Orlando Weather in January: What Canadians Need to Know Before Packing for Disney World in Winter Months
Orlando weather in January may not be what you expect! If you’re planning a trip for the new year, be sure you’re ready for the sun AND surprise chills!
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Welcome back to Lisa on Main Street, Disney-loving Canadian besties! My name is Lisa, and I’m all about inspiring your next magical trip from up north!
Thinking of escaping the Canadian cold for some Florida sunshine this January?
You’re not alone: January is a popular month for Canadians to visit Walt Disney World! Crowds tend to settle down from the holiday rush, so it’s definitely ideal… but here’s the catch: Orlando weather in January isn’t always as warm as you’d think.
Before you pack only shorts and tank tops, here are a few things you should know:
What Is the Weather Like in Orlando in January?
While January is part of Florida’s “cool” season, it’s still much warmer than back home in Canada! You’ll often get mild afternoons but chilly mornings and evenings.
- Average High: 22°C (72°F)
- Average Low: 10°C (50°F)
- Humidity: Lower than in summer (yay!)
- Rain: Fairly low chance of rain overall
It’s not cold-cold, but you’ll definitely want layers, especially if you’re rope-dropping rides or catching fireworks late at night.
How to Pack for Orlando Weather in January
It’s all about the layers. For those who have never visited Florida, it’s easy to assume you’ll live in shorts all week (especially when you’re coming from cold weather in Canada!), but January in Orlando calls for a bit more strategy:
- Light jacket or hoodie (for early mornings + evenings)
- Comfortable jeans or leggings
- T-shirts or breathable long-sleeves
- A pair of shorts or two (for those warmer days)
- Poncho or packable rain jacket (just in case!)
- Closed-toe shoes + socks (sandals can feel too cold at night!)
- Warm pajamas (resort rooms can feel chilly with the AC on)
I went to visit Disney in January of 2023 (fun fact: that was my first time doing Disney in January – and I’ve been doing it ever since!), and boy, did I underestimate the cold. Sure, I had a light hoodie on, but I paired it with shorts (I wanted to look cute!), and er – it was a bit chilly!
Why January Might Be the Best Time to Visit Disney
Besides the (sometimes) cooler weather, there are perks to going in January:
- Lower crowds after New Year’s
- Discounted rates at many resorts
- Festival of the Arts at EPCOT (a fave!)
- No intense Florida humidity
Just make sure you’re ready to switch from T-shirts to sweaters within the same day!
Tips for Canadians Visiting Orlando in January
Don’t forget sunscreen!
Even in January, the UV index can be high! This one is my favourite mineral sunscreen (it doesn’t leave too much of a white cast). To prevent any sort of white cast, I layer it with my favourite tinted moisturizer that also has SPF protection – it’s a winning combo!
Layers = magic. Especially helpful if you’re traveling with kids.
Pool time? Yes, many resorts have heated pools—but the walk to the pool might be chilly!
Skip the winter coat. Unless you’re planning to hit the parks at 6 AM every day, a warm hoodie or light puffer will usually do.
Florida might not feel totally tropical in January, but that’s part of its charm this time of year. You’ll get comfortable park days, cooler nights for cozy Disney snacks, and plenty of chances to explore without sweating buckets.
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