Trying to figure out when to visit Disneyland in 2026? You’re not alone — and honestly, the answer depends entirely on what matters most to you. Do you want low crowds and shorter lines? Are you chasing a specific festival? Is budget your top priority? Maybe you just want perfect weather.
I’ve put together this month-by-month breakdown of the entire 2026 Disneyland calendar so you can pick the window that’s right for your trip. Every date and event listed here comes directly from Disney’s official 2026 calendar, so you’re getting the real deal — no speculation, no rumors.
Let’s dive in.
What Makes 2026 Special at Disneyland
Before we get into the month-by-month details, here’s the big picture: 2026 is the final stretch of the Disneyland Resort 70th Celebration, which wraps up on August 9, 2026. That means limited-time entertainment like “Wondrous Journeys,” the “Paint the Night” parade, “World of Color Happiness!,” and the “Celebrate Happy Cavalcade” are all running through summer — and then they’re gone.
On top of that, “Bluey’s Best Day Ever!” debuts at Fantasyland Theatre on March 22, a brand-new Mandalorian-themed mission launches on Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run on May 22, and Soarin’ Across America takes its first flight on July 2. There’s a LOT happening.
Now let’s break it down month by month.
January: A Hidden Gem for Low Crowds
Average Weather: Highs around 71°F, lows near 49°F. Mild and comfortable with a small chance of rain.
Crowd Level: Low to moderate. The first week stays busy from holiday spillover, but once kids are back in school (around January 7-8), crowds thin out dramatically.
What’s Happening:
- Disneyland 70th Celebration entertainment returns in full swing after the holiday season
- Lunar New Year kicks off at Disney California Adventure on January 23, celebrating the Year of the Horse through February 22. Horace Horsecollar makes appearances, Mickey and Minnie greet guests in Korean-inspired outfits, and several Disney characters debut new Vietnamese and Chinese attire
- Disneyland After Dark: Sweethearts’ Nite begins select nights starting January 22 — a separately ticketed, romantic after-hours event
- Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend runs January 29 through February 1
- California Resident 3-Day Park Hopper tickets are available for as low as $83/day
The Verdict: January (mid-month onward) is one of the best times to visit Disneyland if you want shorter wait times and cooler weather. The Lunar New Year festival adds incredible food, entertainment, and cultural celebrations without huge crowd spikes. Pro tip: weekdays in mid-to-late January are some of the lowest crowd days of the entire year.
February: Festivals, Romance, and Mild Weather
Average Weather: Highs around 71°F, lows near 49°F. Very similar to January — layers are your friend for evening visits.
Crowd Level: Low to moderate, with a bump during Presidents’ Day weekend (February 14-16).
What’s Happening:
- Lunar New Year continues through February 22
- Sweethearts’ Nite continues on select nights through February 17 — perfect for a Valentine’s Day park date
- Celebrate Gospel moves to Downtown Disney District for two weekends: February 20-21 (headlined by Hezekiah Walker) and February 27-28 (headlined by Yolanda Adams)
- Anaheim Ducks Day at California Adventure on February 22 — player appearances, hockey-themed entertainment, and Wild Wing
- Soarin’ Over California returns for a limited run at DCA through July 1 for the park’s 25th anniversary
The Verdict: February is a sleeper pick. You get the tail end of Lunar New Year, Sweethearts’ Nite for couples, and generally manageable crowds outside of Presidents’ Day weekend. The weather is mild, and you’re still in that sweet spot before spring break madness hits.
March: Spring Break Crowds Meet the Food & Wine Festival
Average Weather: Highs around 74°F, lows near 51°F. Beautiful spring weather — arguably the most pleasant month for park touring.
Crowd Level: Moderate early in the month, high during spring break weeks (typically mid-to-late March).
