How to Dress for Disney World in August

There’s no doubt that Florida in the summer heat can be extremely intense. With Walt Disney World being smack dab in the middle of Florida, the heat can sometimes be overwhelming in the summer, especially in August. 

Let’s not forget to mention the Florida afternoon pop up rainstorms! However, it can be said that August can be one of the best times to visit Disney World. What can one do in order to prepare for Florida summer weather, and what should they plan to dress in? 

Weather

To start off, I will simply say that the weather in Orlando in August is hot, hot, hot! Not only is it hot, but the humidity can, honestly, be downright unbearable at times, especially in the middle of the day. I’ve read the annual peak of the Florida heat is usually around August 5th, so keep that in mind when planning your trip. The general highest temperature that Orlando reaches in August is between 90 to 93 degrees Fahrenheit (32 to 34 degrees Celsius). 

The lowest it can get is usually between 73 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit (23 to 24 degrees Celsius). Florida is extremely humid, so the air can feel very thick and sticky, and pop up rain storms normally happen in the afternoon. Now, bear with me. I know none of this sounds appealing. 

Yes, it can be extremely hot in August, and the pop up rain storms are never fun. However, here’s what you need to keep in mind. To start with, the pop up rain storms are normal for a Florida afternoon, and they usually never last long at all. In my experience, a rain shower, even an awful one, may only last about a half hour. Sometimes, it does not even last that long. 

For example, a couple of friends and I were caught in an awful rainstorm in EPCOT’s World Showcase. Everything shut down outside and we ran for shelter at the Mexico Pavilion while munching on nachos and sipping margaritas. The storm was absolutely awful, but then after about twenty minutes to a half hour, the rain was gone, and the sun came out like nothing had happened. 

There are times where the rain can be a good thing, because there is a chance that it could possibly cool things off. It might not be a lot, but it will still make a difference as you’re walking around the parks. At night, it does cool down a little bit too. It’s still very warm, but it does take the edge off.  Even during the day, when it is hot, the sun is out, creating a beautiful day for you and your party on your vacation. 

According to the Disney Tourist Blog, August is a great time to go, despite the heat and humidity, because of the low crowds. Though this might be in the second half of August, it’s because people take their vacations earlier in the summer and school is starting back up. With this aspect, August is still a good time to head to Walt Disney World. 

Preparedness is Key!

Be prepared for all kinds of weather! Okay, maybe not ALL kinds. I’m pretty certain it is not going to snow in central Florida in August. As I have mentioned before, the heat will most assuredly be present, so you want to pack clothes that will be cool and comfortable for long days at the parks. Here are some examples of pieces of clothing that would be great for hot, August, Florida days:

  • Tank tops
  • Shorts
  • Light-weight t-shirts 
  • Flowy Skirts
  • Light-weight kimonos
  • Comfortable sandals
  • Comfortable flip-flops
  • Tennis Shoes 
  • Baseball hats
  • Flowy sundress

Comfort, along with preparedness, is also key. If you’re hot and tired after walking around the park all morning and afternoon, the last thing you’re going to want to do is wait for the Happily Ever After fireworks show in flat footed shoes or a scratchy dress. 

Make sure whatever you are wearing provides the utmost comfort for you. You never know where your adventures will take you. If you’re walking around in the heat, you will not want to wear jeans. If you are caught in a rainstorm, you’re not going to want to walk around in uncomfortable shoes that let water in and soak your feet. 

Be prepared for weather elements. Obviously I mean the sunshine and the rain. For sun protection, a hat of some sort might be in order. It would protect your face from the sun and also be an adorable accessory. 

Also, make sure you have some sort of rain protection! Whether this be a light rain jacket with a hood, or an umbrella that you can fit in your bag. Rain ponchos are a good idea to have as well. The parks do sell them, however, I recommend buying them on your own because it will be much cheaper than the ones that are sold in the parks. 

Layers

One thing to remember when you are traveling to a place with unpredictable weather are layers! An adventure filled day starts early and ends late, so you want to make sure you’re prepared for cooler and hotter temperatures alike. 

The early mornings are still going to be warm, but sometimes they can be a little cooler, even if it’s for a short amount of time. My suggestion would be to take a lighter outer layer to the parks with you in the morning. Later in the day, your light jacket or kimono can be tied around your waist or put in your bag. 

There’s a big chance it will still be very warm, but if the temperature drops later at night too, then you will have something else to put on. Also, keep in mind, though you might not need it outside, the air conditioning in buildings can become a little chilly. It will feel relieving at first, but after awhile, an extra layer will take the edge off the chill. 

