January weather

iwannabeindisney

New Member
We will be going in the middle of January (16th-25th) this year. I've read conflicting reports on the weather so we're a bit confused on what to expect. Ive heard everything from shorts during the day but winter jackets needed at night, freezing all day long, warm but not hot all day long. Can anyone who's been in January previous years elaborate?
 

ToTBellHop

Well-Known Member
We will be going in the middle of January (16th-25th) this year. I've read conflicting reports on the weather so we're a bit confused on what to expect. Ive heard everything from shorts during the day but winter jackets needed at night, freezing all day long, warm but not hot all day long. Can anyone who's been in January previous years elaborate?
Everything you have heard is accurate. January weather is the most variable of the entire year. I have experienced everything from 30 degrees to 85 degrees. Often within the same week. I generally pack for all seasons but on the AVERAGE day, I am comfortable in pants and a t-shirt during the day and with a hoodie at night. Sometimes it's warmer and you don't need the hoodie at night. Sometimes it's colder and you need a winter hat and gloves. It's almost always less rainy than in the summer, though. I really enjoy the weather in January, you just have to be flexible. Most days are quite comfortable and much better than January in Connecticut!
 
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Horizons '83

Well-Known Member
In the Parks
No
Everything you have heard is accurate. January weather is the most variable of the entire year. I have experienced everything from 30 degrees to 85 degrees. Often within the same week. I generally pack for all seasons but on the AVERAGE day, I am comfortable in pants and a t-shirt during the day and with a hoodie at night. Sometimes it's warmer and you don't need the hoodie at night. Sometimes it's colder and you need a winter hat and gloves. It's almost always less rainy than in the summer, though. I really enjoy the weather in January, you just have to be flexible. Most days are quite comfortable and much better than January in Connecticut!

This is spot on! We will be down there Jan 22 - 27. The mornings/evenings will be chilly (Jeans and sweatshirt will be fine) and the days tend to be warmer in my past experience. Your best bet is to look at the forecast about a week out and you will be fine. I love going in January!
 
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dreamfinder

Well-Known Member
Pack for anything and everything. Like @MansionButler84 , I've been there when it has been freezing out (funny hearing the news reports telling locals how to deal with frost) and been there when it's been hot and sweaty. I'd say most common I see is 50ish in the morning and night, getting upto 70ish during the day.
 
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Master Yoda

Pro Star Wars geek.
Premium Member
Everything you have heard is accurate. January weather is the most variable of the entire year. I have experienced everything from 30 degrees to 85 degrees. Often within the same week. I generally pack for all seasons but on the AVERAGE day, I am comfortable in pants and a t-shirt during the day and with a hoodie at night. Sometimes it's warmer and you don't need the hoodie at night. Sometimes it's colder and you need a winter hat and gloves. It's almost always less rainy than in the summer, though. I really enjoy the weather in January, you just have to be flexible. Most days are quite comfortable and much better than January in Connecticut!
This^^^^

Check the weather forecast the day before you leave and plan for that.
 
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DisneyFans4Life

Well-Known Member
January is a great time to go because the temperatures aren't hot. I've lived in Tampa my entire life and I've seen cold and hot during January. As others have said, check the forecast about a week out and then again a couple days before you leave so you can get a better idea of what to expect.

Don't worry...if you happen to forget something, there's always a gift shop at the parks to purchase something :)
 
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ToTBellHop

Well-Known Member
Thanks for the responses everyone!! So I'm guessing we shouldn't bet on swimming this trip?
Each time I've gone in January, we have used the pool at least once as there's always been a day above 80 degrees. You certainly aren't swimming every day like you can late March through early November, though. Certainly bring swim suits. If you are staying at a mod or a deluxe, there's always the hot tub.

Kids don't seem to have any issue swimming in 50 degrees. I commonly see kids having a wonderful time in the pool while the parental units sit on a lounger in the sun, basking like turtles. There are worse ways to spend a January afternoon!
 
