What to Wear to Disney World in November (2024)
If you’ve booked a vacation for Walt Disney World Resort in November, you’ll want to know that Florida weather is typically different from the rest of the country, except maybe Texas—brutal summers, easy winters, and rain.
We love going to Disney in November because the rainy season starts to end, and the heat is much more tolerable than all the months before it.
Below, I’ll walk through the weather at Disney World in November and how you should pack for the Disney theme parks. I’ll also explain special events at Disney World, and what items you should always pack, no matter the month. Hopefully, this guide will help you be better prepared for a great family vacation!
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Weather at Disney World in November
The weather in November in Orlando is close to perfect—average high temperature in the high 70s (mid 20s Celsius) and average low in the low-60s (mid teens Celsius). That being said, the temperature can fluctuate to as high as the mid-80s (high 20s Celsius) or as low as the high 40s (8-10 Celsius).
Here’s an average and historic temperature guide for Orlando in October, November, and December. https://weatherspark.com/m/17721/11/Average-Weather-in-November-in-Orlando-Florida-United-States
It’s also important to know how the temperature changes throughout the day and in intense sunshine. The weather will typically be cooler temperatures until about 10AM. Then it will start heating up, reaching the high around 3:30PM. Finally, it will start to cool around 7:30PM. It typically won’t get truly cold until the end of the month.
However, you’ll probably be outside on concrete and in direct sunlight more than you’re used to at home. And the intensity of the sunlight and the physical exertion will make you feel warmer than you’d expect for 75 degrees. I’ll cover this more later, but the sun is still dangerous even in November. If you’re prone to sunburn, take precautions as needed.
Finally, while November is just after the rainy season, Florida is always prone to sporadic rain showers. Always prepare for rain, and don’t worry about the forecast. The showers usually come and go rapidly. November averages about 17% chance of rain, compared to 40% at the beginning of October.
What to Pack for Disney in November
You’ll want to pack mostly short sleeves and shorts/skirts but bring a couple of layers. As I mentioned above, it will start and end cool. Therefore, it’s nice to have a hoodie or light jacket with you for rope dropping and staying for the fireworks. Here’s a great one.
Next, I recommend you bring both pants/leggings and shorts/skirts. I get so hot in sunlight and walking that I can almost never wear pants at Disney World. I can only wear pants if it’s below 70 and/or overcast. Even then, with pushing the stroller or carrying kids, my body temperature stays warm. I think a good rule is dress for what you think you’d wear if it was 5-10 degrees warmer. We always pack a variety of long-sleeved shirts and short sleeve shirts to make sure we're prepared for everything. I also don't have a problem pushing my sleeves up and down as needed.
An exception to this is if you are naturally colder and don’t plan to move around a lot. For instance, you may want to dress warmer if you are in a scooter or a wheelchair, and don’t be surprised if your stroller-bound kids are colder. An easy fix is to use the sweatshirt you brought to cover your kids like a blanket.
Oh, if you're looking for a good stroller for Disney, check my posts on the best single stroller for Disney and best double stroller for Disney. I tallied up a bunch of Disney parents’ responses on Facebook and Reddit to put these lists together (and compared features and reviews).
My son approves of this stroller.
Finally, if you’re not bringing a stroller to Disney, you’ll want to bring a bag for supplies but especially to store your layers in when it gets hot. You could take them back to your hotel for a mid-day break, but you might need them again as the temperature begins to drop at night. However, you might find you won’t need them.
In the following section, I’ll cover more packing tips that work for any Disney trip, regardless of what month it is.
What to Pack for Disney Any Time of Year
For any trip to Disney, you’ll want a few necessities. First, bring all your Disney gear—hats, ears, shirts, Disney shoes (comfortable shoes!), bubble wands, and three-fingered gloves! Here’s an Amazon list I put together if you’re in need. (Affiliate link)
You also need rain gear. Don’t wait to buy this at the park. Nobody wants to spend $20 on a flimsy poncho when you can buy tons of them at Walmart or Amazon. We got stuck buying ponchos one time, and it cost a fortune. (We still have them 4 years later, so we’re determined to make it worth it).
Our little girl is ready for the rain.