What’s Happening:
- Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival runs March 6 through April 27 — limited-time food booths, beverage seminars, culinary demos, and entertainment
- Disneyland After Dark: 70 Years of Favorites on March 3 and March 5 — a brand-new after-dark theme celebrating seven decades of Disneyland magic
- “Bluey’s Best Day Ever!” debuts at Fantasyland Theatre on March 22, transforming the venue into Bluey’s school with live stage shows and interactive play
- Eggstravaganza returns on select days in March and April
The Verdict: Early March (before spring break) is a fantastic window. The Food & Wine Festival is in full swing, the weather is perfect, and if you visit the first two weeks, crowds are still reasonable. Once spring break hits (roughly March 14-28 depending on school districts), expect significantly higher wait times across the board.
April: Food & Wine Continues, Star Wars Nights Approach
Average Weather: Highs around 77°F, lows near 54°F. Warm and sunny — tank tops and sunscreen weather.
Crowd Level: Moderate to high in early April (spring break tail end), easing to moderate by mid-month.
What’s Happening:
- Food & Wine Festival continues through April 27
- Disneyland After Dark: Disney Channel Nite on April 12, 14, and 16
- Earth Day Celebration on April 20
- Hyperspace Mountain returns for a limited time beginning April 28 — Space Mountain gets its Star Wars overlay
- Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite kicks off April 28 and 30 (continues into May)
The Verdict: Mid-to-late April is an underrated sweet spot. Spring break is over, the Food & Wine Festival is still going strong, and the weather is ideal. The Star Wars events launching at the end of the month give Star Wars fans a huge reason to plan around late April.
May: Star Wars Season and the Mandalorian Arrives
Average Weather: Highs around 78°F, lows near 58°F. “May Gray” can bring overcast mornings, but afternoons are usually sunny and warm.
Crowd Level: Low to moderate through mid-May, ramping up significantly after Memorial Day weekend as summer begins.
What’s Happening:
- Star Wars Nite continues May 4 and 6 — yes, May the 4th is included
- New Mandalorian & Grogu mission debuts on Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run on May 22, timed with the theatrical release of the new Star Wars film
- Kids’ Summer Ticket Offer begins May 22 — children ages 3-9 can visit for as low as $50/day with Park Hopper tickets (through September 7)
The Verdict: Early-to-mid May is one of my personal favorite times to visit Disneyland. Crowds are relatively low, the weather is mild (ignore the morning fog — it burns off by noon), and you’re right on the cusp of summer energy without the summer crowds. Star Wars fans should absolutely target the first week of May.
June: Summer Kicks Off — Pride Nite and Yardfest
Average Weather: Highs around 82°F, lows near 62°F. “June Gloom” brings morning clouds, but by afternoon it’s warm and sunny. Evenings are comfortable.
Crowd Level: High. Summer vacation is in full effect.
What’s Happening:
- Disneyland After Dark: Pride Nite on June 16 and 18 — the resort’s annual LGBTQIA+ celebration
- Disney On the Yard – Yardfest at Downtown Disney District on June 19, celebrating HBCU traditions with a drumline and Drum Major Mickey Mouse
- Disneyland 70th Celebration is entering its final weeks — this is your last summer to experience the anniversary entertainment
The Verdict: June means summer crowds, period. But if summer is your only option, early-to-mid June tends to be slightly less packed than late June and July. The trade-off? You get long park hours (the parks stay open late during summer) and warm evenings perfect for nighttime spectaculars. If you’re budget-conscious, remember the Kids’ Summer Ticket deal runs through September 7.
July: Peak Summer — Soarin’ Across America Debuts
Average Weather: Highs around 87°F, lows near 66°F. This is Anaheim at its hottest. Hydrate relentlessly.
Crowd Level: Very high. This is peak season. Expect long wait times and full parks.
What’s Happening:
- Soarin’ Across America takes its first flight on July 2, replacing Soarin’ Around the World with an all-new tour of America’s most stunning landscapes and cityscapes for the nation’s 250th anniversary
- 70th Celebration is in its final month — last chance to see “Wondrous Journeys,” “Paint the Night,” and “World of Color Happiness!”
