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Best Time To Visit Orlando (Monthly Guide by a Local!)

Find the best time to visit Orlando with our monthly guide by a local. Learn about weather, events, & tips to avoid crowds for a perfect Orlando trip.

Tobi Miles
July 21, 2022
Best Time To Visit Orlando (Monthly Guide by a Local!)

Have you been wanting to plan a trip to Orlando, but are unsure of when to visit? Orlando is filled with many attractions and is attracted by millions of travelers that are looking for a fun-filled escape from their busy lives.

With many cities and towns that have their unique activities you’ll be amazed by the number of attractions there are to explore here in Orlando.

March through May is the best time to visit Orlando, Florida. Temperatures range from the 50s to 80s during this time, making the outdoors more enjoyable. However, between January and February, you can find flights as low as $130 and hotels around $80 per night. Expect the weather to be lower during winter, with an average of 60 F.

When traveling to a destination such as this Orlando, you’ll want to weigh the factors that help you know when to plan your vacation. Let’s dive into the best time to visit Orlando.

Worst Time to Travel to Orlando

Credit: Michelle_Raponi

When traveling to Orlando, you’ll want to take into consideration the current season, climate conditions, and busiest time of year. The worst time to travel to Orlando is May to early September because of it being peak season.

Not only is this time bad for traveling because of tourists, but you’ll have to experience the summer hear. Florida has some of the most intense summer temperatures. During peak summer season, the heat index can reach up to 114 degrees.

With temperatures of this rate, this could make for a miserable trip, especially if you have young children.

When is the Cheapest Time to go to Orlando?

The cheapest time to go to Orlando is January to early February. While it can be expensive and hectic to travel during school breaks, you can expect to save some extra cash if you travel during off-peak months. Whether you plan on visiting Orlando’s theme parks, shopping malls, or other attractions, it can get expensive.

When the weather cools down in summer hot spots, many locations will lower the price of their hotel rooms because of less tourist travel. If you’re traveling in January, you can find hotel rooms in Orlando for as low as $80 a night.

The cheapest time to fly is during the low season, but you can find the cheapest flights if you’re willing to be flexible with your schedule. You can find flights to Orlando as low as $130. Based on certain trends, flights tend to be around 16 percent cheaper than the yearly average.

What Time of Year is the Best Weather in Orlando?

When planning your vacation to Orlando, you’ll want to go when the weather is permitting and deals are at their lowest. Below, we discuss the weather by month so that you can choose the best time to visit for you and your family.

January: Zora! Festival

Credit: 12019

Temperatures average between 52 and 68 degrees during January in Orlando. January is considered the coldest month in Orlando. The average humidity is 72% with rain falling for 10 days out of the month up to two inches.

If you’re planning on traveling during this time, you’ll want to pack sneakers, pants, t-shirts, a jacket, and light sweater. During this month, Orlando has the Zora Festival. The Zora Festival is a month long celebration that is made up of conferences, art education, and movie screenings.

Another event you’ll want to check out is the Epcot Festival of the Arts. At this festival you’ll be able to discover creative twists on irresistible food and drinks. You’ll also be able to view captivating entertainment in every corner.

  • Zora Festival
  • Epcot Festival of the Arts
  • Pets on the Promenade
  • Night of Lights

February: Mardi Gras at Universal Orlando

Credit: Foxy_

Temperatures average between 55 and 72 degrees during February in Orlando. February is considered the last month of winter in Orlando. It rains for 11 days out of the month with accumulations up to two inches.

If you’re planning to travel during this time, you’ll want to pack some warmer clothing as this is still a pretty chilly month in Orlando. During this month, Mardi Gras at Universal Orlando is held. Mardi Gras event is filled with parades, street performers, vibrant music, colorful costumes, and countless beads being thrown.

The Mardi Gras festivities are included with a theme park admission or annual pass. Another event you’ll want to check out is the Big Salsa Festival. This is a two day Latin event that has some of the greatest names in the performing arts.

You’ll be able to participate in dance classes that are offered to dancers in every skill level.

  • Mardi Gras at Universal Orlando
  • Big Salsa Festival
  • The Osceola County Fair

March: Dragons and Fairies

Credit: Kellepics

Temperatures average 58 to 76 degrees during March in Orlando. It is the first month of spring and a moderately hot month. March is one of the months with the least amount of rain with accumulations of around an inch and a half.

If you’re planning to travel during this time, you can pack pants, t-shirts, shorts, and a light jacket for cooler evenings. During this month, Orlando has an event called Dragons and Fairies. Dragons and Fairies is an epic experience that leads you on a journey.

Another event you’ll want to check out is Florida’s strawberry festival. Visitors travel from all over to enjoy the festival of different harvests. The festival enhances the historical legacy of the Florida strawberry.

