The Disneyland Resort has so much to see and do throughout the year, and Southern California weather is always ready to welcome you! Whether you want to escape the cold temps at home, want to experience Disneyland's Food & Wine Festival, are looking for fun seasonal treats and attractions, or simply want to enjoy all the classic attractions of the parks after the big crowds have gone home, there is a season for you!
SPRING (Mid-March – May 31)
Crowd Levels: Spring is a wildly popular time to visit Disneyland. Spring Break crowds usually begin arriving around March 15 and remain fairly consistent through the end of April with a few weeks mixed in here and there with lighter crowds. Easter week, which falls in different weeks (and months) each year is often the busiest. May tends to be a good time to visit before the high temps hit and schools are out for the summer.
Weather: Mid- to upper-70s. Possible rain, especially in March. Avg high 75°.
Disney's California Adventure Food & Wine Festival
When? This festival usually starts in early March and ends in mid-April. (Dates may vary depending on when Easter falls on the year's calendar)
What is it? This festival celebrates food and drinks and highlights sustainable menus and farm to table offerings.
May the 4th – Diehard Star Wars fans flock to Disneyland and Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge on May the 4th (as in, “May the Fourth Be With You!”). There aren’t necessarily any special activities in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, but you may have fun people-watching with other fans who have Jedi or Sith blood running in their blood.
SUMMER (June 1 – August 31)
Crowd Levels: This may be the period when most visitors are actually families visiting California as some annual passes are often blacked off for much of the summer. Parks can get busy but are manageable. Keep in mind - the Haunted Mansion attraction will close for a period while cast members prepare the Nightmare Before Christmas overlay which usually opens sometime the first week of September.
Weather: The warmest months of the year but still manageable as it's usually a dry heat. (not humid) Avg high 86°.
July 17
When? July 17th, 1955, is the date Disneyland officially opened the gates to its first guests.
What is it? While a big celebration may not be planned, Disney may mark the occasion, especially on significant birthdays. 2025 is the next major milestone when Disneyland will celebrate 70 years of welcoming guests.
FALL / HALLOWEEN (September thru October)
Crowd Levels: As schools start back up, the crowds will start to wind down. September, although hot, can be one of the least crowded months to visit as all the local families have gone back to school. October is one of the most popular months to visit as many schools have a Fall break and guests are excited to experience Halloween, the Nightmare Before Christmas overlay on the Haunted Mansion, and to attend the Oogie Boogie Bash on select nights at Disney's California Adventure.
Weather: Mid- to upper-80s. Comfortable. Avg high 85°.
Halloween Time
When? Halloween festivities typically kick off the first full week of September with decorations, the Nightmare Before Christmas overlay on the Haunted Mansion, and the start of the Oogie Boogie Bash party nights.
What? One of the highlights of the season is favorite characters dressed for the occasion.
The Oogie Boogie Bash
When? The Oogie Boogie Bash is a specially ticketed party that takes place on select nights from early September thru Halloween.
What? It features a candy trail, villain meet and greets, characters (and guests!) in costume, and a festive parade. Tickets are very difficult to get and usually sell out the day they go on sale to the general public, so this must be planned in advance (usually about 2 months ahead).
THE HOLIDAYS (November thru December)
Crowd Levels: If seasonal décor and events are the big draw for your family, Fall decorations go down and Christmas decorations start to come up within a few days of Halloween. Thanksgiving week is an extremely busy time of the year as is the week between Christmas Eve and New Year's when the parks are the most crowded.
Holidays tend to be the busiest days of the year. Remember – if you are planning around your children’s school breaks, odds are that many school districts across the country will have similar breaks. If you plan to go during big holiday breaks, plan accordingly with an extra day or two to ensure you can check off all your priority attractions.
Weather: Very comfortable. Cool mornings and evenings. Low- to mid-70s during the day. Avg high 73°.
The Holidays
When? The parks quickly transition from Halloween to Christmas around November 10.
What? Festive decorations and attraction overlays, to include a holiday overlay on it's a small world, help bring the holidays to life. Characters also dress for the holidays!
Disney Festival of the Holidays
When? From mid-November to early January
What? Celebrate the season at Disney's California Adventure with diverse cultural festivities, music, cuisine, and lots of special treats.
WINTER (January thru Mid-March)
Crowd Levels: With the holidays coming to a close, this is a great time to visit the parks with lower crowds and cooler temps. However, certain attractions, like the Haunted Mansion and it's a small world, close to remove holiday decorations.
Weather: Mild and cool. Avg high 72°.
When? Late January to Early February
What is it? This festival runs for several weeks at Disney's California Adventure and includes entertainment and cuisine to highlight the celebration of the New Year in Asian countries. The date for Lunar New Year varies by year.
Valentine's Day
When? February 14
What is it? Valentine's Day is worth noting because couples will often head to the parks, many with intentions of proposing in front of the castle.
You can make even the busiest or hottest season work by planning ahead, setting expectations and being flexible. No matter what....you're at Disneyland!
