If you’re looking for the best time to visit Disneyland in Anaheim, look no further than this Disneyland Crowd Calendar. If you’re like us, you love all things Disney, but want get the most for our trip there. If you are not a regular passholder, knowing the best times to go can be a daunting and overwhelming task. Coordinating vacations and trips is already overwhelming enough. Let us do the hard work of guiding you towards the best times to go to Disneyland.
Disneyland is a magical place, where kids can have fun and meet their Disney heroes and adults can become kids again. With the hotels, rides, food, shows, and parades to think about, why not take one thing off your list. The crowds! We have put together a monthly breakdown for the ideal time to visit to avoid the crowds at Disneyland. Keep reading and see our Disneyland Crowd Calendar.
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Disneyland Crowd Calendar: Best Time To Go To Disneyland
Planning the perfect family trip to Disneyland can be overwhelming and knowing when the best time to go to Disneyland can seem like an impossible task. When going to Disneyland, everyone wants the trip and experience to be the best value possible. And unless you are a regular park goer, you may not know when that is.
Whether you want to go in the summer months for your family vacation to the West Coast or Christmastime to take park in the seasonal foods and enjoy the Christmas decor, like no one else but Disney can do, we have the guide for you. We put together a calendar that shows the best time to go to Disneyland during the whole year, including peak travel times.
Check out our Disneyland Crowd Calendar below and then read about the month you want to go. We’ve included weather and park events, so you can make this trip your best trip ever.
January
Historically January is the coldest month of the year in most places across the United States. In California, cold is relational. For some, who are used to more tropical climates, its pretty cold and for those from cooler climates, it won’t seem so bad. With day time highs reaching an average of 68°F/20°C, after the sun goes down it gets positively chilly at an average of 48°F/9°C, so make sure you are dressing in layers. This weather does not deter the crowds at Disneyland either, so be prepared to still have contend with crowds at particular times of the month. If this weather has you wanting more, keep reading.
The beginning of January, you will still be able to see the end of the Christmas season at Disneyland. The decorations start to come down right after New Year’s and the crowds know it. The first week starting with January first is pretty busy that whole week. Kids are still out of school, parents still on vacations, and Disneyland is still a winter wonderland. If this is the only time you can make it, check the Disneyland Crowd Calendar below and consider California Adventure instead, as it will be busy but less so than the main park. We advise going early in the day and to avoid the actual New Year’s Day, to counter as much of the crowds as possible.
Also, Run Disney takes place January 8-12. This event will have runners from the morning in the park with their families and supporters afterwards. Make sure to take that increased traffic into consideration if you choose to go in January.
During the middle two weeks of the month, the best time to go to Disneyland is Tuesday and Wednesday.Thursday’s start a long weekend and Monday’s ends it. The end of the month, the crowd index starts to go down and Monday through Thursday is typically better for crowds at Disneyland.
February
California winter starts to trend warmer as the month progresses. When considering the Disneyland Crowd Calendar, keep in mind while the daytime this month starts to get a little warmer as averages hit 71°F/22°C. Nighttime still hovers around the same 48°F/9°C respectively. Another month to still dress in layers and be prepared for chilly evenings while navigating lighter evening crowds at Disneyland.
The first two weeks are good weeks to go to Disneyland with average crowds on the weekend and slightly below average crowds at Disneyland during mid-week. As Valentine’s Day rolls into the month, so does the busiest week of the month. That third week of February, expect to see an above average ranking on the Disneyland Crowd Calendar. The third week of February celebrates President’s Day and with all the three-day weekends, the crowds at Disneyland go up and stay up that whole week.
That last week of February, everything starts to go back to a normal crowd pace, with mid-week being the best and the flanking weekends having the higher traffic. February, overall, is one of the months that is the best time to go to Disneyland, if you are looking for a balance between cooler weather and less crowds at Disneyland. Make sure you head to New Orleans Square at the end of the month and see all the fun Mardi Gras themed decorations and try the themed food!
