For a good six months of the year, Walt Disney World in Florida is hot and, with the added humidity, it feels much hotter than the equivalent heat in the UK and Ireland. So it’s important to know a few tips and tricks to beat the heat at Walt Disney World! UPDATED July 2026.
When does it get hot in Florida?
Temperatures begin to climb in May and continue to do so right through to October, with July and August reaching the highest levels (although we’ve been in September, and that was fierce too!). At these times, temperatures can range from the upper 80s to the low 90s (mid-20s to low 30s in ‘new money’!), and thunderstorms are also common, so if you don’t prepare for the weather, it could have a real impact on your holiday. Want to keep an eye on the weather before you go and whilst you are there? Check out AccuWeather; we’ve found their app to be the most accurate, and they have recently partnered with Walt Disney World.
What can you do to stay cool at Walt Disney World?
After quite a few hot and sticky trips, here’s how to actually stay cool and beat the heat in Walt Disney World:
- Stay hydrated: this is so important! Fill your own insulated water bottle with ice in the morning and top it up throughout the day – you can get free cups of ice and water from any quick-serve restaurant. Consider adding electrolytes or cordial. We made a point of taking a break every 2 hours so everyone could have a drink, snack and enjoy the A/C.
- Arrive early and avoid the hottest part of the day: plan to take a break around midday and either go for lunch (book lunch at an indoor air-conditioned restaurant) or head back to your accommodation (for a dip in the pool, if you have one), and plan to return to the park in the evening. Don’t try to stay all day; instead, pace yourselves – it’ll help stop the meltdowns!
How to dress for the heat at WDW?
What you wear can make a big difference, not only are the right shoes important at Walt Disney World, but also the right clothes. All of these tips can help you beat the heat at Disney.
- Choose the right clothes: to avoid getting too sticky throughout the day, go for lightweight/or moisture-wicking fabrics, and avoid 100% cotton.
- Pick light colours as they reflect the heat better than black.
- Wear a hat and sunglasses: these will deflect a lot of heat and protect your face and eyes.
- Wear breathable, comfy shoes: remember, it can rain – torrentially – at short notice, so you want shoes that will dry quickly. Plus, don’t forget to pack your own ponchos or umbrellas!
- Consider BodyGlide or anti-chafe sticks (honestly, it’s a thing and it can be a lifesaver for thighs and feet!).
- Consider packing extra clothes if you plan a midday break.
What helps you keep cool at Walt Disney World?
- Apply – and frequently reapply – high factor sunscreen: nothing will ruin a holiday experience faster than heatstroke or painful sunburn.
- Use Cooling Towels around your neck: some even feature built-in SPF. Keep them in a ziplocked bag with water/ice; you won’t believe how much they can help – Frogg Toggs, etc.
- Use cooling wipes or a frozen facecloth for a mid-afternoon face refresh.
- Take personal or clip-on fans (for prams): whether you go for the traditional Spanish style, a handheld rechargeable electric one, a spray-misting one, a neck fan (our teens loved these) or just a makeshift concertinaed piece of paper, you’ll feel the benefit!
- UV-Blocking travel umbrellas. These are compact and light and easy to pop in your case.
Best tips for beating the heat at Disney World!
Little tricks you use with how you tour the parks can also make a big difference and can really help you beat the heat at Disney! Here are my favourites!
- Visit indoor rides/shows or a shop for that precious air-con!
- Avoid rides with long outdoor queues without any shade.
- Avoid touring Toy Story land at Hollywood Studios during the middle of the day, as there isn’t much shade: plan your visit here for early morning or later in the evening.
- Same goes for EPCOT, World Celebration can be brutal, but use the shops and shows around it for some glorious air-con!
- Pram/mobility scooter/wheelchair users: pop a cloth on the seat whilst you go on an attraction to prevent it getting uncomfortable or too hot… no one wants a burnt bottom!
- If anyone has overdone it in the heat, don’t forget there is a first-aid station in all 4 theme parks and in both water parks.
- If you are travelling with little ones, you can use the Baby Care Centres in each park. There you will find an indoor, air-conditioned space to take care of your baby’s needs.
- Plan a pool day either at your hotel or villa or visit one of Disney’s water parks. The water parks have great shade and are a lot of fun.
Want to plan your Walt Disney World holiday with confidence? Our free Walt Disney World packing lists and Walt Disney World planning Guides for families from the UK and Ireland are packed with even more top tips to help you plan for the (unpredictable and very un-British!) Orlando weather.
Temperatures begin to climb in May and continue doing so right through to October, with July and August reaching the highest levels (although we’ve been in September and that was fierce too!).
In Orlando, average summer highs: 88-94°F, but with humidity that can be over 105°F, this is just the average. In 2026, we have already seen heat advisory warnings for temperature feeling like 41°F, which is in excess of this!
Arrive early, leave at the hottest part of the day and return at night.
Stay hydrated!
Wear moisture-wicking, light coloured clothing.
Use a cooling towel and fans
Make use of free air-con in shops, shows and rides.
Take lots of breaks.
About the Author
Hi, I’m Andrea from Fabulous Park Days. I’ve been visiting Walt Disney World with my family since 2011 and help UK and Irish families plan stress-free Disney holidays with my regularly updated planning guides and useful blog posts.
© Fabulous Park Days 2026