The Best Time to Visit Orlando

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• Recommendations for Lodging in Orlando
• Accommodation Options in Orlando
• Accommodation Options in Orlando Most Suitable for Travelling with Children.

When is the Best Time to Visit Orlando?

Visiting Orlando from mid-January through April, excluding spring break and Easter, provides the most pleasant conditions for sightseeing as this time before the rainy season begins experiences nice weather. Theme park lines are shorter too since heavy holiday crowds have lessened, and summer`s peak tourism season has yet to start.

• Best Time to Go to Orlando for Pleasant Weather: The best time for the most convenient weather in Orlando is between January and April, when there’s little chance of rain and afternoon temperatures that range from the low to upper 20s.
• Best Time for Beaches: The best time to benefit from the sand, sun, and the ocean for swimming is March through May. This is when there will be plenty of sunshine and warm temperatures, with chances for rain relatively low. Sea temperature is now at 23°C in March, increasing to 25°C in April and 26°C in May. While it persists in warming as the year moves forward, chances for rain increase significantly with the arrival of storm season in June.
• Optimal Times For Visiting Theme Parks: The most advantageous time to experience Orlando’s theme parks is contingent on the type of encounter sought. If the aim is to circumvent the most substantial crowds, avoid times when schools are on break like spring recess, summer vacation, or around Christmas and New Year’s. During those periods queues will be longest, while lodging and airfare will be at their costliest. Nonetheless, these are also when the parks host many unique events, potentially making coming amid busier seasons worthwhile. For fewest numbers, intend to visit between mid-January and mid-May, except mid-March through the first week of April as that span constitutes spring break for many students. Parks often see lighter attendance mid-week.
• Best Period For Minimum Prices: Budget-conscious travelers tend to locate the most affordable prices from mid-January through mid-February, when sightseers have returned home following the holidays. Airfare and lodging both often cost less during this time. The next best period for lowered prices usually stretches from mid-September through early December, excluding Labor Day weekend, Halloween, and Thanksgiving, which tend to attract bigger crowds.

Orlando Travel Seasons

• Peak Season (March and April, June through August, mid-December through early January): Peak season in Orlando coincides with several periods when school is not in session. This includes March and April due to spring break, the summer months of June through August, and the winter holiday break roughly from mid-December through early January. These times tend to see larger crowds and higher costs as many families take advantage of school breaks.
• Shoulder Season (February, mid-September through October): The shoulder season brings some inconsistencies as well. February usually sees fewer visitors after the holidays end; spring remains distant yet weather is commonly pleasant. While warmer and likely wetter too, mid-September through October can offer another chance to visit just after summer trips finish.
• Low Season (May, November through mid-December) in Orlando has limited dates, generally the month of May along with November through mid-December. Weather in May is warm but not too hot, while by November and December the rainiest part of the year starts diminishing, often feeling rather balmy. This is another good time to score lower airfare and accommodation rates.

