Know When to Go
Disneyland can be busy ANY time of the year these days, but we can help you figure out which time is best for your family. Let’s break it down.
January
Weather:
-It’s a little bit more chilly, but you can typically avoid too much rain. Average temps 47-69 degrees but can dip into the low 40’s so plan ahead and pack accordingly.
Special Events and Decor:
-Christmas Decor will remain up through the first week but then have no specific theming.
-Lunar New Year starts at the end of the month.
What we can expect each week?
Week 1: Holiday Decorations will still be up, so it’s not a bad time to do one last Christmas celebration. Haunted Mansion Holiday and Small World Holiday will still be open.
Week 2 and 3: Holiday decor goes down, ride closures start, you can always expect Haunted Mansion and It’s a Small World to. be down as well as low crowds. Questionable show and parade opportunities.
Week 4: You might see rides opening again, a new parade and fireworks may also be running. Return of Lunar New Year (last year it ran January 20-February 15)
Another perk of January Vacations:
You can also expect hotel rates to be pretty good during this time. As always pay attention to potential conventions in the area and book early to avoid high hotel rates.
February
Weather:
-It’s a little bit more chilly. Average temps 47-69 degrees but can dip into the low 40’s so plan ahead and pack accordingly. Check the forecast for rain.
Special Events and Decor:
-Lunar New Year decor in DCA and special food booths
-Sweetheart Nights the first two weeks of the month.
What we can expect each week?
Week 1 and 2: This is a great week to go with very low crowds, however there are usually a few “Sweetheart Nights” around Valentines Day, so make sure to check the calendar and have a park hopper or plan to be in the correct park all day to avoid getting kicked out early for one of these special events. Lunar New Year in DCA will typically run through the first half of the month.
Week 3 and 4: These are also good weeks to go, except President’s Day Weekend is usually a bit busier.
March
Weather:
-52-71 degrees average temperature. Expect rainy days.
-Spring flowers and trees in bloom for photos
Special Events and Decor:
-After Dark events are announce each year and there is usually one or two during March. Last year there was Princess Night.
-Normal park decor, no specific theming.
What we can expect each week?
Week 1: This is really the only week to go without any Spring Break crowds.
Week 2 and 3: Spring Break crowds start to descend. There are also other nighttime events that return. Last year there was Villains Night and Princess Night so be sure to check the calendar for those evenings.
Week 4: Heavy Spring Break crowds.
April
Weather:
-We love April at Disney, it’s blooming, the baby ducks are in full force, and you can expect temps between 54-74 degrees.
Special Events and Decor:
-Spring flowers in bloom
-Star Wars: Season of the Force returns to Disneyland Resort on April 5th 2024
-Easter decor in Downtown Disney with the Easter Egg Hunt
-Pixar Fest begins April 26th, adding a parade to California Adventure and a fireworks show to Disneyland Park.
What we can expect each week?
Weeks 1, 2 and 3: Spring Break is in full force, expect crowds. Star Wars: Season of the Force also begins April 5, 2024
Week 4: Our perfect week to go in April. Spring break is over, and is a small window between that and Star Wars/Grad nights to enjoy lower crowds and nice weather.
NOTE: In 2024, it has been announced that Pixar Fest will run from April 26-August 4th, so this week will be opening weekend of that event.
May
Weather:
-Weather. Average temps 66-86 degrees.
Special Events and Decor
-High School band and cheer performances
-Grad Nights
-Star Wars Nights
-Star Wars: Season of the Force and Pixar Fest both happening all throughout the month of May in 2024.
-Fantasmic Returns May 24th
What we can expect each week?
Week 1: Star Wars week. May the 4th and Return of the 5th are big Star Wars crowd days, but you get to benefit from fun Star Wars themed food items and merch around the park. In 2024, Star Wars: Season of the Force will also be going on all month long, as well as Pixar Fest.
Weeks 2, 3, and 4: Grad nights may effect crowds and hours so check the calendar for updates. This is typically celebrated in DCA so expect an early closure at that park on those nights.
June
Weather:
-Weather. Average temps 66-86 degrees.
-Typically the most mild of the summer months
Special Events and Decor:
-Summer red, white and blue bunting
-Grad Nights and Pride Nights
-Pixar Fest in full swing all throughout June 2024
What we can expect each week?
Weeks 1, 2, 3, and 4: Grad Nights are in full swing so be sure to check the calendar to make sure it doesn’t effect you. Enjoy summer entertainment, fireworks, Fantasmic, World of Color, the parks really have high entertainment value in the summer.
July
Weather:
-Weather. Average temps 66-86 degrees.
-Hot days peak out sometimes in the low to mid-90’s. Humidity can also be a factor.
