Disneyland: Planning a Trip during the Winter

If you are anything like my family, we only have certain times of year that we can travel due to work and school schedules (something I am actively trying to change!). But until then, we either end up going on vacation during the hottest time of the year (July) or the busiest time of the year (December). Our latest trip to Disneyland was in December of last year. While not the sunny California weather we are used to, it was so worth it and I would do it again if I could!

If you are thinking about going in December...here are a few things to keep in mind. But please keep in mind that weather can vary from year to year. As you know...Disneyland is located in Anaheim, California, which has a Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters. But, here's what you can typically expect:

Temperature: In late December, daytime temperatures in Anaheim tend to range from the mid-60s to low 70s Fahrenheit (around 18-23 degrees Celsius). However, evenings and nights can be quite chilly, with temperatures dropping into the 40s or 50s Fahrenheit (5-15 degrees Celsius).

We wore leggings and either a single layer of a sweatshirt or long sleeve or a short sleeve with a thin jacket.

Rainfall: December is one of the wetter months in Anaheim, but it's not extremely rainy. You can expect some rainfall, with an average of around 2-3 inches (5-8 centimeters) of precipitation during the month. Rainfall usually occurs in the form of light to moderate showers.

Before we left, the forecast was showing rain EVERY DAY for the ENTIRE day. But...once we got there, we only had 1 day of rain! And guess what, we powered through anyway and did as much as we could! We stuck it out and ended up being able to ride everything we wanted! I would recommend having a rain jacket to travel with during this time of year. Its much easier than a poncho when it rains!

Sunshine: Despite the potential for rain, you can still enjoy quite a bit of sunshine in December. Expect partly cloudy to mostly sunny days, but be prepared for occasional overcast conditions.

Crowds: Late December is a popular time to visit Disneyland because of the holiday season. The park is beautifully decorated with Christmas lights and decorations, but it can be crowded, especially closer to Christmas and New Year's. Be prepared for longer wait times for attractions. We are used to busy crowds, because like I mentioned earlier, we always travel in July or December. So, we learn to deal with it and end up walkign faster than anyone else in the parks!

Special Events: Disneyland often hosts special holiday-themed events and parades during late December, which can add to the festive atmosphere. Be sure to check the Disneyland website for specific event dates and times. We didn't do many of these because our kids are all older, but if you have younger kids, I could see this being a big draw!

So, just know, late December can be a magical time to visit Disneyland with all of the holiday decorations and festivities. But, you should still be prepared for cooler evenings, the possibility of rain, and larger crowds, especially as you get closer to Christmas and New Year's. It's a good idea to check the weather forecast closer to your planned visit for more accurate and up-to-date information.