We just got back from an incredible time visiting the Disneyland Resort! It got us thinking… What is the best time to visit Disneyland, and when would we return? Well, we took a look at all of the events and happenings at the Disneyland Resort and broke them down here for you! Sit back, grab some popcorn, and read along as we bring you our breakdown of the best possible times to visit the Disneyland Resort!

January

There is a very short Lunar New Year celebration that takes place in January at Disney California Adventure Park. This festival is short but features tasty bites inspired by the Lunar New Year celebration. There is special merchandise and fun for all as well including a parade, musical performances by authentic Asian dancers and musicians, fun merchandise, and even special character meet and greet opportunities.

Aside from that, this time of the year is great to visit because the crowds often decrease after the holiday season. The weather is also a little cooler, with layers recommended during the morning and evening. The average temperature for this time of year ranges from 47° to 69°. This makes for cool mornings and evenings but the perfect temperature for walking around the parks. The California sun will warm you up during the days and in the evening when it gets chilly, you can warm up inside on rides since the wait times are much shorter!

Early Spring

Every year the Disneyland Resort celebrates the flavors of the Golden State with the Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival. The festival dates move around but typically you can visit in March and April and hit the festival. The festival marketplaces feature delicious dishes inspired by the state of California.

In years past, guests have been able to purchase a Sip and Savor Pass, allowing them to pick and choose items for the menus using entitlements that can be redeemed for food and non-alcoholic beverages. In addition to the food and beverages, there is some great entertainment at this festival. Examples may include Tasting Seminars, live music, and more. Kids will love meeting Chef Goofy and attending special culinary events designed for younger guests.

The weather is quite comfortable during the day and cooler in the evening with temperatures ranging from 52° to 75.°

Dates to avoid:

Late Spring **After Easter Break

If you can travel without kids or don’t mind taking them out of school… We really suggest visiting right after Easter and Spring Break. Crowds are very low, and the weather is incredible.  Although Disneyland Resort is very popular with local visitors, you won’t find the spring break crowds in early May that you did a few weeks prior.

The weather is also gorgeous. It is warm during the day and often cooler in the evening, but not terrible. The hotel pools are open and you can take advantage of the beautiful California sunshine! Temps range from 65° to 78.°

Dates to avoid:

• May 5 (Sun): Cinco De Mayo
• May 12 (Sun): Mother’s Day
• May 27 (Mon): Memorial Day

September

Fall at the Disneyland Resort is always a fun time to visit! Halloween Time at Disneyland Park and the Oogie Boogie Bash at Disney California Adventure are sure to be the highlights of your visit! These bring in a crowd on the days there is a Bash so make sure you watch the calendar. But, it can be an excellent time to visit after the kids have gone back to school. The weather is absolutely excellent! Speaking from experience you can have a very comfortable temperature range from the high 60’s to the high 80’s! You never know what you’re going to get. We packed layers but only needed a hoodie one evening.

Dates to avoid:

• Sep 1 (Sat): Labor Day Weekend
• Sep 2 (Sun): Labor Day Weekend
• Sep 2 (Mon): Labor Day

Parts of November or December

The holidays at Disneyland are UNMATCHED and I would throw hands with anyone who disagrees. (I am totally just kidding. Put the gloves away) But, in all seriousness, the parks are incredibly beautiful. There is something exceptionally magical about the twinkling lights, holly berry wreaths, festive decor, and peppermint in the air. This time of year can be very busy if you do not plan it perfectly. We would suggest getting with a travel advisor to find the exact time that works for you. But, we would say the obvious times are out:

Stay away from Thanksgiving week and any time from the week before Christmas until mid-January.

There is so much happening at the Disneyland Resort during the holiday season from a special holiday parade in Disneyland Park to the Disney Festival of the Holidays at Disney California Adventure, there is something for everyone to enjoy. There are even special holiday-themed shows such as World of Color – Season of Light.

The weather at this time of year can be a little unpredictable, but it’s still beautiful. Be prepared for everything though – layers are highly recommended as it is often warm during the day but cools down quite a bit at night.

Photo Courtesy Disney

Summary

There is really not a bad time of year to visit Disneyland if you have the right planning. You could go Christmas week and still have an excellent time if you work on the logistics or have someone plan it all for you. If you need help selecting your Genie+ Lighting Lane selections to make the most of your time, check out this article: How to Prioritize DLR Disney Genie+ Selections

Using a travel advisor is the #1 tool in vacation planning! Our partner agency, Winds in the East Travel knows exactly what you need to make the most of your vacation. Fill out the quote form below to receive a FREE no-obligation quote.

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Professor Heather

Heather is the proud owner of Theme Park Professor and Winds in the East Travel. For over 10 years, she has been covering everything from the latest merchandise to breaking news for her readers. As a New York native, Heather makes sure to visit the Orlando parks a few times a month, especially during the colder months. After all, what’s the point of having a Walt Disney World Annual Pass if you don’t use it?

Heather is a self-proclaimed Potterhead and also visits the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and the rest of Universal Orlando Resort multiple times a month. So, “Wands up!” for all the fellow Potterheads out there!