  • Dragons and Fairies
  • Sunset Walk Entertainment
  • Music on the Bay
  • Florida Strawberry Festival

April: Soul Food Festival

Credit: Silviarita

Temperatures average between 62 and 84 degrees during April in Orlando. April is another warm spring month in Orlando with humidity around 72%. As for rainfall, rain falls for around 13 days of the month with up to two inches of rain accumulated.

If you’re planning on traveling during this time, you’ll want to pack lightweight clothing and maybe a light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings. During this month, Orlando has their Soul Food Festival. This is a family fest of sight, sound, and African American food.

This event has a number of food vendors and activities for families with live music.

  • Soul Food Festival
  • Spring Fever in the Garden
  • Spring Fiesta in the Park

Related Read: 40 BEST Things To Do in Naples, FL

May: Seaworld Seven Seas Festival

Credit: Xanio

Temperatures average 69 to 84 degrees during May in Orlando. May is a tropical month in Orlando with a heat index of 96 degrees so you’ll want to take extra heat precautions. In May, it rains for 15 days out of the month with accumulations around three inches.

If you’re planning to travel during this time, you’ll want to pack lightweight clothing since this is a very hot month. During this month, Orlando had the Seaworld Seven Seas Festival. At this festival you’ll get to experience oceans of flavor.

Your family will get to explore fresh cuisine, live music shows, exhilarating rollercoasters, and amazing animal encounters. This is a festival people of all ages will enjoy.

Seaworld Seven Seas Festival

Cinco de Mayo Street Party

Car & Truck Show

June: Silver Spurs Rodeo

Credit: Gay2016

Temperatures average 79 to 84 degrees during June in Orlando. June is the first month of summer and a tropical mont in Orlando with a heat index of 108 degrees. These can be very dangerous temperatures with heat exhaustion likely with prolonged outdoor activity.

If you’re planning to travel during this month, you’ll want to pack your swim essentials, sun protection, and lightweight clothing for extremely hot temperatures. During this month, Orlando has the Silver Spurs Rodeo. The Silver Spurs Rodeo is the largest rodeo east of the Mississippi.

This event is ranked as one of the top 50 events by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. The Silver Spurs riding club has over 300 members.

  • Silver Spurs Rodeo
  • WineART Marketplace
  • Battle of the Food Trucks
  • Lake Nona Pineapple Festival

July: July Fourth at Busch Gardens

Credit: Jill Wellington

Temperatures average between 79 and 90 degrees during July in Orlando. July is another hot summer month in Orlando with a blazing hot heat index of 113 degrees. You’ll want to be wary of heat cramps and heat exhaustion being highly anticipated.

If you’re planning on traveling during this month, you’ll want to pack sun protection, swim essentials, and lightweight clothing. During this month, Orlando has Fourth of July at Busch Gardens. On this holiday, Busch Gardens has a fireworks spectacular.

Another activity you can check out is Orlando’s movie nights. Orlando has several locations where you can view outdoor movies. You can view their website to check out the different locations.

  • Fourth of July at Busch Gardens
  • West Orange Trail
  • Movie Nights

August: Art After Dark

Credit: Bodobe

Temperatures average between 76 and 90 degrees during August in Orlando. The last month of summer is August with it being the hottest month and a heat index of 114 degrees. With continued outdoor activity, you’ll have to be careful of heat exhaustion and heat cramps.

If you’re planning to travel during this time, pack plenty of sun protection, swim essentials, and lightweight clothing. It would also be best to plan night activities or events indoors because of the scorching summer heat. During this month, Orlando has Art After Dark.

Art After Dark is a summer program that introduces young people to the art district. The goal of the program is to promote social interaction, art engagement, and networking.

Art After Dark

Night Glow Paddleboard

Everglades Adventures

September: Orlando Swim Week

Credit: Charles Rondeau

Temperatures average 74 to 88 degrees during September in Orlando. September is the first month of autumn with an extremely hot heat index of 106 degrees. As for rain, it rains for 21 days in September with accumulations of around four inches.

If your planning on traveling during this month, you’ll want to pack your swim essentials, lightweight clothing, and rainy day gear. During this month, Florida has Orlando Swim Week. Orlando Swim Week is a popular fashion event in Florida.

If you’re looking to kill some time, you’ll also want to check out the Premium Orlando Outlets. Here you can find a variety of popular brands with discounted prices.

  • Orlando Swim Week
  • Premium Orlando Outlets
  • Florida Mall

Related Read: 15 BEST Waterparks in Jacksonville FL

October: Mickey’s Boo-To-You Halloween Parade

Credit: Webandi

Temperatures average 68 to 83 degrees during October in Orlando. October is a moderately hot autumn month with a heat index of 90 degrees. As for rain, it rains for about 13 days out of the month with accumulations a little over two inches.