March
Spring is in the air everywhere, including Disneyland. Spring weather definitely excites the Disneyland crowds. With the weather beginning to be ideal this time of year, the crowds reflect that warming trend and start to really pick up during the daytime. Daytime temperatures reaching 73°F/23°C and nighttime around 51°F/11°C at its coldest, even the evening crowds at Disneyland start to get busier.
The month of March comes with a lot of events and action. March will start off with average to slightly above average traffic. With the first Saturday being a busy day. That first Saturday is typically Gay-Day, a non-Disney sponsored event, but an event that drives traffic just the same. On this Saturday, traffic will definitely be up and park goers celebrating this unofficial event. Make sure you check the Disneyland Crowd Calendar below for any updates that may happen with this day.
Mid March brings Spring Break for a lot of schools, local and otherwise and with that comes more people in the park. March is one of the most consistent months with crowds at Disneyland hitting peak traffic only sporadically. Spring Break is happening, traditionally the Food and Wine Festival at California Adventure starts, which is guaranteed to bring some additional crowds for both parks.
March will start with average to slightly above average crowds at Disneyland, with mid month to the end really increasing to very high foot traffic days. This will be a very busy time and will continue to see increased crowds going int the summer months. Always check the Disneyland Crowd Calendar to see the day you want to go and how the traffic is expected to be.
April
Weather is even better in April than it was in March and now you can see why Walt Disney chose to build his park in Anaheim, CA. Daytime temperatures will reach 75°F/25°C with nighttime still being a little cooler at 53°F/13°C. During the day will be warm enough to walk around in shorts and a t-shirt, but after the sun sets you will want to make sure you have some layers to keep you comfortable as you traverse the park at night. With the warmer days, the cooler nights do not deter the crowds at Disneyland.
Starting the first couple weeks of April, Disneyland does an Eggstravaganza event leading into Easter. This will have more parents and young children in the park as they take part in this Disney themed event. This will not overwhelm the park with traffic, though you will most likely still see some increased numbers as the Food and Wine Festival continues at California Adventure. After the Eggstravaganza event ends as Easter passes, the following weekend will be Dapper Day.
Dapper Day will definitely see increased crowds as people dress up in their favorite vintage era and enjoy the park. While this is not a Disney sponsored event, it is a fun time for all. If you happen to go or want to see the park-goers dressed up, this is guaranteed to be a fun day as you see the many eras of the 20th century and listen to overly courteous participants as they reminisce about a time gone by.
Overall, April is a lovely time of year weather-wise to attend the park. Beginning of the month will see a slight above average crowd at Disneyland, mid-month will see a slight decrease with the month finishing up much lighter in crowds, which is nice right before summer starts to sneak in. Please check the Disneyland Crowd Calendar below to see which of the days really appeal to you for your particular travel plans.
May
The weather is really getting warm now and dare we say hot? With the average day hitting 77°F/25°C and nighttime at a much warmer than previous at 58°F/14°C, you will want to dress appropriately and make sure you hydrate. With all the walking, heat, incoming humidity, and the crowds at Disneyland you will want to make sure to drink plenty of water. Well there are a lot of shady spots in the park, they are guaranteed to be just as crowded as the pathways.
May is a busy month for Disneyland Crowd Calendar. Not only are the warmer days and summer breaks increasing the crowd count, holidays and park sponsored events will keep this park hopping. During the month of May you can expect there to be busy some peak days with above average traffic, with weekends being exceptionally busy.
May will start of with Bats Day on May 3rd. This day is an unofficial Disney event, but will be guaranteed to drive increased traffic. If you are wondering what Bats Day is, it is a day dedicated to Gothic and Emo park attendees. This day will be sure to have many people dressed in black and dark makeup, but always fun to see and recollect your days of youth. Right after Bats Day, is Cinco de Mayo. There are no park events scheduled for this holiday, but will most likely have increased crowds at Disneyland. Mother’s Day is also Sunday, May 10. Disneyland is a destination for mothers so expect to see the traffic increase sometime late morning.