Orlando Weather by Month

• Orlando Weather in January: During January in Orlando, temperatures average around 15°C during the day, climbing to approximately 21°C in the afternoon. This month is one of the colder periods of the year there, but most visitors will still find it fairly warm. Mornings and evenings tend to be quite cool, with lows around 9°C. It`s generally pleasantly warm during daylight hours. Travelers should plan to bring a variety of clothing, like dresses, shorts, and short-sleeved tops for warmer days in addition to pants, hoodies, sweaters, or sweatshirts. Layering clothing that can be easily added or removed is a good idea as temperatures fluctuate. Rain is possible but unlikely to interfere with plans, as only about 57mm of precipitation falls over 10 days on average. (Average Max Temperature: 21°C. Average Precipitation: 57mm.)
• Orlando Climate in February: While most other regions experience freezing temperatures, February Orlando conditions are akin to late spring, with abundant sunshine and afternoon highs around 22°C. Comparable to January, a sweater or sweatshirt may still be needed for cooler mornings and nights, but you may also want a light rain jacket as rain chances increase substantially this month to 82mm over 10 days. Fortuitously, precipitation seldom lingers when it falls. (Average Maximum Temperature: 22°C. Average Rainfall: 82mm.)
• Weather Conditions in Orlando during March: At this time of the year, idyllic weather often graces Orlando, as daytime high temperatures now climb to around 25°C. Light garments like sweaters or sweatshirts may still be needed for cooler mornings and evenings with lows near 12°C, and a lightweight rain jacket could also prove handy given around 82mm of rain typically falls over around 11 days in March on average. With sea temperatures at 23°C, bringing a swimsuit is a good plan not just for swimming in heated pools but also at beaches. (Average Maximum Temperature: 25°C. Average Precipitation: 92mm.)
• Weather Conditions in Orlando during April: April brings warmer conditions still with daytime highs presently reaching 28°C. Rainfall diminishes considerably to 61mm across 10 days, so you`re unlikely to require rainwear frequently. Now it`s all about comfortable warm weather attire, but you may want to toss in a sweater or sweatshirt for cooler evenings and experiences like roller coasters that can induce chill due to wind speed. (Average Maximum Temperature: 28°C. Average Precipitation: 61mm.)
• Orlando Weather in May: May is one of the quieter months in Orlando, and the temperature and humidity are noticeably increasing at this time with afternoon high temperatures averaging around 32 degrees Celsius. The chance of rain also rises, with an average of 84 millimeters falling over 11 days. As the minimum temperature is now rather warm at 18 degrees Celsius, packing for cool weather isn`t necessary, though you may want a lightweight waterproof jacket or poncho on rainy days. Other than that, lightweight sweat-wicking items are best, like tank tops, short sleeve shirts, shorts, dresses and similar clothing. A couple swimming suits are also good to have for time at the pool or beach, where the ocean temperature is now a pleasant 26 degrees Celsius. (Average Maximum Temperature: 31°C. Average Rainfall: 84mm.)
• Orlando Weather in June: June in Orlando will be extremely hot and significantly wetter as the month progresses – on average 170mm of precipitation falls spread over 22 days this month. The well-known saying is rain gear and theme park priority passes will be your best allies in the summer months. The mean high increases an additional degree to 32°C and the low is around 22°C so truly avoiding the warmth now is impossible – even the ocean will be fairly warm at 28°C. Pack your warm weather clothing, including a wide-brimmed hat and plenty of sunscreen, along with the rain gear. (Average High Temperature: 32°C. Average Rainfall: 170mm.)
• Climate Conditions in Orlando for July: The heat and humidity escalate even more during July, making it crucial for visitors to take precautions against heat exhaustion at this time, such as frequently drinking water to stay hydrated, taking breaks in shaded areas, or swimming. Afternoon temperatures regularly reach 33°C and sometimes higher, with additional rainfall averaging 196mm over 23 days. Be sure to bring clothing that will keep you as cool and dry as possible, along with ample sunscreen. (Average Maximum Temperature: 33°C. Average Precipitation: 196mm.)
• Weather Conditions in Orlando During August: August is similar to July in terms of heat, humidity, and rainfall amounts, with high temperatures averaging 33°C each afternoon and around 171mm of rain over 24 days. Later in the month provides a higher chance of a tropical storm, as the peak season for storms in Florida spans late summer to early fall, risking tropical storms or hurricanes – although these are less likely in Orlando due to its more inland location away from coastal areas. You are very likely to experience thunderstorms and heavy precipitation but most often it presents as brief downpours, allowing time to quickly find shelter and wait for conditions to improve. Be prepared with travel umbrellas, rain coats or similar gear. (Average Max Temperature: 33°C. Average Precipitation: 171mm.)
• Orlando Weather in September: Typically, the daily average high temperature decreases slightly in September to around 100 degrees Fahrenheit but it will still be hot and humid. This month is also the peak of hurricane season, so visitors will want to closely monitor weather forecasts and plan accordingly. While the likelihood of rain decreases over the course of the month, there’s around a 50% chance on any given day, especially in the afternoon, of seeing some precipitation. Plan to pack as you would for July or August, with lightweight clothing and waterproof gear, including rain ponchos. (Average High Temperature: 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Average Rainfall: 6.3 inches.)
• Orlando Weather in October: Temperatures become milder in October bringing smaller crowds, with warmth during the day but cooler evenings. Afternoons typical reach 29°C and rainfall lessens to around 86mm spread over 13 days. Sea temperatures allow swimming at 27°C. Warm weather clothing remains suitable while evenings may require light layers as amusement park rides can become chillier when temperatures dip to 18°C at night. (Average High: 29°C. Average Rainfall: 86mm.)
• Weather trends in Orlando for November: November in Orlando typically involves warm, dry days with pleasant temperatures, including afternoon highs around 25°C. The likelihood of rain diminishes further, with 48mm average over 10 days; waterproof gear is probably unnecessary, especially later in the month. Evenings grow cooler now with the minimum temperature at 14°C so some type of jacket, sweater, hoodie or sweatshirt for nighttime is advisable. (Average Maximum Temperature: 25°C. Average Precipitation: 48mm.)
• Climate of Orlando in December: Many visitors return throughout the holiday season, particularly later in the month. Typically the weather remains pleasantly warm and dry during this period with average high temperatures of 23°C and roughly 52mm of rain spread over 10 days, close to the prior month`s amount. Attire options suiting this climate include long and short-sleeved shirts, shorts, long pants, as well as a sweater or sweatshirt. Don`t forget your swimsuit either since the sea temperature at 24°C may still allow for swimming. (Average Maximum Temperature: 22°C. Average Precipitation: 52mm.)

