A Complete Guide to Walt Disney World in August

If August is on your radar for visiting Walt Disney World resort or you’ve already booked your trip for this month, use this guide to plan your itinerary.

In this post, I’ll go over everything you need to know about Disney World in August, such as what to expect with the weather, special events to consider, what the crowds are like, what’s new, and what’s closed.

All dates and information subject to change throughout the year. This post will be updated frequently, but for the most up to date information on what’s closed and what’s reopened, check out my post about Disney World closures and what’s new.

Weather in Orlando in August

The Orlando area in August is just as hot, humid, and rainy as it is in June and July, with an average high temperature of 92° F and average low of 74° F.

So, in other words, we’ve got some pretty hot weather on our hands this month.

I recommend adding plenty of pool time to your itinerary or even a day or two at Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon, Disney’s water parks.

August is one of the wettest months in the central Florida area with an average of over 7 inches of rain.

Afternoon showers are common, although most rain showers here often only last about 20 minutes, give or take.

It’s also still hurricane season in August. While that doesn’t mean Disney World will get hit with a hurricane, which is rare due to its central location inland, it does mean rain – lots of it. 

All weather data courtesy of US Climate Data.

What to wear to Disney World in August

As with the other Summer months, I recommend light-colored, loose clothes to help prevent you from overheating. 

As for shoes – I always say, do what’s best for your feet. I prefer sandals, like Birkenstock slides or Teva sandals, over sneakers because I HATE when my feet get hot and stuffy this time of year.

But, many people feel they can’t keep up with all the walking unless they wear sneakers.

Lastly, I highly recommend taking sunglasses, sunscreen, and a disposable rain poncho to the theme parks with you this time of year. You might want a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated and hat to add some shade, as well.

The Florida sun can be brutal, as can the rain, so it’s a good idea to be prepared for both!

All that said, I’ve visited Disney World in August in the past and despite the miserable heat and high humidity, I still enjoyed my Disney vacation.

For more tips on what to pack for Disney World, check out my Disney World packing list post. 

My Disney World packing guide comes with a FREE printable packing list to help you stay organized while packing for your trip.

August crowds

Early August still sees considerable Summer crowds, but the second half quiets down a little bit for back-to-school season.

If you’re a family with children and limited choices of when you can visit, the end of August is slightly better than June or July crowd-wise. 

So if your schools aren’t in session until the first week of September and you don’t mind the heat and humidity, late August is a great time to visit Walt Disney World.

Special events

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, a specially ticketed event at Magic Kingdom during after-hours returns on August 9, 2024 and runs through October on select nights several times per week.

This limited-capacity event includes trick or treating, a Halloween parade, special character meet-and-greets, and shorter lines at popular attractions, like Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Jungle Cruise, Pirates of the Caribbean, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Space Mountain, and TRON Lightcycle / Run.

You can learn more about this event, such as dates and ticket info, in my Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party guide.

Attraction and ride closures

There are several rides and attractions that are expected to be closed in August.

It’s also possible that more closures will be announced as we move through the year, as well as attractions reopening before August.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

• Colors of Mo’Ara face painting station in Pandora is temporarily closed with no reopening date.

Epcot

• Test Track is closed until some time in 2025 for a massive refurbishment that involves reimagining the ride.

Over in the Morocco pavilion, The Brass Bazaar, Casablanca Carpets, Marketplace in the Medina, and Restaurant Marrakesh remain closed.

El Ranchito del Norte in Mexico, Village Traders between China and Germany, Der Teddybar in Germany, the Trading Post between Canada and the United Kingdom pavilions, Sportsman’s Shoppe in United Kingdom, and the Mitsukoshi Kiosk in Japan also remain closed.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

• Star Wars Launch Bay is open, but the theater is closed. The shops, prop displays, and character meet ups are expected to be available.

Magic Kingdom

If you’ve been anticipating all of the changes at Magic Kingdom and want to visit before the Summer ends, August is the time to go.

The new Country Bear Jamboree show and Tiana’s Bayou Adventure both open earlier in the season. Hopefully by this time, it’ll be easier to experience both without the “must be first” crowds.

However, Peter Pan’s Flight, a classic ride in Fantasyland that is popular with little kids and nostalgic adults will be closed for refurbishment until August 21, 2024.

Are you ready to visit Walt Disney World in August?

I hope you found all the information you need to plan your Walt Disney World vacation. If you have additional questions, leave a comment and I’ll be sure to get back to you.

This blog post was originally published on June 16, 2021. It was last updated August 3, 2024.