If you’re bringing a stroller or scooter, make sure you bring a poncho or shower curtain and clips to cover them. It hurts the vibe for your kids when you get off the ride to find a puddle in the stroller seat, and it’s bad for the Cheez-its.
Next, it’s my opinion that regardless of the time of year, you should be wearing socks and running/walking shoes. You’ll see lots of different footwear at Disney World, but I will never travel 10 miles a day by foot in anything that wasn’t designed for that kind of mileage. One time I tried to wear Hey Dude style loafers and got shin splints. Here’s the best shoes for Disney.
Whatever you do, don’t wear flip flops or heels (unless you know what you’re doing). And, make sure you break in your tennis shoes before wearing them in the park. Blisters and Disney rash are no fun. I just got a new pair of Brooks, and I’ve spent all week breaking them in before we head to our first trip to Disneyland. Kids typically fare better in whatever shoes as long as they don’t wear blisters. Getting old is the worst.
Here’s a 2 page, downloadable packing list if you need it.
Now on to suncare. It doesn’t matter what the temperature or cloud cover is, subtropical sunlight can burn you. If you have fair skin, bring sunblock, a hat, and sunglasses or you might be a blind lobster on day two. As a bald man, I take this seriously.
On a related note, even if the weather is really mild, you’ll be walking upwards to 10 miles a day, make sure you drink plenty of water. You can bring in your own water, purchase it at Disney, or use the free water stations located around Disney World. If you’re not used to Florida water, it’s very sulfuric. In other words, it tastes like water with the essence of rotten eggs. If that’s not your favorite, bring bottled water. I’ve gotten to the point where I can just chug it and grimace.
Finally, remember that you’ll walking a long ways, using the restroom, climbing in and out of rides, moving at high speeds, and so forth. Think about doing that and pack practical clothing. You might look amazing in a tuxedo or ballgown, but by the end of the day, you might be regretting it (unless that’s your thing).
Festivals and Holidays at Disney in November
You also might consider what holidays and festivals are happening at Disney during your trip. For the first 3 weeks of November, it will be the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival. There’s amazing food and drinks to be had at all the booths around the World Showcase. My tip is to bring your own metal fork (if they’ll let it through security). Eating gourmet food on top of a trash can with a plastic fork is difficult.
The Eat to the Beat concert series happens during the Food and Wine Festival. We love it.
At the end of November, right before Thanksgiving, EPCOT will transition to the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays. This also has amazing food offerings, shows, and other experiences. I personally love the over-the-top dessert beers in the American Adventure pavilion, like Egg Nog stouts.
My girls love Belle’s Christmas dress.
In the rest of the parks, Disney World will begin to transform for Christmas right at the beginning of November. As soon as Mickey puts away his Halloween costume, the holiday season begins for Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios. The season officially starts with Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party on November 9th, 2024, but decorations go up before that.
The Christmas Holidays at Disney World are some of the most magical experiences, with gingerbread houses, lights, trees, and special events. Of note, Magic Kingdom will have Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party on select nights, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios will have Jollywood Nights. The Holiday season doesn't start as early as Walmart's does, but you still have a couple months to see the lights and beauty. Christmas time also has some of our favorite character interactions, especially Mickey and Minnie at Magic Kingdom, and Belle's Christmas dress at the French Pavilion in EPCOT.
Most people think Grand Floridian has the best decorations for Christmas, but our family thinks Wilderness Lodge feels the most Christmas-y.
The parties are amazing if you’re interested, and they’ll also play a role in what park you want to go to during the day. The park with a party night will close early, so you’ll miss out on night time activities if you don’t have a separate ticket to the party. That being said, crowds and ride times are typically smaller during the day leading up to a party. If you do buy a ticket to the party, you get to go to the park several hours before the party starts.
The free cookies are one of our favorite parts at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
Thanksgiving is not a big deal at Disney World (as far as parties or decorations), but it is extremely busy, so if that’s your only chance to hit the parks, be prepared for larger crowds during the week of Thanksgiving.
Earlier in the month of November is the best time to go because you get mild weather, low crowds, and Christmas. Veteran's Day weekend might be a good time to sneak in a trip if you're scheduling around a school calendar.
