National Weather Forecast - Orlando Fl 

Weather is an important factor to consider when going to Orlando, but if you are looking to visit the theme parks you should also consider the crowd factor in making your decision on when to go.

The Good

If you spot a person wearing shorts in Orlando during January, chances are pretty good they are a tourist. Locals are the ones who will actually be wearing long pants and maybe even a sweater. The good news is that even in the middle of an Orlando winter, the weather is pretty good. The don't-blink-or-you'll-miss-it spring season in Orlando (March-ish) is an okay time to visit, but visiting anytime in Orlando during the spring is a bit of a risk since you may be visiting during Spring Break season.

A good time to vacation in Orlando is September or October. It's still very warm in these months, but not with the crazy humidity from the summer. Crowds at the theme parks are also at a decent level with all the kids back in school for fall. The theme parks also have a lot of fun things going on in October, such as Mickey's Not-So-Scarey Halloween Party at the Magic Kingdom (great for kids) and Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando (great for teens and adults).

Remember that hurricane season runs from the start of June until November with the worst months being from late August until October.  During this time it can be really humid and the time of the daily thunderstorm not as predictable as June's 3 o'clock downpour.  Staying during this time may mean losing a day due to severe weather or cancelled flights.  However you could just get a rainy morning that makes people avoid the parks and make them even quieter.

Another nice option is early December (about the first two weeks of the month). The theme parks are all decked out in their holiday decorations and holiday events, like the Ice carvings from China (yes, in Orlando!) and Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Parties,  are up and running, but the crowds don't show up until the end of the month.

The Bad

The crowds can be so heavy during the last two months of the year for Christmas and New Year's that the theme parks have to close their doors (or at least their parking lots). So avoid these two months if at all possible. A better option would be to go earlier in December if you are looking for the holiday decorations and events.

The Ugly

Unless high humidity, afternoon thunderstorms, and masses of hot and sweaty tourists sound like your ideal vacation, then avoid Orlando in the summer months (June to August).

If you absolutely must go in the summer, then plan on waking up as early as possible and hitting the theme parks as soon as they open (stand in front of the gates and wait if you must). The early jump on the day will help with both the weather and the crowds a bit, and if you plan your day right, you can get out of the park you are in early afternoon before the thunderstorm hits and go for a late lunch, take in an afternoon movie, or do something else indoors (like DisneyQuest or a walk around the atrium of Gaylord Palms). It's definitely not recommended to spend the entire day out in the summer sun and heat.