Orlando Events and Festivals

Orlando in January

• January 1st – While the 1st of January is a public holiday, don’t expect many closures in Orlando. The Macy’s Holiday Parade occurs from January 1st through January 6th at Universal Orlando Resort and the Citrus Bowl, the country’s seventh-oldest collegiate bowl game, takes place on New Year’s Day.
• The renowned Walt Disney World Marathon and Half Marathon – Thousands take part yearly in this occasion that travels a course through the Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and Epcot. It likewise incorporates a Health and Fitness Expo in the Milk House at Disney’s Wild World of Sports Complex, open for 5 days.
• Large Collector Car Auction in January – One of the biggest collector car auctions globally takes place early each year in Kissimimee, Florida, featuring over 3,000 classic vehicles for sale.
• Otronicon – For 4 consecutive days in mid-January, this premier science exhibition hosted at the Orlando Science Center showcases cutting-edge military and medical simulations, video game experiences, workshops guided by industry leaders, and additional events.

Orlando in February

• The Old Florida Outdoor Festival – This two day occasion typically starting on the initial Friday of February in the nearby city of Apopka offers the opportunity to feast on traditional American dishes such as championship brisket and award-winning ribs alongside sides like green bean casserole, mac ‘n’ cheese and loaded tater tots.
• Mardi Gras Celebrations at Universal Orlando Resort – Universal Orlando Resort hosts its version of New Orleans’ famous festival starting in early to mid-February through early April. Event highlights include live music, authentic Cajun cuisine, a nightly parade, and recreations of the French Quarter alongside bead distributions.
• Winter Garden Blues & Barbecue Festival – Held at the Winter Garden Downtown Pavilion & Farmers Market in early February, this event features live southern blues music and award-winning barbecued foods.
• SeaWorld Seven Seas Food Festival – This long-running weekend event begins in early to mid-February and showcases 20 international kitchens and markets where visitors can sample tasty small plates and samples along with more than 70 beers.

Orlando in March

• The Epcot Flower and Garden Festival runs for eighty days from early March to early June annually, showcasing a variety of gardening delights, food/drink options, concert series, and around seventy thousand colorful blooms encircling the lakes in Future World while hundreds of mini-gardens float across the water.
• Florida Strawberry Celebration – This event is all about strawberries; cream-topped, chocolate-dipped and sugar-sprinkled strawberries are sold and eaten, there are carnival rides and games, and headline music acts perform. It typically takes place around the first 10 days of March.
• Arnold Palmer Invitational – A renowned annual event on the PGA tour that takes place for a week in early April at Arnold Palmer’s Hill Bay Club & Lodge brings some of golf`s biggest names. Proceeds from this tournament benefit the Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children and the Winne Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies.
• St. Patrick’s Day – Orlando rolls out the verdant carpet for the Irish holiday on March 17. Highlights comprise Disney Springs’ Raglan Road Mighty St. Patrick’s Day Festival and Wall St. Plaza’s St. Patrick’s Day Block Party, featuring live Irish music, emerald brew and Jell-O shots, and a leprechaun.

