What to pack for Disney World depends on the season, but the basics never change: broken-in walking shoes, sunscreen, a refillable water bottle, a poncho and a portable phone charger. Add light, breathable clothes from April through October, when highs run in the mid-80s to low 90s with daily afternoon storms in summer. From December through February, add layers and a light jacket, because mornings and nights can drop into the 40s and 50s.
Below you’ll find what to wear in each season, a packing checklist you can screenshot, and the things Disney won’t let through bag check. For the forecast closer to your trip, check our Disney World weather page.
| Season | Typical highs / lows | Rain | Pack |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | low 70s / about 50°F | Light | Layers, light jacket, long pants, closed-toe shoes |
| Spring (Mar–May) | upper 70s to upper 80s / 55–66°F | Light, rising in May | Shorts, a light layer for evenings, sunscreen |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | low 90s / low 70s | Storms most afternoons | Moisture-wicking clothes, poncho, cooling towel, extra socks |
| Fall (Sep–Nov) | about 90 in Sep to upper 70s in Nov | Heavy in Sep, drier by Nov | Summer gear in Sep and Oct, a layer for November nights |
The all-year Disney World packing checklist
These go in the bag no matter when you visit.
- Two pairs of broken-in walking shoes. Swap them every other day so they can dry out. Never bring brand-new shoes.
- Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF. The Florida sun is strong even on cool, cloudy winter days.
- Sunglasses and a hat or visor.
- A refillable water bottle. Any quick-service restaurant that serves fountain drinks will give you a free cup of ice water to top it off.
- A portable phone charger and cable. The My Disney Experience app, Lightning Lane bookings, mobile ordering and photos drain a battery fast.
- A poncho. Disney sells them in the parks, but at park prices.
- Zip-top bags for your phone, tickets and snacks on water rides and in sudden storms.
- Blister care: bandages, moleskin or anti-chafe balm.
- Basic medicine: pain reliever, allergy tablets and any prescriptions in their original bottles.
- Hand sanitizer and wipes.
- A small backpack or crossbody bag. Smaller bags move through bag check and onto rides more easily.
- Your MagicBand or ticket card, if you use one, plus ID and a credit card.
What to pack for Disney World in winter (December to February)
Winter is the season that catches people off guard. Afternoons are often sunny and in the low 70s, but a cold front can push nighttime temperatures into the 40s or even the 30s. You might wear shorts at 2 p.m. and want a jacket for the fireworks.
What to wear to Disney World in December: dress in layers. Start with a T-shirt, add a long-sleeve shirt or hoodie, and carry a light jacket. Jeans or leggings work well, and closed-toe sneakers keep your feet warm at night. Many people still wear shorts at midday, so pack one or two pairs.
- A light jacket or fleece, plus a warmer coat if the forecast shows a cold front
- Long pants and long-sleeve shirts or hoodies
- Socks that stay warm and closed-toe shoes
- Ear warmers or a beanie for early mornings and late nights in January and February
- Still bring sunscreen and sunglasses
Tip: water rides like Kali River Rapids and Tiana’s Bayou Adventure are a lot less fun when it’s 55 degrees. Ride them in the warmest part of the afternoon, or bring a dry layer. Disney also closes one of its water parks for refurbishment in the cooler months, so check which of Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach is open before you pack swimsuits.
What to pack for Disney World in spring (March to May)
Spring is the sweet spot for weather: warm, sunny and fairly dry. March often feels like early summer by afternoon, and by May, highs are in the upper 80s and the humidity is creeping back. It’s also festival season at EPCOT, with the Flower & Garden Festival running through spring.
- Shorts, T-shirts and tank tops in breathable fabric
- A light long-sleeve layer for evenings, especially in March
- Strong sunscreen. Spring sun burns quickly because the air still feels cool.
- Allergy medicine. Pollen is high in Florida in early spring.
- A poncho for May, when afternoon showers start to return
Spring break makes March and April some of the busiest weeks of the year. Check our Disney World crowd calendar to pick the best park each day.