From the middle of May to the end, Disney Parks host Grad Nite. While California Adventure is the official host of these events, there will most likely be a surge in traffic in both parks as park goers start their day early or re-enter after it ends. May also has Memorial Day, celebrated on May 25th, that weekend will definitely have busier crowds as park attendees will have three day weekends.
As the whole month of May can fluctuate with traffic, make sure you check the Disneyland Crowd Calendar for the time that suits you and when the hosted Grad Nites are. If you are going in May, typically, the weekdays, while busy, will still offer the least amount of crowd traffic.
June
June brings us halfway into the year and definitely into warmer weather as summer really starts to heat up. At 81°F/27°C average during the day and 61°F/16°C averages during the night, the weather is definitely getting warmer. Our advice about water and shade definitely carries over to this month.
There aren’t a whole lot of events this month, Grad Nite continues the remainder of this month and the same traffic patterns will continue with potential crowd surges during the day. Father’s Day is on Sunday, June 21stand will most likely see more traffic in the midday. While events are light, crowds are heavy. Summer is now in swing, school is out and families start their vacations. Almost every day will see above average crowds at Disneyland. Our Disneyland Crowd Calendar below will show you the busiest days and you can determine which you would like to avoid or attend.
July
July brings even hotter weather and warmer nights. Daily averages around 86°F/30°C and nighttime around 65°F/18°C. The weather is hot, humidity will be up and so will crowds. It is now more important than ever to stay hydrated, wear appropriate clothing and sun protection.
July is another month light on events and it’s a good thing too as crowds will already be hitting close to capacity numbers with the summertime breaks. The whole month of July is the busiest month of the summer. The Fourth of July has the park regaled in red, white, and blue with specialty treats available for purchase. The Fourth of July is one of the busiest days in the park, so if you want to go to enjoy the décor and food, be prepared to navigate the crowds at Disneyland.
Disneyland also celebrates its birthday on July 17th. There will be special souvenirs available to purchase and a possible slightly higher crowd count as Disney loyalists come to celebrate the day. Even with these days being the only events for the park, the Disneyland Crowd Calendar will reflect those above average crowd counts. If you absolutely must go to the parks in July, consider a Park Hopper pass, that way when the crowds at Disneyland overwhelm you, you can head to California Adventure, which will be slightly less crowded.
August
August brings us the hottest month of the year and unbelivebaly the park will start to ease up in crowds as the month progresses. August temperatures hit 87°F/30°C averages during the day and 65°F/18°C during the night. However, this heat will not stop the crowds early in the month at Disneyland and while the temperature and other summer activities will start to reduce park goer counts, August will still be busy.
This month brings us the start of the CHOC (Children’s Hospital of Orange County) Walk in the Park. While these events happen early in the morning before it heats up, the event attendees inevitably stay in the park after their event. With this even drawing not only the participants, but their family, friends, and cheerleaders, the park will definitely hit peak capacity that day. While the event has yet TBD for 2020, it is usually within the first two weeks of the month.
For the month of August, there will be higher and lower than average crowds at Disneyland. If you’re looking to go to the park in the summer make sure you check the Disneyland Crowd Calendar for the best time to go to Disneyland this particular month.
September
September brings us into the last hot month of the year. With the temperatures from August averages carrying over into September, you can look forward to a very slightly cooler nighttime. 87°F/30°C during the day, renders the same as August and 63°F/16°C during the night, is virtually the same. This heat, will definitely keep you looking for shade and beverages, so make sure to drink and wear your sunscreen in that hot California sun.
After Labor Day, September 7, the crowds reduce considerably. With school back in session, most days hit average park crowds and some times below average. Halloweentime is now going and the park is decorated in all of its Halloween Glory. Mid September to the end of September is a great time to see the park in all this splendor. Right before the major Halloweentime crowds really begin. If you’re looking for the best time to go to Disneyland, this might just be the month. Warmer days, slightly cooler nights, festive decorations, and lower crowd count all make for a great experience. Hands down one of the best times to visit the park. Check out the Disneyland Crowd Calendar below to see just how light some of the traffic days can be.