Orlando in April

• Spring Fiesta in the Park – This annual event hosted on the banks of Lake Eola in downtown Orlando around the first weekend of April features all sorts of booths selling arts, crafts, homemade items, and a wide range of treats, along with live entertainment.
• Florida Film Festival – Held for 10 days in mid-April, this festival highlights cutting-edge cinema through special screenings as well as special events, industry gatherings, a roster of notable attendees, and luxurious culinary experiences involving food and wine.
• Easter – Numerous hotels and restaurants will provide special Easter feasts for the holiday. Easter Egg Hunts for children are often hosted too, like in the city of Winter Park just a brief drive from Orlando.
• Central Florida Earth Day – This yearly occasion takes place on April 20, Earth Day, annually at Lake Eola Park in Orlando. It features distinguished guest speakers to generate awareness about how we can assist the planet along with an assortment of family-friendly activities and music.

Orlando in May

• Clermont Waterfront Festival – Roughly 30 minutes outside Orlando, this celebration held at Waterfront Park along Lake Minneola includes a canoe race, 5K run, dragon boat races, and over 60 craft vendors plus plenty of cuisine and refreshments.
• Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival – During the latter half of May, the oldest non-judged arts festival in the United States takes place featuring art, music, and theater with hundreds of shows and free experiences, including live music, the Visual Fringe, Children`s Fringe shows, food vendors, and a beer tent at Loch Haven Park in Orlando.
• MEGACON Orlando – The nation`s largest comic, horror, anime, sci-fi and gaming gathering across 4 days. It attracts celebrities, and the chance to have your photograph taken or obtain an autograph with stars.
• Taste of Soul – This event held at Orlando Festival Park takes place on a Saturday in mid-May. It focuses on African/American culture, offering soul food, arts and crafts vendors, DJ music, and live soul music for dancing.

Orlando in June

• The Villages Balloon Festival – This 3-day event in early June and sometimes starting in late May includes a variety of entertainment and ballooning activities with 30 hot air balloons, tethered balloon rides, and a special Kids Zone with games, activities, miniature horses, and gourmet food trucks.
• Silver Spurs Rodeo – Held over the initial weekend of June, this impressive rodeo provides free pre-rodeo entertainment like music, inflatable games, bounce houses, and face painting ahead of the primary competition.
• Summer Grape Stomp – Held annually in early June at Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards in Clermont, this weekend event incorporates live music, grape crushing, wine tasting, complimentary tours, arts and crafts plus additional activities.

Orlando in July

• Celebrations for the Fourth of July – July 4th represents Independence Day, a national holiday, with various festivities happening on or around the date to honor the occasion. Many of the theme parks provide a free fireworks spectacular with park admission, and the Baldwin Park Independence Bash is held along the shoreline of Lake Baldwin. There will be a DJ stage, vendors and fireworks shortly after dusk.
• Free Concerts at Lakeridge Winery – Every Saturday all through July, Lakeridge Winery in Clermont hosts a complimentary outdoor performance with local bands. Beer, wine, soft drinks, and snacks available for purchase.
• Honolulu Triathlon: Individuals have the opportunity to swim, cycle, and run – and there’s also a SUP run. The event features many different options for participation, like a 10k and kids races; you do not need to be an elite athlete to take part.
• Bastille Day Bash – Annually in mid-July at several locations in the Audubon Park Garden District is an event celebrating Bastille Day featuring wine and cheese tasting, live music, baguette fencing, and more.

Orlando in August

• Toronto Outdoor Visual Arts Exhibition – The largest outdoor art show in the country, this three-day occurring in mid-July typically features some 500 artists as a free alternate to more conventional art exhibits and galleries.
• Central Florida Family Entertainment Festival – Throughout one weekend in the middle of August each year, this event brings an entire day of indoor fun for families with more than 150 interactive exhibits and designated zones for activities like arts and crafts, sports, inflatable attractions, and other diversions.
• Anime Festival Orlando – This three day event held in mid-August brings together a fun weekend that contains game shows, cosplay activities, public panels, industry guests, an artist alley, workshops, and live music and dancing to the Wyndham Orlando Resort.
• LGBT/Gay Days Expo – One of the premier LGBTQ events in North America welcomes all to Orlando over 4 action-packed days in mid-August for business networking, entertainment showcases and fun poolside gatherings.

