What to Wear at Disney World in Winter (It’s More Complicated Than You Think)
Hot take: figuring out what to wear at Disney World in winter is harder than figuring out what to wear in summer. At least in summer you know it’s going to be hot and you’re going to sweat. A winter day in Orlando can be a genuinely mixed bag and if you dress for one temperature you’re going to be miserable for at least half the day.
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What Orlando Winter Actually Looks Like
December, January, and February specifically. A few things worth knowing before you pack.
The dry season means no afternoon thunderstorms. Any rain comes from passing fronts and is more predictable than the summer chaos.
The temperature swing is the real story. Orlando winters regularly see a 20 degree difference between morning lows and afternoon highs. A typical winter day might start at 52 degrees and hit 74 by early afternoon. Dress for one of those temperatures and you’ve got a problem.
| Time | Typical Winter Temperature |
|---|---|
| 7 AM | 50-58°F |
| 12 PM | 68-76°F |
| 7 PM | 58-66°F |
Arctic intrusions happen too. Most winters see a few mornings in the 30s. Cold snaps typically last 2-4 days before a rapid warm-up back into the 70s. If one of those hits during your trip you’ll want to be prepared.
One more thing that catches people off guard: you can still get sunburned in January. The UV index is lower than summer but still high enough to cause damage during prolonged exposure. The temperature may be 72 degrees but the sun doesn’t care. Wear sunscreen.
The Wine and Dine Warning
I was running the 2021 Wine and Dine 10K on November 6th. Race start at 5am, had to be there earlier. 50 degrees, super windy, lightly raining. I had a long sleeve under a short sleeve and I was shivering and damp, huddling with friends trying to stay warm. We knew it would be chilly. We absolutely didn’t expect that.
Florida winter will surprise you. Prepare accordingly.
Layering Is Everything
The key to figuring out what to wear at Disney World in winter is layers. If you fully commit to one temperature you’re either freezing in the morning or sweating by noon. The good news is if you’re carrying a bag, taking off a layer and stuffing it in there takes ten seconds. You don’t want anything too bulky for exactly this reason.
What to Wear at Disney World in Winter
Base Layer
Stick with the same shirts you’d wear in summer. If you’re a heavy sweater like me, don’t stress about performance fabrics for winter. It’s cool enough that cotton absorption isn’t the enemy it is in July.
You can check out our picks for cotton shirts here. And if you do still want to go the performance fabric route, we’ve got you covered too.
Bottoms
I wear shorts virtually every day of the year. Coming from the northeast, Florida cold barely registers even with slightly thinner blood. Shorts are still the move for me and jeans are still a no. Too restrictive, too heavy.
If you want pants, go lightweight. The Marine Layer Saturday Twill Chino (~$138) is a fantastic choice. Buttoned but with an elastic waistband for comfort, soft, and breathable. If you’re comfortable with a tapered leg, the prAna Altitude Tracker LT Jogger (~$56) is worth a look. Drawstring waist, darker colors look decidedly less like sweatpants, and they’re genuinely comfortable for a long park day.
For women: Beyond Yoga Caught in the Midi (~$99) are my wife’s go-to for cooler days. I’m telling you, she wears these everywhere and absolutely adores them. She’s tried Lululemon in the past, but definitely prefers these.
If you’re looking for something more relaxed, less “Let’s get to Yoga”, she also likes Vuori Joggers ($110). Roomier, but still super comfortable.
Top Layers
This is where the layering strategy really comes into play. A few options depending on how cold it actually is:
The L.L. Bean Carefree Unshrinkable Long Sleeve T (~$37) is a great foundation layer. Easy to roll up the sleeves as it warms up and genuinely durable.
The Lululemon Evergreen Jacket is a lighter windbreaker with some water repellency. Not ideal for the coldest mornings but perfect for afternoons and evenings as it cools back down. Lightweight enough to stuff in your bag without noticing it. However, it looks like Lululemon doesn’t make it anymore. Their Zeroed In Track Jacket (~$80) looks comparable.
The Marine Layer Afternoon Front Zip Hoodie (~$108) is the best zip up hoodie I’ve ever owned. I’m not one for hyperbole but I love this hoodie like a child. Incredibly soft, lightweight enough to carry when you don’t need it, and works across a wide temperature range. It’s held up well past my son’s spit up on your shoulder phase and has gotten softer with each wash. I’ve had this for years and I fear the day that it’s irreparably damaged.
For women: The Beyond Yoga Featherweight Daydreamer Pullover (~$51) is my wife’s cold weather layer of choice, lightweight, soft and virtually every color that you can image as an option.
A windbreaker is key and Patagonia’s Houdini Stash Pullover (~$145) is a fantastic choice. Lightweight, and incredibly easy to pack. With that being said, it is on the thinner side so if it’s really cold, it won’t do a ton.
On colder mornings, a lightweight sweatshirt is my wife’s go-to. Recently, she’s really enjoyed the Mate Lightweight Terry Raglan Sweatshirt (~$128). When I tell you she’s been looking for a good Florida sweatshirt for years, that’s no exaggeration. This one keeps you warm without feeling like you’re wearing a weight vest and it’s super soft to boot.
I don’t get super cold very often, but my wife is a bit more susceptible to a chill in the year. She loves her Patagonia Nano Puff (~$229). It’s very warm, but most importantly it’s light and can be pretty easily packed. Definitely won’t weigh down your bag once you take it off.
Footwear
Same shoes as summer. No need to overthink it, but maybe leave the flip flops at home.
Don’t Overdo the Cold Weather Gear
You can probably wear whatever outerwear you need on the plane and pack as normal with a few extra layering options. Don’t dedicate half your suitcase to cold weather clothing for a Florida winter trip. A couple of versatile layers handles everything Orlando winter throws at you.
