When planning your next Disney World magical vacation, you may already know that November is a great time to visit central Florida. Being from Maine, and now a native to North Carolina I greatly enjoy visiting Florida during November. Cooler temps offer a great opportunity for an enjoyable vacation if you plan accordingly. Did I mention that it’s a great time to visit due to all the Christmas decorations? I love the holiday season tradition of being inside the parks at Disney World, and Christmas decorations tops them all for me.
In this article, I will go over what you should pack to wear to Disney in November.
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 November 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.
Read Also: When does Disney decorate for Christmas?
Is Disney World cold in November?
Overall in November you can expect mild weather. There are days in November when the high temperatures can be as low as the high 60s (F) and a high around the mid 80’s (F). Most days are on the cooler (by Florida weather standards), especially in the early mornings. To put that in perspective anything below 68, Floridians will start dressing in layers, and jackets only to remove them as the day progresses.
During the middle of the day in November, 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 November can drop quickly, making it cold for guests that chose to go on thrill rides outside. 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.
What should I wear to Orlando in November?
Before taking your Walt Disney World trip in November, 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 80s (F), you will still want to dress appropriately for the cooler weather. I also suspect that if you’re from one of the Northern part of the country you might just laugh at us thinking the little bit of cooler temperates are actually quite lovely theme park weather.
Just want to preference that I do not recommend thick winter clothes of any sort, as they take up a lot of room in suit cases, and are not needed when visiting Florida 99.9% of the time.
Here is what your should add to your Disney packing list when you visit in November:
- Long 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 November. Whether you choose leggings or jeans, wearing pants will help keep you warm during the cool days in November.
- Long Sleeve Shirt
When heading to Disney in November, 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 November 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.
- Closed Toe Shoes
Help keep your toes warm by wearing closed-toe shoes to Disney in November. 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.
Read Also: Best Shoes for Disney World & Theme Parks: Men, Women
- 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 November?
(Photo by Bayley Clark/MagicalGuides)
Let’s be clear about November, it’s still hurricane season officially under November 30th. So that means conditions are possible for thunderstorms, rain, and just overcast in general. So check the forecast before you leave out on your trip. Disney is fantastic at preparing for hurricanes, but that doesn’t mean you should throw caution into the wind.
One of the biggest perks of visiting Orlando in November is that there is typically much less rainfall than in the summer months. During the summer months, you can expect rain daily, unlike the fall, which rarely gets rain weekly. Orlando can get rain year-round, but November rarely gets much rain. You will want to be prepared with a cheap poncho in case of rainfall,so in case you do want to use it on Splash Mountain or Kali River Rapids instead.
One of the biggest perks of rain at Disney is that it can clear the park from many guests not being prepared, leaving the parks less crowded and shorter wait times.
So in my opinion, I would leave the rain gear at home if you plan to visit Disney during the month of November. More room for souvenirs and snack goodies from the Main Street Confectionary!
What events are going on at Walt Disney World in November?
Walt Disney World is well known for amazing events year-round. Disney always has something fun and new to do while visiting, and November is no exception. If you are visiting Disney in November, here are some events you can experience on your trip
· EPCOT’s International Food and Wine Festival
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 November right before Thanksgiving week, exact dates for 2023 have not yet been released.
So if you find yourself going to EPCOT before Thanksgiving, I’d suggest reading my ultimate guide to the Food and Wine Festival.
· EPCOT International Festival of the holidays
If you find yourself at EPCOT after November 25th, good news, expect the park to be starting their Christmas transition and celebration of the most magical time of year. In the America Pavilion most evenings can see the Christmas story retold by a celebrity guest speaker. Grabbing a cup of hot chocolate or a turkey leg and listening to Christmas classic hymns is a great way to spend the evening in EPCOT.
Read More: Is the Candlelight Processional and Festival of Holidays Free?
What should I wear to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party?
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is held at the Magic Kingdom, and it takes place after the park closes early for regular park goers. Your goal here is to pack tons of rides, see the parades, and get photo opportunities with holiday themed characters (such as Christmas Mickey or Santa Claus). This year the parties run November 8th – December 22nd, so there’s a number of days to pick from. The closer to big holidays you can imagine the days will be busier and sold out, to see what dates are left, check the official Disney site, here.
Now what to wear to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party? We would recommend busting out comfortable layers or even a light sweat shirt. The parties start officially at 7pm – midnight each night they run, with admittance into Magic Kingdom starting as early as 5pm. The sun will set around 8pm if not a bit earlier as we get later into the month.
Can you swim at Walt Disney World in November?
(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 November, but typically it is warm enough during the day to take a swim. The average high temperature in November 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 November?
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 November?
(Photo by Bayley Clark for Magical Guides)
In November, 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. You have the folks that came for Halloween heading back by the 5th of November, and people coming down for the Thanksgiving holiday, so I’d gamble on November 6th-19th especially the weekdays being lighter days for Disney World. If you wanted to increase your chances of lower wait times, rope drop, particularly EPCOT if you wanted to ride Guardians of the Galaxy: Rewind, my favorite coaster at Disney World.
Read More: How and What to Rope Drop in EPCOT.
What are the average temperature at Walt Disney World in November?
The weather at Walt Disney World in November 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 November is 74 degrees Fahrenheit, and the average low temperature is 52 degrees Fahrenheit. Most days at Disney in November 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.
November 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.
Do you like going to Walt Disney World in November?
Let us know your favorite month to visit the Disney Parks in Florida.
