Vacation Questions
Here are a few more questions to ask yourself before booking your stay in Orlando.
How many days do I need in Orlando? A full week allows enough time for a little bit of everything: traveling to and from the resort, long stretches of relaxation, and taking in top sites and attractions. Is a full week absolutely necessary? No. You’ll want a minimum of three solid days in Orlando to get a true taste of the destination. If your budget allows, spend time at at least two theme parks, but don’t crowd those into a single day; dedicate a full day to each one if possible, since you’ll find so much to do and see at each. Make sure to allow time for less intense fun, too. Spend a few peaceful hours watching a dinner theater show, fishing for bass, perusing a historic town, or shopping for bargains at an outlet mall. Set aside one evening to dine at a Michelin-starred restaurant, and one for grilling a low-key dinner at your resort, allowing you to chill in true Florida flip-flop fashion.
When is off-season in Orlando? Personal preferences aside, Orlando does have high and low seasons in terms of the numbers of visitors pouring in — but not what you’d expect. While other Florida regions surge with out-of-towners in winter and empty out in summer, Orlando has a pace all its own. Peak times revolve around holidays like Christmas, Easter, Independence Day, Presidents’ Day, and Thanksgiving — times families gather. Orlando tends to experience lower tourist volume in segments in between, such as early January, late August, and early September.
Should I visit Orlando in the winter or summer? This may be a tough decision, and personal preference will ultimately determine your answer. In the summer you’ll be treated to long days, allowing plenty of time to explore. Plus it’s a great time to put on a bathing suit and splash around in the area’s many water parks, or in your resort’s lazy river or splash pad, if applicable. You can travel light, as you’ll never need more than shorts and a tank top. But in the winter you’ll have near-perfect temperatures every day, along with a winter-holiday bonanza: you’ll see indulgent holiday decorations nearly everywhere, from gingerbread villages to chocolate sculptures and masterfully decorated trees. So if jingle bells are your jam, December might be the best month to visit Orlando. Spring and fall, of course, are ideal bridge seasons as they’re neither too hot or too cold, and the Orlando calendar is crammed with special events.
Orlando offers so very much to do throughout every season of the year, that the best time of year to visit to Orlando truly is every time.
Where To Stay In Orlando With RCI
Here is a selection of top-rated RCI Gold Crown resorts in the Orlando area. Visit rci.com for the full selection of more than 200 resorts in Orlando and the surrounding vicinity.
Bryan’s Spanish Cove — Orlando
Sheraton Vistana Resort — Orlando
Club Wyndham Bonnet Creek — Lake Buena Vista
Disney’s Old Key West Resort — Lake Buena Vista
Magic Tree Resort — Kissimmee
Vacation Village at Parkway — Kissimmee
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More Than Exchange
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When planning your next Orlando vacation, RCI has you covered. Get started and learn more about your travel benefits today.