November at Disney World: Weather, What to Pack, and What to See

November marks the official start of the holiday season at Disney World, with festivities that embrace the music, decor, and charm of an old-fashioned Christmas.

Disney World can be calm or chaotic in November, depending on when you go. The later in the month you arrive, the busier Disney World gets, with crowds peaking around Thanksgiving weekend—historically one of the busiest weeks of the entire year at the park. But during the first half of the month, it's still considered the low season as most students are in school. Visiting the park in November is a great way to get a head start on holiday decorating and shopping and to pick up some inspirational decorating ideas for your own home.

Orlando stays relatively warm year-round but can get a little chilly at night in the latter part of November. Bring your bathing suit if you are staying at a Disney resort; the pools are heated to a comfortable temperature, and you may want to take a dip.

Disney World Weather in November

It can get pleasantly warm, and the oppressive humidity that plagues the Orlando area for much of the year typically dissipates by November. You can expect relatively warm, dry, and comfortable days and nights at Disney World throughout the month. You may get a chilly morning or two and it can get a bit cool after the sun goes down, but overall temperatures are mild and perfect for walking around the parks.

• Average high: 78 degrees Fahrenheit (26 degrees Celsius)
• Average low: 59 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius)

The Orlando area receives an average of 2.42 inches of rainfall in November, with only three days of rain in a typical year. The chance of rain in November is the lowest of any month for Orlando, so it's truly one of the best times to visit this usually wet city.

November is technically the last month of hurricane season, which officially ends on November 30. However, late-season hurricanes are very rare and you're unlikely to come across a storm during your visit.

What to Pack

Bring a bathing suit, shorts, and T-shirts plus a few long-sleeved pullovers and long pants if you get cold easily at night. You could still get a sunburn, so don't forget to add sunscreen to your packing list. You could probably get away without an umbrella during this month of light rainfall, but a windbreaker/rain jacket combo won't take up much room in your luggage, so it's a good idea to pack one just in case.

As is the case regardless of the month you visit, make sure your footwear is built for walking. You will be doing plenty of it.

November Events at Disney World

Crowd levels vary in November, with increasing numbers of people visiting the parks as Thanksgiving approaches. Travel early in the month and enjoy the weather, holiday decor, and low crowd levels. You can catch the following special events when you visit Disney World in November, although some require additional admission.

• Epcot International Food & Wine Festival: This multi-month event features food and drinks from around the world offered at kiosks throughout the park. The festival also includes celebrity chef appearances, professional cooking demonstrations, and plenty of hands-on opportunities so you can expand your own culinary skill set. The 2020 festival is taking place throughout all of November, with over 20 special food booths set up around the park.
• Disney Wine & Dine Half-Marathon Weekend: This event presents four days of family fitness activities throughout Walt Disney World Resort at the beginning of November. With a half marathon course, a 10K, a 5K, and kid-sized dashes, the whole family can get in on the fun. Disney characters usually line the courses to cheer on participants, but the event is taking place virtually in 2020 from November 5–8.
• Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party: Santa Claus joins Mickey Mouse at the Magic Kingdom for a jolly Christmas celebration sure to thrill the youngsters in your family—and the young at heart. Disney characters don their holiday finery while joyful music plays and favorite attractions light up with holiday theme decor. This separately ticketed event is canceled in 2020.
• Epcot International Festival of the Holidays: With music, costumed performers, and seasonal food and drink specialties, this festival shares the holiday traditions of Epcot's 11 World Showcase nations, so you can see how the holidays are celebrated around the globe. The festival kicks off on November 27, 2020, and runs through December.
• Candlelight Processional: With a celebrity narrator, 50-piece orchestra, and enormous choir, this performance at Epcot brings the biblical story of the birth of Jesus Christ to life. The Candlelight Processional is canceled in 2020.

November Travel Tips

• Plan your November trip to arrive early in the month to experience Disney at its best, with low crowds, short lines, and comfortable weather and temperatures.
• Make sure to leave room in your luggage for some Disney souvenirs and Christmas goodies as most of Disney's holiday collection comes out in November. Pack an autograph book as the holiday events that begin in November feature some rarely seen Disney characters.
• Use FastPass+ and be prepared with fun things to do while you wait in line for rides; if you do go during a peak time, use every option you have to reduce the time you spend waiting in line, including Rider Switch passes and single rider lines.
• If you are relying on the Disney transportation system during the busy holiday period, allow extra time to get from place to place.

To learn more about the pros and cons of visiting Disney World during November, check out our guide on the best time to visit.