October
This month you start to see a much greater cooling trend. 82°F/28°C during the day and 58°F/14°C during the evening, the temperature swing after the sunset is now noticeable. While the warmer days have you dressed in summer attire, the cooler night begs for you to have layers ready to keep you insulated after that sun sets.
The beginning of October starts with the second unofficial Disney event of Gay Day. Usually the first weekend of the month, traffic is definitely up this weekend as the LGBTQ community and allies are there to show their support for love.
Hallweentime is in full swing this month and so are the crowds. If you are more of a holiday traditionalist and want to see the Halloween décor during the month of Halloween, look to go midweek and avoid the weekends. While the park gets more crowded and the month progresses, the lightest days still invariably fall on the weekdays. Weekends still being traversed by parents and their children who are no longer off for the summer, guarantees a busier experience.
A newer Disney event is Plaza de la Familia. This event typically takes place during Hallweentime, though dates for 2020 have yet to be released. This event celebrates Pixars “Coco” and family. With Mexican specialty treats and a focus on Hispanic traditions, expect to see many park goers there to celebrate either their heritage or support others. Make sure you check the Disneyland Crowd Calendar to see when this event is, once the dates have been determined.
Unbelievably, the best time to go to Disneyland in October is closer to Halloween on October 31st. Crowds start to die down, usually thinking that the park will be busier.
November
November brings a much cooler days and nights. Daytime highs typically stay at 82°F/27°C and nighttime with temperatures drop lower to the 52°F/11°C range. While the days are still warm, evening is much cooler, making evident that a typical California winter is heading in. Dress in layers and stop to get a hot coco after the sunsets to warm your bones.
The middle of November is another one of those best times to go to Disneyland. Traffic is lighter as Halloweentime ends and Christmastime is yet to begin. While the first week starts to see the transition happen with Halloween to Christmas, the crowds are busier. The second Dapper Day of the year happens in November. This unsponsored event typically takes place early in the month and falls on the first weekend. Have the same expectations as before. Increased crowds that day, but amazing costuming to view.
As the month progresses, more Christmastime decorations will appear and the crowds will stay low until right before Thanksgiving. Come the week of Thanksgiving and you will be sure to see the whole park regaled in its festive decorations and also crowds will jump from minimal to above average seemingly overnight. Thanksgiving (and the weekend that follows) is one of the other busiest days of the year for the park, so avoid going this day and weekend if at all possible.
December
And now the last month of the year, December, temperatures dip to 70°F/21°C during the day with a chilly 47°F/8°C average during the night. Another big temperature swing, your teeth are sure to be chattering after the sun goes down if you are not attired properly. Many attendees will put coats in lockers to put on once that weather turns cooler. Scarves and mittens are a common site at the park during this month.
The month of December has minimal events, the park is mostly centered around Christmastime food and decorations. Crowds will die down after Thanksgiving and make the park one of the best times to go to Disneyland at the beginning of the month. The cooler weather and amazing decorations will transport you to another time and place.
Most weekdays traffic is moderate with some lighter days peppered in. Weekends are busy as usual with the busiest time the last ten days of the year. Disneyland will typically hit capacity from the week before Christmas to New Years, making this definitely one of the busiest times of the year to attend the park. If you have to go this particular time, make sure you check the Disneyland Crowd Calendar for December to pick the days that will be the most manageable for your plans.
There you have it, a month by month breakdown for weather, the larger crowd drawing events, and what time of the month is the best time to go to Disneyland. We hope you get to use this information and plan a fun for all vacation to, hands down, one of the happiest places in the world, Disneyland!
If this Disneyland Crowd Calendar helped you or if you have tips to share, let us know in the comments.
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