Disneyland Resort in Anaheim California attracts millions of visitors each year. With its enchanting rides, beloved characters, and magical atmosphere, it is one of the classic theme park experiences.
The time of year you visit can have a big impact on your experience, factoring in crowd levels, weather, and holiday events.
In this article I will provide a seasonal breakdown to help you determine the best times to visit Disneyland Resort so you can make the most of your visit!
Overview of Seasons at Disneyland
Even though Southern California is known for having endless summer, we do actually experience seasons. Aside from weather related factors, each month offers seasonal events and special offerings that may or may not be important to you.
Seasonal Breakdown
Winter (December to February)
Winter is one of the most enchanting times at Disneyland Resort. From mid-November through early January, the park transforms into a winter wonderland adorned with holiday decorations and themed attractions.
- ChristmasTime: The resort features dazzling lights, festive decor, and special entertainment such as “A Christmas Fantasy Parade” and “Believe… In Holiday Magic” fireworks show.
- Lower Crowd Levels in early January: After the holiday rush subsides in early January, crowd levels drop significantly until President’s Day weekend in February. However, this period is also known as “refurb season” because a lot of attractions close to undergo seasonal maintenance and refurbishment. While crowds may be lighter than summer, lines can still be long.
- Weather Considerations: While temperatures are favorable (averaging 50-70°F), it’s essential to dress in layers as evenings can get down to 40°F. (Downright freezing for So Cal!)
Spring (March to May)
The spring season brings colorful blooms and exciting events but also an influx of visitors during peak periods like spring break.
- Spring Break Crowds: March through April can be busy due to school vacations, especially the week before and after Easter.
- Special Events: Disney California Adventure hosts their annual Food & Wine Festival in March-April, which is a popular event for locals, especially for dinnertime. Food marketplaces open at 11am so head there early for the shortest lines.
- Ideal Weather Conditions: Spring offers mild temperatures ranging from 60-80°F, which is arguable the best weather of the year. Bring an umbrella or poncho just in case!
Summer (June to August)
Summer is peak season at Disneyland Resort as families flock during school breaks; however, it’s the busiest time for a reason … if you have kids, chances are this is the easiest time to visit. That being said, Disneyland Resort offers a lot of fun experiences during the summer so don’t fret if this is the only time of year you can go!
- High Crowd Levels: Expect peak crowds throughout summer months with long wait times for most attractions.
- Special Summer Attractions: Disneyland usually debuts some kind of themed festival before Memorial Day weekend, which is the unofficial start of the summer season. Check the schedule for new fireworks shows, parades, and food/snack offerings around the parks.
- Heat Considerations: Temperatures can soar above 85°F so be prepared. A hat or visor is recommended, wear loose clothing, and stay hydrated. Pro tip – you can bring in sealed water bottles or an empty water container. There are several water bottle refill stations around both parks and the hotels.
Fall (September to November)
Fall marks a transitional period at Disneyland Resort where crowds begin to taper off after summer’s peak while introducing festive Halloween celebrations.
- Gradual Decrease in Crowds: There’s one magical week at Disneyland Resort between Labor Day and mid-September where crowds are lower. But thanks to the Halloween season, weekends are still really busy.
- Halloween Festivities: From late August through October, guests can enjoy spooky fun decor, unique snacks, and special themed attractions like “Haunted Mansion Holiday.” Over at Disney California Adventure, you can attend Oogie Boogie Bash, a special ticketed Halloween party featuring trick or treat trails, rare characters, and an exclusive parade.
- Mild Weather Conditions: Fall weather is typically comfortable with average temperatures between 60-80°F. Again, it can get chilly at night so bring a sweater.
Factors Influencing the Best Time to Visit
There are many factors to consider when choosing the best time to visit Disneyland Resort:
Special Events
Throughout the year, Disneyland hosts various events and festivals that attract visitors and may impact crowd levels significantly depending on timing. Here is a list of recurring seasonal events at Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure:
- Lunar New Year – Mid-January, February
- SpringTime – Late March, April
- Disney California Food and Wine Festival – Late February, March, April
- Season of the Force (Star Wars) – April, May
- HalloweenTime – Late August, September, October
- ChristmasTime – Mid-November, December, early January
Weekday vs Weekend Visits
The reservation system and tiered ticket pricing has made for pretty even crowds throughout the week. That being said, weekends still seem to be just a bit more crowded than weekdays still.
Weather
While California is known for its generally mild weather, it’s important to know that summer temperatures can get HOT. Most queues and dining areas are outdoors and the heat can feel brutal when standing in direct sun.
Tips for Planning Your Visit
To ensure a smooth trip:
- Check crowd calendars online before scheduling. I recommend Disney Tourist Blog and Is It Packed?
- If you must go during a busy time (spring break, summer, winter break), be sure to book your tickets and hotel early!! I also recommend splurging for Lightning Lane passes.
If haven’t visited Disneyland in a while, you may be overwhelmed by options. The truth is, there is never a *perfect* time to go since we can never fully predict the weather, crowd sizes, or attraction maintenance. The most important thing to do when visiting Disneyland is to remember to go with the flow! Be prepared as best you can, but remember to have fun. You’re visiting The Happiest Place on Earth after all!