If you’re planning to travel during this month, you’ll want to pack your swim essentials and lightweight clothing. During this month, Orlando has Mickey’s Boo-to-You Halloween Parade. This parade is one of the best family-friendly events in Orlando.

At this parade you’ll be able to catch a glimpse of villains, ghosts, and other characters as they float by in the parade. This event brings forth an assortment of fun-filled floats that the entire family will enjoy.

  • Mickey’s Boo-to-You Halloween Parade
  • SeaWorld Spooktacular
  • Legoland

November: Festival of Trees

Credit: JillWellington

Temperatures average between 61 and 76 degrees during November in Orlando. November is another moderately hot month in Orlando. Rain will fall for around 10 days of the month with accumulations up to two inches.

If you’re planning to travel during this month, the weather is a bit cooler so you’ll want to pack lightweight clothing and maybe a light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings. During this month, Orlando has the Festival of Trees. The Festival of Trees is a holiday tradition in Orlando.

The Festival of trees brings glitter and glam and is decorated with wreaths, gingerbread creations, and other holiday decor.

Another attraction that the family might enjoy is the Kennedy Space Center. At this attraction you can choose from multiple tickets, tours, and combo options. Kennedy Space Center is the primary launch center for human space flights.

  • Festival of Trees
  • Kennedy Space Center
  • Gatorland

December: Dazzling Nights at Harry P. Leu Gardens

Credit: Stinne24

Temperatures average between 56 and 72 degrees during December in Orlando. December is the first month of winter with pleasant temperatures. As for rainfall, this month has the least amount of rain with accumulations of around one inch.

If you’re planning on traveling during this month, you’ll want to pack pants, t-shirts, a light jacket, and sweater. During this month,  Orlando has Dazzling Nights at Harry P. Leu Gardens.

Your family can also experience Discovery Cove. Here you can experience an all inclusive day of paradise by connecting with dolphins, snorkeling with rays, feed exotic birds, and indulge in great cuisine all day. Your family will be able to enjoy many one-of-a-kind opportunities.

  • Dazzling Nights at Harry P. Leu Gardens
  • Wild Florida
  • Discovery Cove Orlando

What is the Best Time to Visit Orlando With Family?

Credit: SarahBernier3140

Have you been thinking about wanting to travel to Orlando, but are unsure if it’s a great place to bring the whole family? Not only is traveling to Orlando with family possible but there are many activities and outdoor adventures you can take. The best time to visit Orlando with family is from March to May.

During this time, temperatures stay at a comfortable temperature making this more family-friendly, especially if you have young children. Orlando has a lot of outdoor activities, especially when it comes to water activities, amusement parks, and other attractions. Florida can become very hot so it’s important to pick a comfortable month when planning your vacation.

Orlando is one of the world’s top-rated family vacation destinations. Orlando’s reputation was built around its theme parks which in particular attract young children. With its water parks and theme parks, you’re bound to have a fantastic time!

Related Read: 11 Best Beaches Near Orlando For Families

When is the Best Time to Avoid Crowds in Orlando?

Credit: PierreLaurentdurantin

If you’re visiting Orlando and hoping to avoid crowds, you’ll want to visit during January and early February. The most crowded times of the year are during the holidays, school breaks, and during summer vacation. Another least crowded time to go is when school starts so early September through mid-November.

If you plan to visit any of Orlando’s theme parks, you’ll especially want to follow these guidelines. This way, you can spend more time riding your favorite rides and seeing your favorite attractions when crowds are at their lowest. You can also get to the parks earlier in the day to avoid the surge of crowds.

Related Read: Ultimate Orlando to Key West Road Trip

When is Hurricane Season in Orlando?

Credit: PublicDomainPictures

If you’re planning a trip to Orlando, you’ll want to keep in mind that hurricane season is from June 1st through November 30thThe peak of hurricane seasons falls between mid-August and late October. Florida has seen their fair share of hurricanes, so if you’re planning a trip during these months, you’ll want to be prepared in the event of a storm.

If you do happen to be vacationing during a hurricane, make sure to seek out proper instructions from your hotel’s staff. During the storm you’ll want to stay safe and stay indoors. Do not go outside even when you think the storm has calmed down.

When you are in the eye of a hurricane, it will be calm and sunny, but you’ll still have the back end to go through. Florida is one of the best states when it comes to hurricane preparation.

Tobi Miles
Article updated:
March 28, 2024
A nomadic wordsmith savoring the world's flavors and penning stories that turn every journey into an epic.
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