January Help!

[Nelly2016]

Hello everyone! Me and four of my girlfriends are thinking about going in January but the more I read about it, the more hesitant I am feeling! We are Canadians (from a generally cold province) so the weather wasn't worrying me. But it occurred to me that we will be outside all day and going on rides, some of them involving us getting wet. I have been in Florida in August - I do NOT want the blazing heat! But I don't want to be walking around in gloves and hats either!

We are pretty excited about there being lower crowds. However, I've just heard about the shorter hours!

Any suggestions? I am so lost!

 

[bee]

It's very unlikely you'll be wearing gloves and hats, at least not your whole trip. The weather can vary wildly from week to week, day to day, and even hourly. Bring a change of clothes or plan for the water rides to be at the end of the day or before a scheduled resort break.

I think January is a lovely time to visit. In my opinion the reduced park hours aren't that bad as you can plan to be in the park(s) that open earliest and/or close latest. I would always pick the cooler temps of "winter" over the summer heat and humidity even if it means slightly reduced park hours.

 

[Nelly2016]

It's very unlikely you'll be wearing gloves and hats, at least not your whole trip. The weather can vary wildly from week to week, day to day, and even hourly. Bring a change of clothes or plan for the water rides to be at the end of the day or before a scheduled resort break.

I think January is a lovely time to visit. In my opinion the reduced park hours aren't that bad as you can plan to be in the park(s) that open earliest and/or close latest. I would always pick the cooler temps of "winter" over the summer heat and humidity even if it means slightly reduced park hours.

I notice you say "aren't that bad". Does that mean you'd rather have the longer hours? This is probably the only Disney trip we will ever do with the five of us and we want to make sure to do it right. To be honest, after thinking about it over the afternoon, I'm looking forward to some hot weather. And Kali River Rapids (which is apparently usually closed in January) is my favourite ride! I think, for peace of mind, we might (MIGHT) be postponing it to March or April. What are your thoughts?

 

[Wendy Pleakley]

I am Canadian as well. I can't speak to Florida specifically, but I have been to California several times in late January.

For most of the day there, I'm quite comfortable in shorts and a t-shirt. At most I need a light jacket in the evening.

I've had locals in jeans and sweaters ask me if I'm cold, but for me it's summer weather.

 

[Magical Dreamer]

We now go the second week of January due to college break periods....it's ok but I'd like it a little warmer.
Previously we went every year the week prior to Thanksgiving week and always had fantastic weather, low crowds, free dining...those were the good old days.

 

[Nelly2016]

I am Canadian as well. I can't speak to Florida specifically, but I have been to California several times in late January.

For most of the day there, I'm quite comfortable in shorts and a t-shirt. At most I need a light jacket in the evening.

I've had locals in jeans and sweaters ask me if I'm cold, but for me it's summer weather.

Just googled the weather and the comparison of California and Florida look relatively the same for late Jan. I'm from Alberta, so I'm used to the cold but I'm looking forward to shorts and t-shirt weather as well. I don't want to risk it being cold there which is why I'm thinking of postponing! I'd also like to enjoy the water rides and not feel freezing when I get off! What are your thoughts?

 

[Nelly2016]

We now go the second week of January due to college break periods....it's ok but I'd like it a little warmer.
Previously we went every year the week prior to Thanksgiving week and always had fantastic weather, low crowds, free dining...those were the good old days.

Are you generally from a cold climate or a warmer one? I'm used to cold weather, but I'm looking forward to a warmer vacation! If I'm risking the cold, I think we might be better off postponing.

 

[Magical Dreamer]

Live near Buffalo, NY....if you can go in mid November do it!
Lowest rainfall of the year, blue sunny sky's, low humidity, mid 80's as the norm....nights...maybe a sweatshirt and shorts.

 

[lemon meringue]

If I'm risking the cold, I think we might be better off postponing.

You can't control (or depend) on the weather regardless of when you go. We went in January a few years ago. Most afternoons got into the high 70s and occasionally low 80s. On the sunny days it was warm enough to enjoy the pool mid-day. It got cool at night, 50s most nights a few high 40s. It was snowing back home so that was a huge improvement but it definitely wasn't summertime hot. There really is no way to know for sure.

 

[Nelly2016]

Live near Buffalo, NY....if you can go in mid November do it!
Lowest rainfall of the year, blue sunny sky's, low humidity, mid 80's as the norm....nights...maybe a sweatshirt and shorts.

November is too long to wait! We graduate in December so this is supposed to be a college graduation trip for us thanks for your suggestions though!

 

[Nelly2016]

You can't control (or depend) on the weather regardless of when you go. We went in January a few years ago. Most afternoons got into the high 70s and occasionally low 80s. On the sunny days it was warm enough to enjoy the pool mid-day. It got cool at night, 50s most nights a few high 40s. It was snowing back home so that was a huge improvement but it definitely wasn't summertime hot. There really is no way to know for sure.