Orlando in September

• Central Florida Film Event – Just 20 minutes from Orlando in Ocoee, this 3-day cinematic festival in early September features an array of locally-made student shorts, international documentaries, and more through screenings at the West Orange Cinema.
• The website describes SeaWorld’s Craft Beer Festival – which is held over four weekends in September, bringing more than 100 beers on draft to different areas of Sea World along with unique foods made to pair with the extensive selection.
• Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights – Commencing mid-September and continuing through early November, this event has gained acclaim ten intervals as “Best Halloween Event” by Amusement Today journal. Participants can relive “mega-horror” movie atmospheres through haunted presentations and scare zones.
• Global Peace Film Festival – This event happens around the UN`s International Peace Day and takes place at various Orlando venues. It aims to use movies to further the goal of peace worldwide. It features parties, panels, a concert, and film screenings.

Orlando in October

• Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party – The Magic Kingdom offers this yearly Halloween celebration that’s a suitable choice for families with younger children. It includes a parade, live shows, trick-or-treating, fireworks, and character encounters throughout the month of October and into early November.
• Annual event showcasing Florida artists` work in Winter Park – Over a weekend in mid-October, this juried exhibition presents outstanding art by Florida creators in Winter Park’s Central Park. It includes children’s workshops with art, live performances, and cuisine.
• Orlando International Dragon Boat Festival – The most substantial dragon boat event in the state brings over 70 teams to vie. It’s free to watch and there will be a variety of international cuisines at the Food Truck Bazaar. The Asia Trend Cultural Expo will also host performances and displays that highlight the diverse cultures of Asia. There will be a kids’ zone too, complete with bounce houses and inflatable slides, corn hole toss, giant Jenga, and checkers games and more.
• Spooky Festivities at Cranes Roost Park – Altamonte Springs just outside Orlando puts on this event on October 31st where local businesses sponsor booths giving out candy and treats. It starts with trick-or-treating around Cranes Roost Lake followed by live entertainment, games and costume contests.

Orlando in November

Included in the popular Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party event at the Magic Kingdom which is held on select evenings from early November through just before Christmas. It incorporates treats, shows, fireworks, and appearances by Santa Claus, Mickey Mouse and other characters
• Great Day in the Country – This arts and handicrafts appearance typically takes place on the second Saturday of November. Held in Oviedo, just a brief drive northeast of downtown Orlando, it involves over 300 merchants.
• FusionFest – An event that welcomes all, without any fee, is hosted downtown in Orlando over Thanksgiving weekend, for two days on the grounds in front of the Dr. Phillips Center. It celebrates diversity and inclusiveness in culture.
• Festival of Trees – Spanning 10 days usually in mid-November, the Festival of Trees transforms Loch Haven Park in Orlando into a spectacular winter wonderland through twinkling trees and holiday decorations. Hosted by the Orlando Museum of Art, attendees can see a gingerbread village, Christmas trees of all sizes, custom-designed wreaths, and more.

Orlando in December

• Goodlife Fitness Toronto Marathon – Held annually on the first Sunday of May, this marathon that serves as an official qualifier for the Boston Marathon is one of the city’s most challenging and popular running events. In addition to the marathon, participants can take part in a half-marathon, 10K, 5K, or relay.
• The SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration is held throughout December at SeaWorld. It hosts splendid live performances, festive cuisine, and entertainment, like a lakeside Christmas marketplace providing festive treats and one-of-a-kind handcrafted gifts.
• Epcot International Festival of the Holidays – This merry event that takes place throughout December reveals how Christmas is celebrated around the globe, with cuisine from various nations, candlelight processions in costumes, fireworks shows, and laser and aquatic displays.
• December 25th: While Christmas Day is a national holiday, the theme parks remain open welcoming what is usually one of their busiest times of the year. Numerous restaurants stay open as well to enjoy Christmas dinner.
• New Year`s Eve Celebrations: Many theme parks in Orlando, such as those at Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, LEGOLAND Florida Resort and SeaWorld Orlando, host special events on December 31st for welcoming the new year with lighting shows, parties and fireworks displays.

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