However, the first full week of the month is typically EXTREMELY busy because of Jersey week. This is when the whole state of New Jersey has a week off and floods the parks because it’s cold up there. If this happens to coincide with Veteran’s Day (11/11), then you should really avoid the parks because lots of other states will have vacation as well. This won’t happen in 2024.
What Not to Pack for Disney World
Here’s a few things you don’t want at Disney World—in November or ever. First, people over 14 can’t wear a costume (unless it’s a Halloween Party). This is to prevent people impersonating cast members, hurting the brand, or worse, tricking kids for sketchy reasons.
Next, you won’t need a parka or winter coat. It will never get that cold, and it will take up so much room in your luggage. That being said, I watched plenty of people buy winter coats at the Norway pavilion in EPCOT when it got below 50 degrees last February.
Third, I want to reiterate. Do not wear heels or flip-flops. You will not enjoy it (again, unless that’s your thing).
Finally, this is a family place. Don’t bring obscene or graphic clothing items to Disney World. Even if it’s Disney themed. Especially if it’s Disney themed. Next, don’t push the envelope on risqué. Everyone has different opinions on what modesty looks like, but Cast Members have been known to turn people away for inappropriate clothing, especially if it looks like you might have a wardrobe malfunction.
Now on to a weather and clothing related question.
Can You Swim at Disney World in November?
The short answer is absolutely you can swim in November! You can swim any time of year at Disney World. The pools are heated to 80 degrees. This sounds nice, but it’s not as warm as you might think. If it’s below 70 degrees outside, many people struggle with the pool water temperature and getting out of the pool. However, in November, the temperatures are usually pretty good for swimming, at least in day time.
We love the pools in Disney World, even in November.
In general, kids don’t mind as much as us old folks. I don’t know if we have more sensitive nervous systems, or we’re just whiners, but either way. I’ve also heard that people from colder climates tend to enjoy late fall and winter months swimming more. I'm from Georgia, not from one of the northern states or Canada or Great Britain, so I can't weigh in on that, but I can say that November is just fine for swimming.
Moderate Disney resorts and deluxes have a hot tub (not to mention plenty of non-Disney hotels in the vicinity). This is a good option if you really need an aquatic experience, and it happens to get unseasonably cold.
If you’re heading to Disney in November and you like to swim, bring your swimsuit just in case.
Are the Disney Water Parks Open in November?
The water parks are also open year-round. Post-covid, Disney has made sure to keep at least one water park open at any given time. The water at the water parks is also heated. Again, the weather is typically just fine until maybe the end of the month, so book a day at the water park.
They will close for what they consider extreme cold. There doesn’t seem to be an exact consensus on the exact temperature, but it seems to be when the highs drop below 70 and lows drop below 50, in other words, when it starts raining iguanas (look it up). But, that’s usually never a problem in November.
Conclusion and Further Reading
If you have other tips, outfit ideas, or other thoughts about going on a Walt Disney World vacation in November, leave a comment in the comment section at the bottom of the page (below the suggested reading).
November is a great time to go to the Disney Parks. It's much cooler and less rainy than the summer months, and there are typically lower crowds than other times of year. Our family loves Disney in November, but we haven’t had many chances to go because of the school calendar. Thanksgiving is too busy for us.
November can be slightly cool but is unlikely to get downright cold. November is still the fall, and it's rarely cold even in winter in Central Florida. Pack a few layers but don’t be surprised if you don’t need them.
Even Tower of Terror gets into the Christmas Spirit. We love Christmas time in Disney World.
You might also want to prepare for water rides like Kali River Rapids and Tiana's Bayou Adventure (the new Splash Mountain), and Frozen and Pirates of Caribbean can also give you a wet surprise. We don't avoid these rides in November, but it’s a good idea to bring a change of clothes just in case a water ride or rainy days make things a little colder.
I hope this helps you have an amazing November trip to the most magical place on earth. You chose well. It's a great time to go.
If you're looking for other times of year to go, check out my article about handling the heat at Disney World.
What to wear and pack for Disney World in January, as well as average weather and January events and crowds.