Walt Disney World 2026 Crowd Calendar
Plan your 2026 Disney vacation with our complete guide on crowds, weather, events, and expert tips
Why check a Disney World crowd calendar?
Planning a trip to Walt Disney World in 2026 is more than just buying tickets and booking a hotel – it’s about organizing each moment to fully enjoy the magic. Our 2026 crowd calendar gives you a clear view of each period, with its unique characteristics in terms of attendance, weather, and events.
By understanding crowd trends throughout the seasons, you can plan your days more efficiently, reduce wait times, and enjoy your favourite attractions under the best possible conditions.
Whether it’s your first visit or a much-anticipated return, this calendar will help you choose the time that best suits your pace and preferences for an unforgettable Disney vacation.
📅 2026 Interactive Crowd Table
View details by month: crowd trends, weather, and major events at Walt Disney World.
| Month | Crowd Level | Avg. Temp. | Season / Rain | Key Events |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Moderate ↔️ Very busy at the start of the month, quieter after the 15th | 18–23 °C | Dry season | Festival of the Arts (start), WDW Marathon |
| February | Quiet ↔️ Moderate (relatively mild except Presidents’ Day) | 19–24 °C | Dry season | Festival of the Arts, Princess Half Marathon |
| March | Moderate (Spring Break) | 21–26 °C | Dry season → transition | Flower & Garden Festival (start) |
| April | Moderate (peaks around Easter) | 23–28 °C | Transition | Flower & Garden Festival, Springtime Surprise (runDisney) |
| May | Very quiet ↔️ Quiet | 25–30 °C | Transition → rainy | Flower & Garden Festival |
| June | Busy (start of summer vacation) | 28–32 °C | Rainy season | Water parks in full swing |
| July | Very busy (peak season) | 30–34 °C | Rainy season | July 4 celebrations |
| August | Busy (calmer toward the end) | 30–34 °C | Rainy season | Halloween, Food & Wine (late summer) |
| September | Quiet ↔️ Moderate | 29–33 °C | Rain / hurricanes | Halloween, EPCOT Food & Wine |
| October | Quiet ↔️ Moderate | 24–30 °C | Transition → dry season | Halloween, EPCOT Food & Wine |
| November | Moderate (busy Thanksgiving) | 20–26 °C | Start of dry season | Wine & Dine, Festival of the Holidays |
| December | Busy ↔️ Very busy | 18–24 °C | Dry season | Christmas at Disney |
🎯 Best Times to Visit Disney World in 2026
Our 2026 guide combines historical data, weather, and event calendars to help you find the times that best match your travel style. Here’s an overview of trends for each type of period.
✅ Quiet Periods
Great for a relaxed pace and shorter wait times:
- Jan 15-31 – After the holidays, peaceful atmosphere and mild temperatures
- Feb 1-14 – Pleasant weather, moderate crowds before Spring Break
- May 1-15 – Ideal conditions before summer heat
- Sept 15-30 – Back-to-school period, calmer parks
- Oct 1-15 – Nice weather and Halloween atmosphere
- Nov 1-20 – Pleasant season before the holidays
⚠️ Moderate Periods
Times with slightly higher crowds, but manageable with good planning:
- March – Spring Break, but pleasant weather
- April – Easter and Spring Break
- May 16-31 – Start of summer heat
- Aug 20-31 – End of summer, declining attendance
- Nov 21-30 – U.S. Thanksgiving
- Dec 1-15 – Christmas decorations, festive atmosphere
🚀 Busy Periods
Times with high attendance, perfect for those who enjoy a lively atmosphere:
- Jan 1-14 – New Year and winter holidays
- June – Start of summer vacation
- July – Summer season and festivities
- Aug 1-19 – Peak season
- Dec 16-31 – Christmas magic at its peak
🌡️ Weather at Disney World by Season
Florida’s weather greatly affects the Disney World experience. Understanding seasonal variations helps you prepare your days accordingly.
Mild Temperatures (20-26°C) – Ideal Comfort
In January, February, March, November, and December, the climate is perfect for exploring the parks all day, with low heat and a pleasant atmosphere.
Moderate Temperatures (27-30°C) – Comfortable with Breaks
In April, May, and October, the heat increases slightly but remains pleasant with good hydration and some shade breaks.
High Temperatures (31-35°C) – Plan Strategically
In June, July, August, and September, the heat and humidity require planning indoor breaks or time near air-conditioned areas.
🌧️ Rain and Hurricane Season
Florida has two main seasons that influence visits to Disney World.
Dry Season (November - April) – Sunny and Pleasant
Little rain, clear skies, and comfortable temperatures, ideal for outdoor shows.
Transition Period (May, October) – Variable Conditions
Some showers possible, but often short and refreshing.
Rainy Season (June - September) – Frequent Storms
Expect afternoon showers. The upside: it can temporarily reduce wait times.
🎉 Disney World 2026 Events and runDisney Races
Special events and holidays can add a unique touch to your trip. Some attract more visitors but also offer exclusive entertainment and shows worth experiencing.
School Holidays and Crowds
U.S. and Canadian school holidays have a big impact on crowds. Knowing them helps you plan your days better.
- Jan 1 – New Year’s Day
- Mar 9-27 – U.S. Spring Break
- Apr 13 – Easter
- May 25 – Memorial Day
- July 4 – U.S. Independence Day
- Sept 7 – Labour Day
- Nov 26 – U.S. Thanksgiving
- Dec 25 – Christmas
Special Events and runDisney Races
These events bring a unique vibe and attract participants from around the world. Perfect for those who want to combine sports and Disney magic.
- Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend (January) – 5K, 10K, half marathon, and marathon
- Princess Half Marathon Weekend (February) – Disney princess-themed race
- Springtime Surprise Weekend (April) – runDisney event with different themes each year
- Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend (November) – Races combined with EPCOT’s Food & Wine Festival
- Festival of the Arts (January-March) – Art, shows, and gastronomy
- Flower & Garden Festival (March-May) – Disney gardens and topiaries
- Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party (August-October) – Immersive Halloween evenings
- Festival of the Holidays (November-December) – Festive traditions from around the world
- Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party (November-January) – Christmas magic with shows and parades
💡 Seasonal Tips to Optimize Your Visit
Each season has its advantages and things to consider. Here are our recommendations:
Mild temperatures, festive atmosphere, and often lower prices in January-February (outside the holidays).
Pleasant weather, Epcot gardens, but more crowds during Spring Break and Easter.
Long days and all attractions open. Intense heat: plan regular breaks.
Milder temperatures in October-November, Halloween atmosphere, and start of the dry season.
🎯 Expert Tips for Disney World 2026
💰 Save on Budget
- Book several months in advance to get the best rates
- Compare Disney and partner hotels based on your budget and priorities (proximity, included perks)
- Choose off-peak periods to maximize value for money
⏰ Save Time
- Arrive before official opening to take advantage of Early Theme Park Entry
- Use Lightning Lane strategically for the most popular attractions
- Plan breaks during the hottest hours to avoid fatigue and long waits
🎯 Our Recommendations for 2026
Considering crowds, weather, and events, our favourite periods are:
- Jan 15-31 & Feb 1-14 – Quiet, ideal weather
- Oct 1-15 – Halloween atmosphere, mild temperatures
- May 1-15 – Flowering parks and moderate heat