When planning your next Disney World magical vacation, you may already know that February is a great time to visit central Florida. Being from Maine, and now a native to North Carolina I greatly enjoy visiting Florida during February. Lower crowds, and cooler temps offer a great opportunity for an enjoyable vacation if you plan according. In this article, I will go over what you should pack to wear to Disney in February.
Florida is often referred to as the “Sunshine State” and is well known for its warm weather, but don’t let those sun rays fool you. It can get cold and freeze during the winters, even at Walt Disney World. Most of the time, the winters in Florida are mild, and it can be one of the best times to visit Disney. If you are wondering if February is a good time to visit The Most Magical Place on Earth, here is some excellent information you will want to know before planning your trip.
Is Disney World cold in February?
It depends. The weather in February can fluctuate greatly, even day to day. There are days in February when the high temperatures can be as low as the low 40s (F) and as high as the 70s (F). Most days are cold (by Florida weather standards), especially in the early mornings, which can be around freezing many days in February. Disney World theme parks in Orlando may not get snow, but it does get windy and cold.
During the middle of the day in February, Walt Disney World can feel warm, especially with the sun shining. That warm weather can fool many guests heading to the parks for the night. After the sun goes down, the temperature in February can drop quickly, making it extremely cold for guests. Make sure to check the weather before heading to the Disney Parks, and make sure you are prepared if you are planning to stay after dark. One of the coldest times at Disney is waiting for the Fireworks. If you are standing still and not walking around, it can be very cold for guests, especially the little ones in your family. Tiny fingers can freeze, waiting for the fireworks or lines that are outside.
What should I wear to Orlando in February?
Before taking your Walt Disney World trip in February, plan accordingly for the weather. You won’t want to pack your typical outfits you may wear to Disney in the summertime, and you may want to leave your tank tops at home. Even though the high for the day may be in the 70s (F), you will still want to dress appropriately for the cold weather. I also suspect that if you’re from one of the Northern States you might just laugh at us thinking the little bit of cooler are actually quite warm.
Here is what your should add to your Disney packing list when you visit in February:
- Pants
Your day at the park may be forecasted to be sunny and warm, but that does not mean it will be warm when you arrive or leave. Wear pants to keep your legs warm and comfortable while you spend your day at Disney in February. Whether you choose leggings or jeans, wearing pants will help keep you warm during the cool days in February.
- Long Sleeve Shirt
When heading to Disney in February, pack a few long sleeve shirts to keep warm. Even if it warms up during the day, you can roll off your sleeves to stay cool. The sun may be shining on you, but the air can still be chilly in February in Orlando. Also remember, we aren’t talking about bringing your flannel long sleeves with you, we are talking thinner shirts. Flannel shirts and Florida just don’t mix.
- Gloves
Bring along a pair of gloves to help keep you warm during the cold days at Disney. This will help significantly in the mornings and evenings walking around the Disney Parks. Make sure to pack a pair for your little ones, so their hands stay warm while riding around in strollers during the day. You will not be wearing these all day, but early in the morning, particularly those not staying at the Disney Resort, you might find these useful driving to the parks.
- Closed Toe Shoes
Help keep your toes warm by wearing closed-toe shoes to Disney in February. To help keep your little one’s feet warm, you can even dress them in warm, fuzzy socks. Remember, you will be walking most of the time at Disney, so pack comfortable shoes that help support your feet.
- Jacket
Even though you wear long-sleeved shirts, you will want to ensure you bring a warm jacket. Pack a coat you can easily take on and off, and that will keep you warm when the air is cold and windy. If you are able, try to pack a jacket with a hat that can help keep you warmer on those cool nights.
- Hat
Keeping your head warm is one of the best ways to feel warm on cool days. Pack a hat that will cover your ears to help you avoid getting too cold while at the Disney Parks. You can even bring along a fun Disney-themed hat to match your Disney outfit.
Dressing in layers is one of the best ways to keep warm in Orlando during winter. You can easily take off your jacket when the sun warms the temperatures and add hats and gloves when it gets cold. Make sure to pack layers for everyone in your family that you can easily bring to the Disney Parks to stay comfortable.
Does it rain during February?
(Photo by Bayley Clark/MagicalGuides)
One of the biggest perks of visiting Orlando in February is that there is typically much less rainfall than in the summer months. During the summer months, you can expect rain daily, unlike the winter, which rarely gets rain weekly. Orlando can get rain year-round, but February rarely gets much rain. You will want to be prepared with a poncho or umbrella in case of rainfall, even though you most likely won’t use it. If it does rain during February, it usually does not last long. Be prepared that if it rains in Orlando during February, after the rain, the temperatures drop significantly. One of the biggest perks of rain at Disney is that it can clear the park from many guests, leaving the parks less crowded and shorter wait times.
