So, you’ve finally booked that May trip to the Happiest Place on Earth. You’re dreaming of California sunshine, light t-shirts, and maybe a Dole Whip to cool off. But here is the thing: May at Disneyland is a bit of a psychological game. If you show up with nothing but shorts and tank tops, you’re going to be shivering by the time the fireworks start.
I’ve spent enough time in Anaheim to know that "Spring" is a loose term here. Honestly, the weather is fantastic, but it’s also remarkably moody. You get these crisp, clear mornings that transition into hot afternoons, followed by a sudden temperature cliff as soon as the sun dips behind the Matterhorn.
Basically, you’re prepping for three different seasons in a single 24-hour window.
The Reality of May Gray
You might have heard of "June Gloom," but its overachieving cousin, May Gray, is very much a thing. If you wake up at your hotel and see a thick, depressing layer of gray clouds, don't panic. You haven't been teleported to Seattle.
This is the marine layer. It’s a dense wall of clouds that rolls in from the Pacific Ocean overnight. It’s actually kind of a blessing if you’re planning on rope-dropping Space Mountain. Those clouds act like a giant umbrella, keeping the morning temperatures around 58°F to 62°F. You won't be sweating in the 40-minute line for Peter Pan’s Flight, which is a win in my book.
Most days, this "gloom" burns off by 11:00 AM or noon. Suddenly, the sky turns that aggressive California blue, and the temperature spikes.
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Temperatures: The Highs and Lows
Let’s talk numbers. Usually, a typical day at Disneyland in May sees highs hitting around 75°F to 78°F. That is the sweet spot. It's warm enough for the Splash Mountain (or Tiana’s Bayou Adventure) mist to feel refreshing, but not so hot that you’re melting into the pavement of Toontown.
However, heat waves aren't unheard of. It is not uncommon for a "Santa Ana" wind event to push the mercury into the 85°F or even 90°F range for a day or two.
Then there are the nights.
Anaheim is essentially a desert climate influenced by the ocean. Once the sun goes down, the heat vanishes. You can expect evening lows to hover around 55°F to 60°F. If you’re sitting on the ground for sixty minutes waiting for "Fantasmic!" to start, that concrete is going to feel like an ice block.
Rain is a Rarity
If you’re worried about getting soaked, don't be. May is one of the driest months in Southern California. On average, Anaheim gets less than half an inch of rain for the entire month. You have maybe a 4% chance of seeing a raindrop. If it does rain, it's usually a light drizzle that clears up faster than the line for a churro. Leave the heavy-duty umbrellas at home.
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The Grad Nite Factor
While not technically "weather," there is a human element that affects the feel of the climate in May: Grad Nites. On select dates in May, thousands of high school seniors descend upon Disney California Adventure for their graduation parties.
When these crowds peak, the "human heat" in the parks rises. More importantly, California Adventure often closes early (around 9:00 PM) for these private events, which shoves everyone over to Disneyland Park. Suddenly, the mid-70s temperature feels much stickier because you’re shoulder-to-shoulder with five thousand teenagers in Spirit Jerseys.
If you want to avoid the busiest, most chaotic days, check the official calendar for these dates. The parks usually feel much more manageable during the first two weeks of May before the graduation season hits full throttle.
What to Actually Pack
Look, I’m going to be blunt: if you don’t bring a light jacket or a hoodie, you’ll end up buying a $65 Disney-branded one because you’re freezing. It’s a classic rookie mistake.
- The Base Layer: Start with a breathable t-shirt or a tank. Moisture-wicking fabrics are great if you’re prone to sweating during that midday 2:00 PM heat spike.
- The "Emergency" Layer: A denim jacket, a light hoodie, or even a flannel shirt you can tie around your waist. You will need this by 7:30 PM.
- The Footwear Situation: This isn't the time for brand-new sandals. Stick to broken-in sneakers. The pavement at California Adventure gets surprisingly hot under the afternoon sun, and you’ll likely be clocking 20,000 steps.
- Sun Protection: Even if it’s "May Gray" and cloudy, the UV rays are still hitting you. I've seen people get brutal sunburns on overcast days because they thought the clouds were a shield. They aren't.
Strategy for a May Visit
To make the most of the Disneyland weather in May, you have to play the long game.
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- Morning: Wear your jacket. Enjoy the cool air. Hit the outdoor rides like Big Thunder Mountain or Radiator Springs Racers before the sun comes out.
- Afternoon: This is your "indoor" time. When the sun is at its peak (usually 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM), head for the long indoor attractions. Pirates of the Caribbean, Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln, or the Animation Academy are literal lifesavers with their high-powered AC.
- Evening: Head back to the hotel for a quick recharge or grab that jacket from your locker. The temperature drop happens fast.
May is arguably the best month to visit. You avoid the "wet" season of February and the "surface of the sun" heat of August. Just respect the marine layer, prepare for the evening chill, and you'll have a much better time than the person next to you shivering in their shorts during the fireworks.
Next Steps for Your Trip:
Check the official Disneyland "Grad Nite" schedule for 2026 to ensure your preferred dates don't overlap with a park early closure. Once you have your dates, book your dining reservations exactly 60 days out, as May crowds tend to surge during the weekends leading up to Memorial Day.