What to pack for Disney World in summer (June to August)
Summer means heat, humidity and rain. Highs sit in the low 90s, the heat index often tops 100, and thunderstorms roll in most afternoons, usually for an hour or less. Pack for sweat and for getting wet.
- Moisture-wicking shirts and shorts. Skip heavy cotton and denim; they stay wet for hours.
- Extra socks to change into midday, and sandals with straps for water rides
- A cooling towel and a handheld or neck fan
- Electrolyte packets to add to your water
- Anti-chafe balm. You’ll thank us.
- A poncho, plus a zip-top bag for your phone
- Swimsuits for the resort pool and water parks
Packing for the afternoon storms
From June through September, plan on rain. A poncho beats an umbrella in crowds, and quick-dry clothes and shoes dry out fast once the sun comes back. When lightning is nearby, Disney pauses outdoor rides, so storm time is a good time for indoor shows and attractions. Our weather page has a live radar and a list of indoor rides in each park.
June 1 is also the start of hurricane season. Direct hits on Disney World are rare, but travel insurance and a flexible plan are worth considering for late summer and fall trips.
What to pack for Disney World in fall (September to November)
Fall starts as summer and ends as winter. September is still hot, humid and rainy, so pack your summer list. October brings highs in the mid-80s and fewer storms. By November, afternoons are in the upper 70s and evenings cool off into the 50s.
- September and October: the summer list, including a poncho
- November: shorts for the day, plus long pants and a sweatshirt for evenings
- Party and festival nights: a light layer for the Halloween and Christmas after-hours parties and the evening crowds at the EPCOT Food & Wine Festival
Adults can dress up at Disney’s ticketed Halloween party. On a regular park day, guests 14 and older aren’t allowed to wear costumes, so save the full costume for party night and go with a themed outfit otherwise.
The shoes matter more than anything else
A full park day often adds up to 8 to 10 miles of walking, plus a lot of standing in line. Bring sneakers you’ve already broken in, and a second pair to rotate. In summer, pick shoes that dry quickly. If you love sandals, choose a pair with a back strap and real arch support.
What not to bring to Disney World
Every bag goes through security at the park entrance. These are some of the items Disney doesn’t allow in its theme parks:
- Selfie sticks
- Glass containers (small baby food jars are the exception)
- Strollers wider than 31 inches or longer than 52 inches, and stroller wagons
- Hard-sided coolers, coolers larger than 24 x 15 x 18 inches, and loose or dry ice (reusable ice packs are fine)
- Drones and folding chairs
You can bring your own food and non-alcoholic drinks. Disney updates its rules from time to time, so check the official list before you go.
Disney World packing FAQ
What should I wear to Disney World in December?
Wear layers. December highs are usually in the low 70s and lows are around 50°F, with occasional cold fronts in the 40s. A T-shirt, a long-sleeve layer, a light jacket, jeans or leggings and closed-toe sneakers cover most days.
Do I need a poncho at Disney World?
Yes, especially from June through September, when thunderstorms happen most afternoons. A poncho is easier than an umbrella in crowds and on rides. Disney sells them in the parks, but bringing your own is cheaper.
Can I bring food and water into Disney World?
Yes. You can bring snacks, meals and non-alcoholic drinks in a soft-sided cooler no larger than 24 x 15 x 18 inches. Glass containers and loose ice aren’t allowed. Quick-service restaurants with fountain drinks give out free cups of ice water.
What are the best shoes for Disney World?
Broken-in, supportive sneakers are best, because you can walk 8 to 10 miles a day. Bring two pairs to rotate. In summer, choose shoes that dry quickly after rain or water rides.
Is it cold enough for a jacket at Disney World?
From December through February, yes. Pack a light jacket or fleece for mornings and nights, and a warmer coat if a cold front is in the forecast. In March and November, a sweatshirt is usually enough. The rest of the year you won’t need one, except for chilly indoor air conditioning.
