What is The Best Time To Go To Disneyland?
Summary
Want to find out when is the best time to visit Disneyland? You can use this guide to see when the crowds are at their highest or lowest, whether it’s a good or bad time to visit and what events are available, so you can have the best experience.
The perfect experience at Disneyland depends a lot on when you buy your Disney packages. If you don’t prepare in advance, you might not enjoy your trip because of the crowds, sudden weather and expensive tickets. It’s important to consider when to go, just as much as deciding on a place to stay or what things to bring.
We provide insights here on the best times to go to Disneyland, using actual crowd patterns, seasonal weather and Disney’s event updates. If you want to pass on the peak days or find a suitable vacation for your family, this guide will guide you.
When is the Best Time to Visit Disneyland (And Why It Matters)
A Disneyland trip should be planned by considering how crowd size, the weather and the prices can all influence your experience. You might not always see the best moments, but if you time your travels well, it’ll be easier, cheaper and more enjoyable.
Low-Crowd Months for a Calmer, Happier Disney Family Vacation
To avoid long waits, easy reservations and relaxed times in the park, plan your trip outside of Disneyland’s busiest times. How many people are around is the biggest factor affecting both your activities and your overall enjoyment.
You can enjoy the quietest days in early January to mid-February, once the rush of the holidays has passed and spring break hasn’t started. Another good time to visit is late April to Memorial Day, as the weather’s warm and the crowds are lighter.
You’ll also find fewer visitors from after Labour Day through early October and in mid-November before Thanksgiving. And no matter the season, visiting Monday through Thursday can mean noticeably smaller crowds than weekends.
- Early January to mid-February
- Late April to Memorial Day
- After Labour Day to early October
- Mid-November (before U.S. Thanksgiving)
- Weekdays (Monday–Thursday) year-round
If you travel during these periods, you’ll enjoy a quieter park, easier reservations, shorter lines for rides and better movement for those with kids or elderly members. Such a tempo gives you time to enjoy the story and take in every detail.
Avoiding the Worst Times To Go to Disney – When Not to Go
On the flip side, some dates can turn your dream trip into a test of patience. High-crowd periods mean long waits, packed walkways, and higher prices.
December holidays like Christmas and New Year’s and Spring Break are the times when the airport sees its highest crowds. The weekends of Halloween and after Thanksgiving until New Year’s are the days with the biggest crowds.
Stay away from travelling during Presidents’ Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day and the summer break in July. Should your schedule allow it, you can skip these times and gain some peace of mind.
Avoid these dates if possible:
- Christmas to New Year’s week
- Spring Break (mid-March to early April)
- July weekends and the 4th of July week
- Halloween weekends in October
- Thanksgiving week and the weekend after
- Long weekends and school breaks
Weather at Disneyland – What to Expect Each Season
What the weather is like can be just as important as the number of people when planning your trip to Disneyland. Being aware of the seasons before you go helps you enjoy the parks at their most comfortable and enjoyable times.
Disneyland Weather by Season – Pros and Cons
Each season in Southern California brings something different. Understanding the weather helps you pack right and set the right expectations.
Winter (December to February) tends to be cooler and wetter. While it’s one of the slower seasons crowd-wise, you’ll want to bring layers and maybe a poncho just in case.
Spring (March to May) brings pleasant temps and blooming flowers, with fewer weather disruptions. It’s one of the most comfortable seasons to visit overall.
Summer (June to August) is hot, dry, and typically packed with families on vacation. Hydration and sun protection are key.
Fall (September to November) delivers that sweet spot—mild days, cooler nights, and fewer weather issues, especially in early fall.
- Winter (Dec–Feb): Cooler, rain likely
- Spring (Mar–May): Mild, low rain
- Summer (Jun–Aug): Hot, dry, crowded
- Fall (Sep–Nov): Pleasant, moderate crowds
Planning Around Weather and Events
Many seasonal festivals are connected to the weather at that time of year. Thinking about both situations at the start helps you avoid any shocking surprises.
The Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival is held in spring and October brings the popular Halloween Time, with themed decorations and rides. The parks are changed during the holidays from November to early January with beautiful lights and extra festive touches.
Even if it rains, Disneyland stays open most of the time. Still, you should carry water-resistant things and plan to avoid the rain inside.
If you pick your time to visit carefully, you can avoid most problems and enjoy the parks more.
What Else Affects the Best Time for Your Disney Vacations?
Beyond weather and crowds, Disney’s own calendar—events, ticket prices, ride closures—can impact the best time to go. Knowing these layers helps you avoid disappointments and make smart trade-offs.
From dynamic ticket pricing to seasonal shows and maintenance closures, timing your trip well means understanding more than the school calendar. A well-timed visit can save you money and upgrade your whole experience.
- Dynamic pricing (value vs. peak day tickets)
- Ride refurbishments and scheduled closures
- Special events that impact availability or pricing
- Limited-time food festivals and overlays
- Discount windows and bundle promotions
Tools like crowd calendars, official Disneyland event schedules, and even Reddit tips can give you an edge. Planning smart is half the magic.
It’s not just about avoiding the worst days but choosing the best possible days for you. Aligning the calendar with your priorities gives you a better chance at a smooth and memorable vacation.
Let Us Help You Plan the Best Disney Travel Packages
At Polo Travel Ltd., we’ve been helping Canadians plan dream vacations for over 40 years. When it comes to Disneyland, we understand how timing affects everything—from park capacity to pricing. That’s why we use real crowd data, seasonal insight, and event timing to help you choose the best dates for your experience.
Our job is to simplify the planning so your trip feels magical before it even begins. Whether you’re travelling with kids, friends, or on a romantic getaway, we’re here to match your ideal dates with the kind of Disney trip you’ll remember for years to come.