Planning a Walt Disney World vacation in 2026? Timing is everything when it comes to crowds, weather, and your overall experience. After years of tracking park trends, we’ve put together the definitive guide to help you pick the perfect time for your magical getaway.
The Quick Answer
Best overall months: Late January, early February, late August, and early September offer the sweet spot of manageable crowds and decent weather. Avoid: Spring Break weeks, Thanksgiving week, and the two weeks surrounding Christmas and New Year’s.
Month-by-Month Breakdown
January
Crowds: ⭐⭐ (Low after the first week)
Weather: Mild, 50s-70s°F
Best for: Budget travelers, marathon runners
January is one of the best-kept secrets for Disney veterans. After the New Year’s rush clears out (usually by January 8th), the parks become remarkably empty. The Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend brings runners in mid-January, but otherwise, you’ll find short wait times and lower hotel rates. Pack layers—Florida mornings can be chilly!
February
Crowds: ⭐⭐⭐ (Moderate)
Weather: Pleasant, 55-75°F
Best for: Couples, families avoiding school breaks
Early February continues the low-crowd trend, but things pick up around Presidents’ Day weekend. The EPCOT International Festival of the Arts runs through mid-February, adding special entertainment and food booths. Valentine’s Day brings romantic couples, but it’s still manageable.
March
Crowds: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Very High)
Weather: Warm, 60-80°F
Best for: Those who have no other choice
Spring Break transforms Disney World into one of the most crowded times of year. Schools across the country have staggered breaks from early March through mid-April, meaning there’s no true “off” week. If you must visit, aim for the very beginning of March before breaks start. The EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival launches, which is beautiful but adds to crowds.
April
Crowds: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (High)
Weather: Hot, 65-85°F
Best for: Garden enthusiasts, late-month visitors
Spring Break crowds continue through Easter, which falls on April 5th in 2026. After Easter, crowds drop noticeably. The last two weeks of April can actually be quite pleasant, with good weather and thinning crowds. The Flower & Garden Festival continues at EPCOT.
May
Crowds: ⭐⭐⭐ (Moderate)
Weather: Hot and humid, 70-90°F
Best for: Adults without school-age kids
Early May is a hidden gem—schools are still in session, and summer crowds haven’t arrived. Memorial Day weekend (late May) marks the unofficial start of summer with increased attendance. The heat and humidity are building, so prepare for afternoon thunderstorms. Flower & Garden Festival wraps up in early June.
June
Crowds: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (High)
Weather: Hot and very humid, 75-95°F
Best for: Families on summer break
Summer vacation is in full swing, and so are the crowds. June is hot, sticky, and busy—but it’s when most families can travel. Beat the heat by arriving at park opening, taking a midday break, and returning in the evening. Daily afternoon thunderstorms are the norm but usually pass within an hour.
July
Crowds: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Very High)
Weather: Peak summer heat, 75-95°F
Best for: 4th of July celebrations
July 4th week is one of the busiest of the year, with special fireworks and entertainment. The rest of July remains crowded with summer vacationers. The heat is intense—stay hydrated, take breaks in air conditioning, and don’t skip the sunscreen. Water rides and pool time become essential.
August
Crowds: ⭐⭐⭐ (Moderate to Low by late month)
Weather: Still hot, 75-95°F
Best for: Budget-conscious families
Here’s a pro tip: late August is one of the least crowded times of the year. Many schools start back in early-to-mid August, emptying the parks significantly. Yes, it’s still brutally hot, but if you can handle the heat, you’ll be rewarded with short lines and great hotel deals. The last two weeks of August are particularly quiet.
September
Crowds: ⭐⭐ (Low)
Weather: Still warm, 75-90°F
Best for: Adults, couples, Halloween fans
September is a fantastic time to visit. Kids are back in school, summer tourists are gone, and Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party kicks off at Magic Kingdom. The EPCOT Food & Wine Festival begins its glorious run. Hurricane season is a consideration, but Disney handles weather events well, and travel insurance provides peace of mind.
October
Crowds: ⭐⭐⭐ (Moderate)
Weather: Comfortable, 65-85°F
Best for: Halloween lovers, food enthusiasts
October brings beautiful fall weather (finally!) and peak Halloween festivities. Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party runs several nights per week through October 31st. Food & Wine Festival continues at EPCOT. Columbus Day weekend sees a crowd spike. The weather becomes much more comfortable for park touring.
November
Crowds: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (High during holidays)
Weather: Mild, 55-75°F
Best for: Holiday atmosphere fans
November is a tale of two halves. Early November (before Thanksgiving week) offers moderate crowds and the start of holiday decorations. Thanksgiving week is one of the busiest times of the entire year—avoid if possible. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party begins, and the holiday overlays transform the parks. EPCOT’s Festival of the Holidays starts.
December
Crowds: ⭐⭐⭐ to ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Varies wildly)
Weather: Cool, 50-70°F
Best for: Christmas enthusiasts, early-month visitors
Early December (first two weeks) is actually quite pleasant with moderate crowds and full holiday decorations in place. The parks look absolutely magical. However, December 20th through January 1st is the busiest time of the entire year—parks regularly hit capacity, prices peak, and waits can exceed three hours for popular attractions. If you must visit during this period, set expectations accordingly.
2026 Dates to Avoid
- January 1-7: New Year’s crowds
- February 14-16: Presidents’ Day weekend
- March 7 – April 12: Spring Break season
- April 3-6: Easter weekend
- May 22-25: Memorial Day weekend
- July 3-5: Independence Day
- November 21-29: Thanksgiving week
- December 19 – January 3: Christmas/New Year’s
2026 Best Value Periods
- January 11-31: Post-holiday lull
- Late August (Aug 17-31): Schools back in session
- September (all month): Low crowds, festival season
- Early December (Dec 1-14): Holiday magic, manageable crowds
Special Events in 2026
Disney World’s festival calendar adds extra value to certain times of year:
- EPCOT Festival of the Arts: January – February
- EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival: March – June
- EPCOT Food & Wine Festival: Late August – November
- EPCOT Festival of the Holidays: November – December
- Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party: August – October
- Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party: November – December
Our Top Pick for 2026
If we had to pick just one week, we’d say September 13-19, 2026. You’ll get low crowds, the Food & Wine Festival in full swing, Halloween party options, and weather that’s starting to cool down. Plus, hotel rates and flight prices tend to be reasonable.
Whatever time you choose, remember that Disney magic is always there—crowds just mean more people sharing in it. With proper planning, Lightning Lane purchases, and realistic expectations, any time can be a great time at Walt Disney World.
Planning your 2026 Disney trip? Let us know in the comments when you’re going!