- July 4th brings special fireworks and extended hours
The Verdict: Let me be honest — July is packed, it’s hot, and it’s expensive. But if you’re a family with school-aged kids, this might be your only realistic window. To make the most of it: arrive at rope drop, use Lightning Lane strategically, take a midday break (seriously, get out of the sun from 1-4 PM), and return for the evening. Weekdays are significantly better than weekends in July.
August: The 70th Finale and Halloween Time Begins
Average Weather: Highs around 89°F, lows near 66°F. The hottest month of the year in Anaheim. Sunscreen is not optional.
Crowd Level: High through mid-month, tapering as kids go back to school in late August.
What’s Happening:
- 70th Celebration ends August 9 — this is genuinely your last chance for the anniversary entertainment
- D23 Day at Disneyland Resort on August 13 — surprise experiences and fan moments across the resort
- Disney Jr. Let’s Play! Party on August 13-16 for families with young children
- Oogie Boogie Bash begins August 18 — the separately ticketed Halloween party at DCA (these sell out FAST)
- Halloween Time at Disneyland Resort officially launches August 21 with spooky overlays, Haunted Mansion Holiday, themed treats, and seasonal entertainment through October 31
The Verdict: August is a tale of two halves. The first half is peak summer with sweltering heat and heavy crowds. But the second half? That’s when the magic happens. Halloween Time launching on August 21 — while kids are heading back to school — creates an incredible window in the final week of August. You get Halloween decorations, Haunted Mansion Holiday, and shrinking crowds. If you can handle the heat, late August is genuinely one of the best-kept secrets at Disneyland.
September: Halloween + Low Crowds = The Sweet Spot
Average Weather: Highs around 88°F early in the month, cooling to the low 80s later. September can still be warm, but it starts to feel like fall by month’s end.
Crowd Level: Low to moderate. This is widely considered the best month to visit Disneyland.
What’s Happening:
- Halloween Time is in full swing across both parks
- Oogie Boogie Bash runs on multiple nights throughout September — 13 event nights this month alone
- Plaza de la Familia at DCA celebrates Día de los Muertos and the spirit of Coco (August 21 – November 2)
- Haunted Mansion Holiday, seasonal food offerings, and spooky character meet-and-greets
The Verdict: If I had to pick ONE month to visit Disneyland in 2026, it would be September. Kids are back in school, the Halloween overlay is fully operational, wait times drop to some of the shortest of the year, and the weather starts cooling off. Weekdays in September — especially Tuesday through Thursday — can feel like you have the park to yourself. This is the real insider pick.
October: Peak Halloween Season
Average Weather: Highs around 83°F, lows near 59°F. The heat finally breaks. Gorgeous fall weather.
Crowd Level: Moderate to high, especially on weekends and Oogie Boogie Bash nights.
What’s Happening:
- Halloween Time reaches its peak — every corner of Disneyland is decked out for the season
- Oogie Boogie Bash continues with 14 event nights in October, culminating on Halloween night (October 31)
- Plaza de la Familia continues through November 2
- Note: DCA closes early on Oogie Boogie Bash nights, so plan your park days accordingly
The Verdict: October is peak spooky season, and it shows in the crowd levels. Weekends are particularly busy as locals flood the parks for Halloween festivities. If you’re visiting in October, aim for weekdays — specifically the first or second week. Be aware that DCA closes early on Oogie Boogie nights (the party typically starts at 6 PM with a 3 PM mix-in for ticket holders), so plan to be in Disneyland Park on those evenings.
November: Holiday Transition and Hidden Value
Average Weather: Highs around 77°F, lows near 53°F. Ideal theme park weather — warm days, cool evenings. Bring a light jacket for nighttime.
Crowd Level: Low to moderate early in the month, very high around Thanksgiving week (November 23-29).