So you would ultimately recommend going? Even if I was looking forward to warmer weather?

 

[Wendy Pleakley]

Are you generally from a cold climate or a warmer one? I'm used to cold weather, but I'm looking forward to a warmer vacation! If I'm risking the cold, I think we might be better off postponing.

I'm from Vancouver, BC.

I rode Splash Mountain at midnight in California and getting wet didn't bother me.

I wouldn't overthink it too much. January seems like a great time to go for low crowds and Canadian friendly weather.

 

[lemon meringue]

So you would ultimately recommend going? Even if I was looking forward to warmer weather?

I would if that's what works best for you schedule wise. If however your schedule allows you to go at another time of year and the most important thing to you is a greater chance of plenty of heat, then I'd pick May, June, July, August, or September. During those months it would be unusual for it to be cold. There's no guarantee about rain though.

 

[Nelly2016]

I'm from Vancouver, BC.

I rode Splash Mountain at midnight in California and getting wet didn't bother me.

I wouldn't overthink it too much. January seems like a great time to go for low crowds and Canadian friendly weather.

I would if that's what works best for you schedule wise. If however your schedule allows you to go at another time of year and the most important thing to you is a greater chance of plenty of heat, then I'd pick May, June, July, August, or September. During those months it would be unusual for it to be cold. There's no guarantee about rain though.

I think I'm going to push for May! Thanks for the advice!

 

[bee]

I notice you say "aren't that bad". Does that mean you'd rather have the longer hours? This is probably the only Disney trip we will ever do with the five of us and we want to make sure to do it right. To be honest, after thinking about it over the afternoon, I'm looking forward to some hot weather. And Kali River Rapids (which is apparently usually closed in January) is my favourite ride! I think, for peace of mind, we might (MIGHT) be postponing it to March or April. What are your thoughts?

In my opinion the reduced crowds balance out with the reduced park hours. Yes you can't be in the parks as long but you won't be fighting as many people and lines won't be as long so you can probably get as much done.

If you really want hot weather you can be relatively sure you'll get some in March and April. But then you start running into spring break and Easter crowds. If the most important thing to you is warmth and Kali River Rapids then go at a warmer time; you have to do what makes sense for why is important to you.

 

[carriebeth]

We went in December a couple times. The last time was Dec 2014. It was miserably cold the whole time. I had packed fairly warm things because the previous December we needed warmer stuff for early a.m. and once the sun went down. It was so cold I had to go out and buy hats, gloves, fleece tights for under princess dresses etc. The whole time we were there each day every day it was just cold. It was then I decided never disney again in winter months! To me Florida is suppose to be hot. I would rather have it hot then chilly. I want my children to be able to use the pools. They don't want their princess gowns covered by down parkas!

I guess it varies from year to year what the high and low temps will be but to me its not worth the risk it will be cold.

 

[Nelly2016]

We went in December a couple times. The last time was Dec 2014. It was miserably cold the whole time. I had packed fairly warm things because the previous December we needed warmer stuff for early a.m. and once the sun went down. It was so cold I had to go out and buy hats, gloves, fleece tights for under princess dresses etc. The whole time we were there each day every day it was just cold. It was then I decided never disney again in winter months! To me Florida is suppose to be hot. I would rather have it hot then chilly. I want my children to be able to use the pools. They don't want their princess gowns covered by down parkas!

I guess it varies from year to year what the high and low temps will be but to me its not worth the risk it will be cold.

Thanks for the tips! This is why we decided against January and are leaning towards mid february. Any experience with this month?

 

[lemon meringue]

Thanks for the tips! This is why we decided against January and are leaning towards mid february. Any experience with this month?

I thought you had decided on May?
We've gone in February a few times, most recently just three months ago. Two of the afternoons were warm enough for the pool. Mornings were chilly. We had a pre-park opening breakfast at Cinderella's Royal Table. We all wore coats to that. Most of the nights were cold. I wore open toed shoes and dresses to dinner twice and regretted it on the walk back to Beach Club both times. I even bought my daughter gloves one night.

 

[Nelly2016]

Thanks for the tips! This is why we decided against January and are leaning towards mid february. Any experience with this month?

Unfortunately it just doesn't work with our schedule I think we are trying for late february! I'm hoping the weather will be nice!

 

[PinnySmart]

February weather can sometimes be nice. I have been when it was frigid. Make sure to plan around Mardis Gra and Jersey Week or you will be fighting mad crowds. March and April can be packed as well during Spring Break. Just plan for crowds because I go several times and a month and these low crowd periods seem to be fewer and far between.