If you’re heading to Kissimmee this weekend, I’m gonna be totally honest with you: the weather is doing that weird Florida winter thing where it can’t decide if it wants to be spring or a freezer. Seriously. One minute you’re thinking about the pool, and the next you’re wondering if you packed enough wool socks. It’s a lot to keep track of, especially if you’ve got theme park tickets burning a hole in your pocket.
The weather in Kissimmee this weekend is basically a tale of two different days. Saturday is looking like the "golden child" of the weekend, while Sunday is bringing a bit of a reality check. We’re coming off a Friday that had a Freeze Warning and a Cold Weather Advisory until 9:00 AM, so the ground is already chilled.
Saturday: The sweet spot (mostly)
Saturday, January 17, is definitely the day to get your outdoor stuff done. We’re looking at a high of 70°F. That sounds perfect, right? It kind of is. It’ll be partly sunny, so you’ll get those nice rays without feeling like you’re melting.
The humidity is sitting around 56%, which is pretty low for Florida standards. It’s that crisp, dry air that makes walking around Old Town or Disney Springs actually enjoyable. But don't let the daytime high fool you. The low is gonna drop down to 44°F at night.
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Basically, if you’re staying out for fireworks or a late dinner, you’re gonna need a jacket. A light hoodie won't cut it once that sun dips. The wind is pretty calm, coming from the east at about 4 mph, so you won’t have much of a wind chill to deal with on Saturday.
Sunday: The plot twist
Then Sunday, January 18, rolls around and things get a bit moodier. The high temperature takes a dive down to 59°F.
Yeah, you read that right.
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It’s going to be mostly cloudy, and the UV index is dropping to a 1. But the real kicker? The wind. It’s shifting to the northwest and picking up speed to around 13 mph. That doesn't sound like much on paper, but in 59-degree weather with clouds, it feels significantly colder.
There’s also a 35% chance of rain during the day. It’s not a total washout, but it’s definitely "carry a poncho" territory. By the time Sunday night hits, the clouds clear out, but the temperature plummets to a low of 38°F. Honestly, that is legitimately cold for Central Florida. If you’re in a vacation rental, make sure you know how the heat works!
What everyone gets wrong about Florida winters
Most people see "Florida" on the map and pack nothing but shorts and flip-flops. Huge mistake. January is actually the coldest month here. While the average high is usually around 70°F, the variability is wild.
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I’ve seen people standing in line for Slinky Dog Dash shivering because they didn't believe the forecast. The humidity actually makes the cold feel "wetter" and more piercing than the dry cold you might feel out West.
What to actually put in your suitcase
Forget the heavy parkas, but don't skip the layers.
- The Saturday Outfit: Jeans and a T-shirt for the afternoon, but have a medium-weight jacket in the car or a locker for the evening.
- The Sunday Strategy: This is a long-pants day. Maybe even a thermal base layer if you’re sensitive to the cold. You’ll want a windbreaker or a light coat because of that 13 mph northwest wind.
- The Footwear: Stick to closed-toe shoes. Your toes will thank you when the sun goes down and the temperature hits the 40s.
Real talk on theme park plans
If you have the flexibility, do the water parks or the outdoor-heavy parks (like Animal Kingdom) on Saturday. The animals are usually more active when it's cool but sunny. Save the indoor-heavy stuff—like the shows at Hollywood Studios or the pavilions in Epcot—for Sunday when the clouds and the 35% rain chance move in.
One thing people forget is that even when it’s 59 degrees, the sun can still be sneaky. But since Sunday is mostly cloudy, you can probably take a break from the heavy-duty sunscreen. Saturday, however, still has a UV index of 3, so don't skip it if you're fair-skinned.
Actionable steps for your weekend
- Check the wind chill: On Sunday, that 13 mph wind will make 59°F feel like 50°F. Pack a scarf; it takes up no room but saves your neck from the breeze.
- Download a radar app: With a 35% rain chance on Sunday, you’ll want to see exactly when those showers are hitting so you can duck into a shop or a theater.
- Layer up: Wear a tank or tee under a long-sleeve shirt, then a jacket. You’ll be stripping layers off at 2:00 PM and piling them back on by 5:30 PM.
- Prepare the car: If you're driving, don't be surprised if you have to defrost your windshield on Monday morning when it hits that 38°F low.
The weather in Kissimmee this weekend is manageable, but only if you respect the dip in temperatures. Saturday is your friend; Sunday is a bit of a challenge. Plan accordingly and you'll have a blast without catching a cold.