What’s Happening:
- Veterans Day on November 11
- Holidays at the Disneyland Resort begin November 18 — this includes the transformation of “it’s a small world” Holiday, A Christmas Fantasy Parade, holiday fireworks, Festival of Holidays at DCA, and stunning decor across the entire resort
- Disney Festival of Holidays returns at Disney California Adventure with food marketplaces celebrating diverse holiday traditions
The Verdict: The first two weeks of November are pure gold. Crowds are low, the weather is beautiful, and the holiday decorations start going up around November 18. If you time it right and visit the week the holidays launch (November 18-20, weekdays), you get fresh decorations, holiday entertainment, and relatively thin crowds before the Thanksgiving rush. Avoid Thanksgiving week itself unless you enjoy shoulder-to-shoulder crowds on Main Street.
December: Holiday Magic at Its Peak
Average Weather: Highs around 71°F, lows near 48°F. Cool and pleasant during the day, genuinely chilly at night. Layers are essential.
Crowd Level: Moderate early in the month, escalating to the busiest time of the entire year from about December 20 through January 1.
What’s Happening:
- Holidays at the Disneyland Resort in full effect — the parks are breathtakingly decorated
- Festival of Holidays continues at DCA with holiday food marketplaces
- “it’s a small world” Holiday, Haunted Mansion Holiday (stays through early January), and Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle
- Holiday fireworks and A Christmas Fantasy Parade
- New Year’s Eve celebration with special fireworks
The Verdict: December is a “know what you’re getting into” month. The first two weeks (December 1-17) are actually manageable on weekdays, and the holiday decorations are absolutely stunning. But the last 10 days of December? That’s when Disneyland hits its annual attendance ceiling. Wait times for popular rides can exceed two hours, restaurants require reservations weeks in advance, and parking structures fill up early. If you go during this period, set realistic expectations and soak in the atmosphere rather than trying to ride everything.
Quick Reference: Best Times by Priority
Here’s a cheat sheet depending on what matters most to you:
- Lowest Crowds: Mid-January, early-to-mid February, September weekdays, early November weekdays
- Best Weather: March, April, October, November
- Best Value: January through mid-March (California Resident deals), late May through early September (Kids’ Summer Ticket at $50/day)
- Best for Foodies: March 6 – April 27 (Food & Wine Festival), November 18+ (Festival of Holidays)
- Best for Halloween Fans: Late August through October (Halloween Time + Oogie Boogie Bash)
- Best for Holiday Magic: November 18 – December 17 (holiday season with manageable crowds)
- Best for Star Wars Fans: Late April through May (Hyperspace Mountain, Star Wars Nite, Mandalorian Smugglers Run debut)
- Last Chance for 70th Anniversary: Anytime before August 9, 2026
Money-Saving Tips for 2026
Disney isn’t cheap, but there are legitimate ways to save in 2026:
- California Residents: The 3-Day Park Hopper deal at $83/day is available for visits January 1 through May 21 — that’s a significant savings over regular pricing
- Kids’ Summer Ticket: From May 22 through September 7, kids ages 3-9 can visit for as low as $50/day with Park Hopper tickets
- Visit on weekdays: Not just for crowds — Disneyland uses demand-based pricing, so weekday tickets are genuinely cheaper than weekends and holidays
- Hotel deals: Disney offers seasonal hotel discounts — check the official site for current promotions, especially for Sunday through Thursday stays
Final Thoughts
There’s truly no “bad” time to visit Disneyland — it’s called The Happiest Place on Earth for a reason. But with the 70th Celebration wrapping up, new attractions debuting throughout the year, and a stacked calendar of festivals and events, 2026 is shaping up to be one of the best years to visit the resort in a long time.
If you’re forcing me to pick: September for the best overall experience (low crowds, Halloween, good weather), late January/early February for the best value play, and early March if you want the Food & Wine Festival without the spring break madness.
Whatever month you choose, plan ahead, buy your tickets early (especially for separately ticketed events like Oogie Boogie Bash — they sell out), and make your dining reservations 60 days in advance.
See you at the park. 🏰