Another option is having a tank top underneath a t-shirt or, dare I say it, a sweatshirt that you can remove later during the day. Like I mentioned earlier, be prepared for all types of weather and even the temperatures inside the buildings. 

Clothing for Dining Reservations

On your vacation, you’re probably going to make reservations at some fun and different dining experiences, right? What if it’s a nicer place with a dress code perhaps? Not to worry! There is no need to dress in hot, stuffy clothing where you will be uncomfortable. 

If you are attending a restaurant that requires a little bit fancier clothing, make sure that it is something cooler and not something where you’re just going to sweat through it. For instance, a nice flowy sundress with comfortable heels or sandals will suffice. For men, khaki shorts or pants with a polo or light dress shirt rolled up and no tie will work. 

Now, something that is really nice is that most restaurants are indoors, so air conditioning will be present. Therefore, long pants or long sleeves can be worn if you wish to do so. If you have any plans to go anywhere after the reservations, my suggestion would be to wear something cool enough where you wouldn’t mind walking around in your outfit. 

For a list of the best and worst table service dining in the summer, the Mouse for Less Blog really gives the inside scoop about the better options for where to eat during the hot months of Florida.

Remember the layers we talked about? This would be a perfect example of how layers would fit into your wardrobe for your trip! Bring a sweater to go over top your dress, or a light jacket to put over your polo. I would go as far as to bring an extra pair of shoes for after your dining reservations. Wear the shoes you would like to wear while dining. Then you can bring your more comfortable walking shoes in your bag to wear later! 

Teenagers and Kids

In the Florida, hot summer months, a little more preparation for your kids and even teenagers are going to be in order. The guidelines for dressing comfortable and cool goes the same for them as well, and making sure they get a break from the heat every now and then will be a must. 

Now, adults will wear mouse ears as well, not just teenagers and kids. Walt Disney World has no age limit right?! However, you will probably see more of them wearing colorful mouse ears and Disney themed accessories more often. In my experience, mouse ears and accessories to wear in the parks can actually be cool enough to wear. 

Sometimes the head bands on the mouse ears can be a little tight on your head, so you might need a break from them now and then, but they do not become very hot, of course, because it’s just a headband. The only thing with the mouse ears is that they do not provide any sun protection at all. If no mouse ears are being worn, then maybe suggest to your young adult or child that a hat should be worn in order to keep the sun off their face. 

I know that it can be difficult to persuade a child to wear a hat sometimes, but the parks do offer all sorts of Disney themed hats. They are a little more expensive, but if it’ll help persuade them to wear sun protection, then it’s worth it. Everything is better Disney themed, anyways! 

For general clothing, the best option would be to go for something that is light-weight against their skin, so they are not feeling constricted and weighed down. A fabric that can breathe and draw moisture away from their body would be the absolute best.

Cotton can be a great fabric to wear comfortably and one that you probably already own. Another tip is to avoid dark colors at all costs. Dark colors on clothing really draw in and hold in the heat and can make you feel even hotter. 

You also should consider any rides that involve water. For instance, Splash Mountain in the Magic Kingdom can be a ride that does not usually get a guest soaked, but it can splash you pretty well with water. Then there is Kali River Rapids, a ride in Disney’s Animal Kingdom where you get completely drenched in water.

If you only bring one pair of clothes, have your kids wear clothing that draws moisture away from the skin and dries fast in the sun. However, you might want to bring an extra pair of clothes anyways in order to avoid any discomfort your children might have in wet clothing. 

Water Parks

There is, literally, no better time to visit the water parks in Walt Disney World than in August! It’s hot, it’s humid, and what better way to cool off and still enjoy your vacation in a Disney park?! Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon and Disney’s Blizzard Beach are both extensive and themed water parks that are usually open from 10 AM to 5 PM.  

However in the summer, they open at 9 AM and can close as late as 9 PM. Make sure to pack your swimsuits and something to wear over your swimsuits as you travel to the parks for the day. A light cover up and gym shorts or a comfortable tank top or t-shirt would be perfect. Flip flops or some sort of easy slip on and off shoe would be the best for a day at the water parks. 

Walt Disney World weather can be unpredictable in August. It can be hot. It can be humid. Pop-up rain storms can be annoying. However, being prepared can make a huge difference in your Disney trip planning. The crowds are lower in August, which helps immensely, and if you are prepared, it can be one of the best times to visit Walt Disney World. 

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