Special Events and Decor:
-Summer red, white and blue bunting
-4th of July special Fireworks show
-Pixar Fest continuing through July 2024
What we can expect each week?
Week 1: Higher crowd levels especially if the 4th is on a weekend.
Weeks 2, 3, and 4: Enjoy summer entertainment, fireworks, Fantasmic, World of Color, the parks really have high entertainment value in the summer.
August
Weather:
-Weather. Average temps 66-86 degrees.
-Hot days peak out sometimes in the low to mid-90’s. Most humid month of the year in our experience.
Special Events and Decor:
-Summer red, white and blue bunting
-Halloween Opening Weekend on August 23, 2024.
-Haunted Mansion Holiday will hopefully be done with its months-long refurbishment.
-Mickey Pumpkin front and center on Main Street
-Characters in Halloween Costumes
-Headless Horseman appears at DCA along with spooky projections, Halloween lights and decor all throughout the park.
What we can expect each week?
Week 1 and 2: Higher crowd levels as lower tier Magic Key summer blackouts end.
Weeks 3: Maybe one of the slowest times all year. Kids are back in school and Halloween crowds haven’t arrived yet. Expect Haunted Mansion to be closed during this timeframe every year to be turned into Haunted Mansion Holiday.
Week 4: The return of Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort on August 23rd.
September
Weather:
-Weather. Average temps 66-86 degrees.
-Some of the hottest days we have had at Disneyland have been in September. Do not be deceived thinking it’s Fall because Halloween is up. Plan on summer weather all month.
Special Events and Decor:
-Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort in full swing!
-Mickey Pumpkin front and center on Main Street
-Characters in Halloween Costumes
-Headless Horseman at DCA along with spooky projections, Halloween lights and decor all throughout the park.
-Oogie Boogie Bash nights return 3 days a week, buy park hopper tickets or plan to be in Disneyland these days so you don’t get kicked out at 6pm.
What we can expect each week?
Week 1: Halloween in full swing, crowds arrive and usually the start of Oogie Boogie Bash nights.
Weeks 2, 3 and 4: Our personal favorite time to visit for Halloween. You will see less crowds now than in October and you get to be the first to see anything new Halloween.
October
Weather:
-Weather. Average temps 59-80 degrees.
-Days still get quite hot, but plan a sweater for evenings.
Special Events and Decor:
-Halloween-time in full force
-Mickey Pumpkin front and center on Main Street
-Characters in Halloween Costumes
-Headless Horseman at DCA along with spooky projections, Halloween lights and decor all throughout the park.
-Oogie Boogie Bash nights 3 days a week, buy park hopper tickets or plan to be in Disneyland these days so you don’t get kicked out at 6pm.
What we can expect each week?
Weeks 1 and 2: Heavier Halloween crowds than September but still a great time to visit.
Week 3: Fall Break descends on the park, check the calendar for specific dates, but this is typically the busiest Halloween week at Disneyland
Week 4: Halloween Day has an extra OBB day so plan accordingly. I’ve heard of pretty good crowds on Halloween day so it’s not a terrible time to go.
November
Weather:
-Weather. Average temps 52-74 degrees.
-Days are beautiful, but plan a sweater or light coat for the evening
Special Events and Decor:
-Christmas decor arrives!
-Christmas Fireworks and Parade
-Holiday cavalcades
-Characters in Christmas attire
-a giant Christmas tree in both parks
-Santa Clause meet and greets
-Holiday food booths at DCA and cultural celebrations throughout the park
-It’s a Small World Holiday ride overlay
What we can expect each week?
Week 1: Crossover week between Halloween and Christmas. Some Christmas decor up, super low crowds.
Week 2-3: Christmas opening weekend is typically the second weekend of November. (November 15th this year, 2024) Expect high crowds the first weekend of Christmas with more manageable crowds the second.
Week 4: Thanksgiving Weekend and the week after is a great time to be in the park. Lower crowds and full holiday vibes.
December
Weather:
-Weather. Average temps 46-68 degrees.
-Days are beautiful, but plan a coat and hat for the evening
Special Events and Decor:
-Christmas decor in full force
-Christmas Fireworks and Parade
-Holiday cavalcades
-Characters in Christmas attire
-a giant Christmas tree in both parks
-Santa Clause meet and greets
-Holiday food booths at DCA and cultural celebrations throughout the park
-It’s a Small World Holiday ride overlay
What we can expect each week?
Weeks 1 and 2: A great time to visit the park. Manageable crowds.
Weeks 3 and 4: Christmas week and the week after are historically the busiest time of the whole year. However, last year was the first year they blocked out Annual Passholders these weeks and reports were that the parks were crowded but pleasant and not too crazy to manage.
If you happen to be in the park on Christmas Eve you get a special chance to see all your favorite characters at the train station on your way out in their pajamas! Don’t miss it!