So in my opinion, I would leave the rain jacket at home if you plan to visit Disney during the month of February.
What events are going on at Walt Disney World in February?
(Photo by Bayley Clark/MagicalGuides)
Walt Disney World is well known for amazing events year-round. Disney always has something fun and new to do while visiting, and February is no exception. If you are visiting Disney in February, here are some events you can experience on your trip
· EPCOT’s International Festival of the Arts
Immerse yourself in the arts at EPCOT’s International Festival of the Arts. This festival has many different types of art, from culinary arts to performing arts, you can become part of the fun at this one-of-a-kind festival. Make sure to grab a seat and watch a show at the Disney on Broadway Concert Series located at the America Gardens Theater while visiting the festival. EPCOT’s International Festival of the Arts usually runs from the middle of January to the middle of February, exact dates for 2023 have not yet been released. You can find more information about the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts by visiting the official Disney site: EPCOT International Festival of the Arts.
· Disney’s Princess Half Marathon Weekend
The Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend is a yearly event held in February. Runners from all over the world travel to Disney to participate in this popular RunDisney event. Runners are treated like royalty and often dress as royalty for their run. The weekend features great workouts such as Disney Princess Sunrise Yoga, a 5K, 10K, and a Half Marathon. Guests looking for a challenge can complete the Disney Fairy Tale Challenge, completing both the 10K and Half Marathon. Disney Princess half Marathon Weekend will be held February 23-26, 2023. You must sign up ahead of time for any of the runDisney races. You can book your spot early at runDisney.com, as they often sell out in hours of being listed when they are posted in June of the year before. You can still participate in a virtual challenge from your home no matter where you are located.
Can you swim at Walt Disney World in February?
(Photo by Bayley Clark/MagicalGuides)
No matter the season you visit Walt Disney World, you will always want to make sure you have your bathing suit packed. The Disney Pools are open all year long, no matter the season. It may be cold in February, but typically it is warm enough during the day to take a swim. The average high temperature in February is 74 degrees (F), warm enough to cool off in the pool. Don’t worry about the pool temperatures, Walt Disney World Resort Pools are heated and warm enough to swim in even on cold days. The weather out of the water is what will be cold, so make sure to have the towels ready.
Value resorts do not have hot tubs, but several of the moderate hotels like Port Orleans, or Coronado Springs Resort will. All deluxe Disney resorts will have a hot tub you can enjoy on the chilly nights. While it might be a great idea to only pack comfortable walking shoes for your trip, I highly recommend a pair of flip flops for any visit to hot tubs, pools, or any of Disney water parks such as Typhoon Lagoon.
Just note that just because the pools at Disney World are heated, the water rides are not. This includes Splash Mountain inside of Magic Kingdom, and Kali River Rapids at Animal Kingdom are just a few of the unheated water rides. So you could be splashed or potentially drenched, resulting in a miserable time if you attempt to do a lot of walking in hopes of drying off.
Do you need sunscreen in February?
Sunscreen is a must-have item when packing for Walt Disney World all year long. Even when visiting in the middle of winter, you can still get a sunburn while spending the day at Disney. Make sure to put on your sunscreen before heading to the parks no matter the time of year you can still get sunburned when it’s cloudy and cold.
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Is Walt Disney world Crowded in February?
(Photo by Bayley Clark for Magical Guides)
In February, the crowds at Walt Disney World can fluctuate greatly. The beginning of the month is typically less crowded and a great time to visit if you want to avoid the crowds. Presidents’ Day week is typically more crowded, and it can be more expensive to visit during that week. Valentine’s Day and the runDisney Princess Half Marathon Weekend is also busy time at Disney.
What are the average temperature at Walt Disney World in February?
The weather at Walt Disney World in February can change day to day. One day it may be warm enough to wear shorts and take an afternoon swim, the next day may be below freezing and windy. The temperatures may change daily, but the average daytime temperatures at Disney World in February is 74 degrees Fahrenheit, and the average low temperature is 52 degrees Fahrenheit. Most days at Disney in February will be warm and cold, in the 70s during the day and in the 50s at night. Make sure to pack lots of layers to be prepared for the weather during your stay. If you plan to watch the fireworks inside Magic Kingdom it would be a good idea to bring a light jacket for the cooler temperatures if you get cold easily.
February is one of the best times to visit Walt Disney World. The weather is cooler and more manageable to handle than the hot months during the summer. The air is dryer, and you don’t have to worry about the afternoon rain storms guests usually get during hurricane season. There are magical events and races to compete in to keep you busy during your stay, and the parks are typically less crowded in February than in the summer and holiday months. Have you visited Walt Disney World in February? Let us know your favorite month to visit the Disney Parks in Florida.
