When is Disney World’s “Slow Season” (& what does that really mean)?

The first question most people ask when they are considering planning a trip to Disney World is “When is it least crowded”? It’s important to remember that Disney World (& more specifically Magic Kingdom) is the most visited theme park destination in the entire world. There is no slow season… especially after the reopening from COVID-19. However, there are certain times of the year that see slower crowds, and we are going to get into those times to see if maybe they are a good fit for your family’s vacation.

When are the (historically) slowest months at Disney World?

• September
• August
• February (not during RunDisney)
• January (not during RunDisney)

In my expert opinion, September is the best time of year to visit Disney World if it works with your schedule. Kids have gone back to school from summer break and this is by far the slowest month in the Disney World parks. The entire month of September has been historically slow and prices are lower during this month. I personally try to fit in a September trip every year to take advantage of lower crowds and better prices. Pro tip: If you plan to go during September, make sure you are prepared for hot weather and some rain. If you or your family do not handle hot weather well, please consider January or February.

The next slowest time at Disney is going to be August. Similar to September, a lot of kids have gone back to school from summer break. Also similar to September, the weather is going to be hot, hot, hot! Something else to consider is that August is the second rainiest month in Orlando after June. You can expect an afternoon shower most days. I visited Disney World in both September and August of 2022 and I thought they were both very similar in terms of crowds, with resorts being slightly cheaper in September, but not by much. One of the highlights of visiting Walt Disney World in August or September is that you will get to experience the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival.

If hot weather is a definite no for your family or you can’t make August or September work, let’s take a look at two historically slower and more affordable months… January and February. As mentioned above, there are RunDisney events during both of these months and unless you are participating in one of these, I highly recommend avoiding those dates completely. In 2023, the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend will take place January 4-8, and the Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend will take place February 23-26. In 2024 the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend will take place January 3-7 and the Princess Half Marathon Weekend will be February 22-25. Apart from those two weekends, these are great options if you prefer cooler weather. Depending on when you visit these months you may also get to experience the EPCOT Festival of the Arts!

I visited WDW January 26-29, 2022 and unfortunately experienced some pretty chilly and rainy weather. It was around 50 degrees in the mornings and the high reached the mid-60s, but it was never sunny so it felt pretty chilly. I followed my own advice and checked the weather forecast the day before leaving and was able to make sure I was prepared with sweaters, jackets, leggings, etc so while I was cold, I was never uncomfortably cold. I also had a friend and clients that traveled the 2 weeks before me and they also experienced some pretty chilly conditions. However, currently Orlando is seeing highs in the high 70s during January, so you just never know. While I have never been in February, I have clients that prefer February as they have always had very good, mild weather with the lower crowds.

Do you have any questions about traveling to Walt Disney World during these months? Please leave a comment below and I will make sure to answer it for you! Have a wonderful day!