The Best Times to Visit Disney World for Fewer Crowds and Good Weather

Deciding when to visit the "Most Magical Place on Earth" depends on what matters most to you. Looking to spot the Mickey pumpkins that line Main Street, U.S.A., during Halloween season? How about going when the temperatures are at their coolest, or avoiding school break crowds? There are so many things to take into account when planning a trip to Walt Disney World, including the main tourist seasons:

• High Seasons: March to April and June to August
• Shoulder Seasons: October to February, plus the month of May
• Low Season: September

Ready to plan your trip? These are the best times to visit Disney World for every type of traveler.

Best Times to Visit Disney World for Smaller Crowds

Planning a Walt Disney World vacation involves booking theme park tickets, making lunch or dinner reservations, and deciding which rides to try and when. The last thing you want to add to that list is navigating heavy crowds.

While Disney parks consistently draw guests year round, there are a few times to visit that are typically less crowded. In the winter, any date outside of the busy holiday season can be fairly quiet. A trip at this time of year has the added bonus of cooler temperatures or, to superfans, "Spirit Jersey weather." Disney World is the least crowded in September. Once school breaks wind down toward the end of August, the resort empties out; after Labor Day, Disney World is usually as close to empty as it ever gets. It used to remain uncrowded throughout the fall, but the growing popularity of Disney's Halloween offerings means that October is increasingly busy.

Best Times to Visit Disney World for Good Weather

Florida is the Sunshine State, with the Orlando region typically seeing 300 sunny days each year. July and August are often very hot, with occasional triple-digit temperatures, but from September to June, you can usually expect relatively pleasant conditions at Disney World.

Temperatures are at their coolest in January, with an average of around 60 degrees Fahrenheit. While this may limit some activities, like visiting your resort’s pool or one of Disney's water parks, it does make for a more comfortable time in the theme parks. The winter months are also typically low in precipitation, so chances are you'll avoid the afternoon thunderstorms common in Florida summers — along with the need for pricey ponchos and umbrellas. To take advantage of this mild winter weather, visit between January and March.

Best Times to Visit Disney World for Lower Prices

The most important piece of any Disney vacation is theme park tickets. Disney World uses a dynamic ticket pricing system, meaning park ticket prices are tiered and will cost less during slower times. One-day, one-park admission starts at around $100 but can increase significantly from there, especially if you're visiting on a holiday or busy weekend. A visit on Christmas Day, for instance, will set you back more than $160 per ticket. 

Off-peak times fall in September and parts of January and February (outside of school breaks). Discounts on vacation packages booked directly through Disney (which combine park tickets and hotel stays) can be found year-round, though they're most common at these less-crowded times. The same tends to apply to deals on accommodations and airfare.

Best Times for Adults to Visit Disney World

Walt Disney World can be a grown-ups' playground all year round, with standout dining and a host of experiences specifically catering to adults. One of the best times for adults to visit, though, is late summer and early fall, when summer-break crowds give way to (relatively) uncrowded autumn bliss. This time of year also coincides with the start of the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival (late August through November). The longest-running and largest festival at Epcot, it gives guests the chance to taste globally inspired bites from dozens of outdoor kitchens. As the sun sets, enjoy concerts from national acts as part of the Eat to the Beat concert series, included in admission. 

One of Disney's most underrated festivals, the Epcot International Festival of the Arts celebrates culinary, performing, and visual arts and falls from mid-January to late February. The Festival of the Arts is more intimate than Food & Wine and delivers standout eats and entertainment, plus cooler temperatures for those who dislike the heat. 

Best Times to Visit Disney World for Families

Holidays at Disney World are truly magical. While there will be more crowds than usual, the reward is a whimsical transformation of the parks and limited-time offerings — from incredible decor to delicious seasonal foods. Kids will also love Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, the after-hours special events that take over Magic Kingdom in the final months of each year. Tickets for these parties follow a dynamic pricing system just like standard park admission, so if you want to attend, plan your visit outside of each holiday's peak dates. While attending a Halloween party in August or a Christmas party in November may seem odd, families can enjoy hefty savings by embracing the festive spirit at unorthodox times.

Summer is ideal if your crew prefers to spend mornings on the rides and afternoons by the pool. Deluxe resorts — like Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa — offer the most elaborate pool complexes, complete with slides and poolside lounges. If taking full advantage of your resort’s amenities is a priority, a summertime stay may give you the best experience, despite its higher price tag.

Worst Times to Visit Disney World

A summertime Disney trip is a rite of passage for many families, but various factors can make the season less than ideal. It's very hot — with temperatures often in the 90s and humidity around 70 percent — and the most expensive and crowded time to visit.

The winter months can offer good deals and emptier parks, but it will likely be too cold to swim or enjoy the water parks. Also, note that the weeks surrounding Christmas are some of the busiest (and priciest) of the year.