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officialtom

Well-Known Member
What temps are you used to? January is Florida is like late spring to us. We'll be the crazy Canadians in shorts when it's only 8-10C. We actually find it hilarious seeing CMs all bundled up in scarves and parkas when it's nearly summer-like for us.

We've been there the last two Januarys and absolutely loved the weather. We're going this year and hoping for the same. Cool nights and warm days are just perfect. We'll definitely be swimming.
 
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Duckberg

Active Member
We visit the World in Jan./Feb. the weather is all over the place from temp.'s
to precip. Even if a certain day does not have terrific weather turn on the Weather Channel to see the rest of the country enjoying Winter NOT & you will feel better real quick in Florida :)
 
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dreamfinder

Well-Known Member
Thanks for the responses everyone!! So I'm guessing we shouldn't bet on swimming this trip?

Well, the pools are always heated to a constant temp. (86 perhaps?) However, getting into and out of the pools can be a bear when its cold outside. And if it is cold enough the life guards are staffed elsewhere/told to stay home, technically "closing" the guarded pools, so you may be limited in your choices.
 
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TXDisney

Well-Known Member
It's a pretty bipolar month. Chilly most mornings, then gets nice for the majority of the day, then gets cold at night. I'd say jeans and tshirt weather during the day but need a jacket at night.
 
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Ariel Savage

Active Member
I usually go in February and concur that you just need to be prepared for anything. I've already walked around MK in a winter coat with scarf and gloves. The next year, I was wearing a tank top. Bring some layers so you can be prepared. When the weather gets cold, the Disney shops sometimes put out heavier jackets, scarves, etc. to purchase, but I doubt that's how you want to spend your souvenir money.
 
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iwannabeindisney

New Member
Original Poster
I'm coming from New York so we will hopefully be escaping the cold! I figured it would be pants and long shirt weather, was curious to see if i'd need even a single pair of shorts. I guess i'll just have to check the weather closer to the trip, we are trying to squeeze into one case so thats my main concern... bringing the necessities and not taking up space with extras we won't use.
 
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SMS55

Well-Known Member
Florida weather is unpredictable. January is considered the "dead of winter" in Florida with average morning lows around 47 degrees and afternoon highs around 72 degrees. If we don't get a front for a while, it will be warmer than that. If a strong front does come through it can drop it into the 30's and once in a rare while into the 20's. The only real solution you have is wait till you get closer to your trip is check the long range forecast. Unless you're from a very cold place, you're probably going to need a light jacket or long sleeves for the mornings, so plan on that. However, you're going to have to wait to see if you need heavier jackets or if you can bring some shorts along.
 
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Kosmo1986

Well-Known Member
I am a Floridan and last year we were at Disney the last week of January. He is what I packed.

Jackets, shorts, hand warmers, hats,scarves, sunglasses, sunscreen. The most annoying thing about living in florida is that no matter what the forecast the weather changes throughout the day. You will need a Jacket in the morning, by 2pm it will be kinda hot and you will wish your were wearing shorts and after it gets dark its cold again
 
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Horizons '83

Well-Known Member
In the Parks
No
I am a Floridan and last year we were at Disney the last week of January. He is what I packed.

Jackets, shorts, hand warmers, hats,scarves, sunglasses, sunscreen. The most annoying thing about living in florida is that no matter what the forecast the weather changes throughout the day. You will need a Jacket in the morning, by 2pm it will be kinda hot and you will wish your were wearing shorts and after it gets dark its cold again
Yep, however if you don't mind being a little chilly in the mornings, you can do without the jacket, or just wear a lite long sleeve T-shirt and roll up your sleeves when it gets warm again.
 
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ToTBellHop

Well-Known Member
Yep, however if you don't mind being a little chilly in the mornings, you can do without the jacket, or just wear a lite long sleeve T-shirt and roll up your sleeves when it gets warm again.
A hot cocoa from the resort in my refillable mug goes a long way in the morning and on the way back from the parks at night, too!
 
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