You’ve seen the photos. Families in matching Christmas pajamas posing in front of Cinderella Castle, looking perfectly crisp and festive. It looks like a dream. But honestly, if you haven’t checked the weather in Disney World in December, that dream can quickly turn into a soggy, shivering reality or a sweat-drenched afternoon you weren't expecting.
Florida weather is a moody teenager in December. One minute it’s gorgeous and breezy; the next, a cold front slams down from the north and you’re scouring the gift shops for a $70 Spirit Jersey just to stop your teeth from chattering.
I’ve spent countless weeks navigating the parks during the holidays. I’ve been there when it was 82°F and humid enough to wilt a Dole Whip in seconds. I’ve also been there when the temperature hit 38°F during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and the "snow" on Main Street felt a little too real.
Basically, you can’t just pack shorts and hope for the best.
The Reality of December Temperatures in Orlando
If you look at the "official" averages, things seem simple. The average high is usually around 73°F (23°C) and the average low sits near 52°F (11°C).
That sounds lovely, right? Light sweater weather.
Except averages are liars. Orlando in December is the king of the 30-degree swing. You might wake up at 7:00 AM for Early Theme Park Entry and it’s a brisk 48°F. You’re bundled up. By 1:00 PM, the Florida sun is screaming, the humidity kicks up, and it’s a sweltering 78°F.
Then the sun goes down.
By the time the fireworks start at Magic Kingdom, that heat has vanished. You’re back to 55°F with a damp breeze coming off the Seven Seas Lagoon. If you didn’t bring a bag to store your layers, you’re either going to be miserable at noon or freezing at night.
Why the Humidity Matters (Even in Winter)
People think humidity is a summer-only problem. It’s not. Florida is a swamp. Even in December, the humidity can hover around 70% to 75%.
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When it’s hot, that humidity makes 75°F feel like 85°F. When it’s cold, that dampness clings to you. A 50-degree night in Orlando feels significantly colder than a 50-degree night in, say, Arizona or even New York. It’s a "wet cold" that sinks into your bones.
Rain and Wind: The December Wildcards
December is technically one of the driest months in Florida. You aren't dealing with the daily 4:00 PM tropical monsoons that define July and August.
But "dry" is relative.
You should still expect about 2 to 3 inches of rain throughout the month. This usually comes in the form of fast-moving cold fronts. Instead of a quick 20-minute downpour, you might get a gray, drizzly day that lingers.
Wind is the other factor people forget. Epcot, specifically the World Showcase, is a giant wind tunnel. Walking around the lagoon when a northern wind is blowing can make a "mild" day feel brutal.
- Animal Kingdom feels the warmest because of the dense foliage and lack of airflow.
- Magic Kingdom has plenty of indoor queues to hide from a chill.
- Hollywood Studios is mostly concrete, which radiates heat in the afternoon but offers zero wind protection at night.
- Epcot is the coldest park. Period.
Packing for the Chaos
Packing for the weather in Disney World in December is an exercise in over-preparing. You basically have to pack for three different seasons in one suitcase.
I’ve seen people arrive with nothing but jeans and hoodies. They end up miserable by lunchtime when the sun is out. I’ve seen others bring nothing but shorts and t-shirts. They end up spending a fortune on Disney-branded blankets just to survive the fireworks.
The Essential Layering Strategy
Don't just bring "a jacket." Bring a system.
- The Base Layer: A moisture-wicking t-shirt. Even if it's 60 degrees, you're going to walk 20,000 steps. You will sweat.
- The Mid Layer: A lightweight hoodie or a Spirit Jersey. This is your workhorse.
- The "Oh No" Layer: A packable puffer jacket or a heavy fleece. This is for the 7:00 PM slump when the temperature drops off a cliff.
Honestly, I always suggest bringing a pair of lightweight gloves and a scarf in your park bag. They take up almost no room but make a world of difference when you're standing still for a 20-minute parade in the cold.
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What About Shoes?
Bring two pairs. Seriously.
If one pair gets wet in a random shower, they will not dry overnight. The humidity is too high. Alternating shoes also helps with the foot fatigue that sets in by day three.
Can You Still Swim in December?
Yes. Sort of.
All Disney resort pools are heated to about 82°F. On a sunny 72-degree day, the water feels amazing. The problem is getting out of the water.
If there’s a breeze and the air is 60°F, that walk from the pool to your hotel room will be the longest, coldest walk of your life.
Disney usually keeps at least one water park—either Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon—open in December. However, they will close them if a cold snap hits and the highs don't reach a certain threshold (usually in the mid-60s). Check the My Disney Experience app daily; they are quick to update closures based on the forecast.
How Weather Impacts the Rides
One of the perks of December is that the weather rarely shuts things down compared to summer lightning storms.
However, "cold" can still affect things. If temperatures drop toward freezing (which is rare but happens), certain outdoor attractions like Expedition Everest or Slinky Dog Dash might have delayed openings for safety checks.
Rain is a bigger deal. While Disney keeps most rides running in the rain, anything with an outdoor track will close if there is lightning within 10 miles.
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Attractions That Close for Lightning or Heavy Rain:
- Magic Kingdom: Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Big Thunder Mountain, Jungle Cruise, Swiss Family Treehouse.
- Epcot: Test Track (it closes for even a light drizzle).
- Hollywood Studios: Slinky Dog Dash, Alien Swirling Saucers.
- Animal Kingdom: Expedition Everest, Kilimanjaro Safaris (though the animals actually love the rain!), Kali River Rapids.
If it starts pouring, head for "it's a small world," Pirates of the Caribbean, or Rise of the Resistance. These have almost entirely indoor queues.
Strategic Planning for the Holiday Crowds
You aren't the only one trying to see the Osborne-style lights or the Epcot Festival of the Holidays. December is busy. Specifically, the weeks surrounding Christmas and New Year's are the most crowded of the entire year.
The weather actually influences crowd patterns.
On a rare "true" cold day, the locals stay home. If you are willing to layer up and brave a 50-degree drizzle, you’ll find significantly shorter wait times for popular rides.
Conversely, the first two weeks of December are often considered the "sweet spot." The weather is usually at its most predictable, the holiday decorations are up, and the heavy Christmas-week crowds haven't arrived yet.
Actionable Tips for Your December Trip
Don't let the forecast scare you, just let it inform you. Here is exactly how to handle the weather in Disney World in December like a pro:
- Check the forecast 48 hours before you fly. Long-range Florida forecasts are useless. Check again the morning you leave.
- Rent a locker. If you don't want to carry heavy jackets all day, pay the $10-$15 for a locker at the front of the park. Drop your evening gear there in the morning and grab it when the sun goes down.
- Bring Ponchos from home. Disney charges $12+ for a plastic poncho. Buy a 5-pack of disposable ones on Amazon for $8 before you leave.
- The "Sock" Rule. Pack more socks than you think you need. Wet feet lead to blisters, and blisters ruin vacations.
- Ziploc Bags are your best friend. Put your phone and external batteries in a Ziploc bag before you get on a water ride or if it starts to rain.
- Hot Cocoa over Dole Whip. When the sun drops, hit the quick-service spots for hot cocoa. It’s one of the few times it actually feels right to drink it in Florida.
The best way to enjoy Disney in December is to accept that you will be both hot and cold at some point during the day. Dress like an onion—lots of layers—and keep your eyes on the radar.
If you're ready to start packing, prioritize your footwear and a solid, water-resistant outer shell. Make sure your park bag has enough room for those discarded layers by mid-afternoon, and you'll be ahead of 90% of the other guests in the park.