You're standing in front of your suitcase, staring at a pile of flip-flops and one lone, thick hoodie. You’re second-guessing everything. Is Orlando in November actually tropical, or are you going to be shivering in a 60-minute line for Seven Dwarfs Mine Train?
Honestly, the "Sunshine State" label is a bit of a trick this time of year.
Most people assume Florida is just an endless summer. They pack nothing but shorts and then end up spending $75 on a Disney-branded sweatshirt because a cold front blew in and suddenly it's 52 degrees at 9:00 PM. I've seen it happen a thousand times. November is a transitional month, a weird middle ground where the oppressive humidity finally takes a hike, but the weather becomes a bit of a wild card.
The Temperature Reality Check
Let's look at the numbers, but keep in mind that Florida humidity makes everything feel different. The average high for november weather in orlando sits around 78°F (25°C). That sounds perfect, right? It usually is. During the day, you’ll have that crisp, blue-sky sunshine that makes you understand why people move here.
But the "lows" are where people get tripped up.
Nighttime temperatures average around 59°F (15°C). However, "average" is a dangerous word in meteorology. In November, a cold front can easily push those nighttime temps down into the 40s. Conversely, I’ve been at EPCOT in mid-November when it was a swampy 88 degrees and everyone was sweating through their t-shirts.
Basically, you’re preparing for two different seasons in a single 24-hour period.
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Is Hurricane Season Actually Over?
Technically, no. Hurricane season officially ends on November 30.
A lot of travelers breathe a sigh of relief once October ends, thinking the danger is gone. While it's true that the peak (August and September) has passed, Mother Nature doesn't always follow the calendar. Take 2022, for example. Hurricane Nicole made landfall as a Category 1 storm on November 10. It caused significant damage and proved that you can't totally count out tropical activity until the month is actually finished.
That said, the odds are heavily in your favor. November is typically one of the driest months of the year in Central Florida. You’re swapping those daily 4:00 PM torrential downpours for maybe 2 or 3 inches of rain the entire month. It’s a massive relief.
Water Parks and Swimming: The Big Question
"Can we still swim?"
Yes. But with a caveat.
Most major resorts, including Disney and Universal, heat their pools to a comfortable 82°F (around 28°C) year-round. The water is fine. The problem is the "exit strategy." Getting out of a warm pool when a 60-degree breeze is hitting your wet skin is... an experience.
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If you're planning on hitting Volcano Bay or Typhoon Lagoon, check the schedule. Disney usually shuts down one of its two water parks for refurbishment during this month. Also, if the daytime high doesn't hit a certain threshold (usually around 60-65 degrees), the water parks might not open at all for the day.
The "Jersey Week" and Holiday Crowd Factor
You can't talk about November weather without talking about how it affects your wait times. Early November features an event colloquially known as "Jersey Week." This is when New Jersey schools have a break, and it feels like the entire state migrates to Orlando.
Then you have the Veterans Day spike.
And, of course, the behemoth: Thanksgiving.
If you want the best weather with the lowest crowds, aim for the "sweet spot"—the second week of November or the week immediately following Thanksgiving. The parks are already decked out for Christmas (Disney usually starts decorating Magic Kingdom literally overnight on November 1), but the "I-can't-move-my-arms" level of crowds hasn't fully arrived yet.
What You Actually Need to Pack
Stop overthinking the "tropical" part of Florida. Pack for a fall day in the Midwest, but with more sun.
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- Layers are non-negotiable. I’m talking a light jacket or a denim jacket that can tie around your waist.
- The "Park Change" Kit. If you're staying at the parks from rope drop to fireworks, bring a pair of lightweight pants in your backpack to swap into once the sun goes down.
- Sunscreen. The UV index is lower than in July, but it’s still Florida. You will get crispy during a four-hour trek around the World Showcase if you aren't careful.
- Comfortable, closed-toe shoes. Sandals are great for the pool, but for 20,000 steps? Your feet will thank you for sneakers, especially if a cold breeze kicks up.
Actionable Strategy for Your Trip
To make the most of the november weather in orlando, follow this specific routine. Start your park days early—the mornings are cool and refreshing, perfect for hitting the big headliners like Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind or Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure.
By noon, the sun is at its peak. This is your window for water rides or pool time. If you’re at Magic Kingdom, hit Splash Mountain (or its successor) during this 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM block so you have time to dry off before the evening chill sets in.
Check the National Hurricane Center (nhc.noaa.gov) before you leave. It sounds paranoid, but after Nicole in 2022, it’s just smart travel. If a late-season system is brewing, you’ll want to know so you can pack an extra poncho and maybe some patience for potential flight delays.
Don't let the fear of a stray cold front scare you off. November is arguably the best time to experience Orlando. The air is thinner, the sweat is minimal, and the smell of gingerbread is starting to waft through the air. Just bring that hoodie. Seriously.
Check the specific park hours for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party dates before you buy your tickets. On party nights, Magic Kingdom closes to regular guests as early as 6:00 PM, which can totally ruin your plans if you aren't attending the event.
Proceed with your booking, but keep a weather app set to "Orlando" starting two weeks out to catch those cold front trends early.