Best Times to Visit Disneyland in 2025
What’s your Disneyland dream? Is it seeing Sleeping Beauty Castle shimmering with holiday lights? Or maybe it’s the thrill of Halloween Time, complete with spooky treats and Jack Skellington’s nighttime takeover? Perhaps you’re a runner ready to conquer a runDisney race weekend, or maybe you’re planning a family vacation during summer break and want to know what to expect during the Disneyland 70th Anniversary Celebration.
Whatever your vision, we’re here to help you find the best time to make it a reality. There’s more to consider than just crowd levels when planning your perfect Disneyland adventure.
Related – Save on Your Stay at Disneyland’s Good Neighbor Hotels
Crowd levels at Disneyland often correlate with school schedules and major holidays. School breaks, both spring and summer, naturally increase park attendance. Additionally, factors like fall breaks in Arizona and Utah, spring breaks at California universities, and special events like runDisney races and conventions significantly impact crowd levels.
Winter — November, December, January
While January at Disneyland generally offers lower crowds and pleasant (if slightly chilly) weather, rain showers are common. However, the holiday season in November and December brings special entertainment, festive treats, and dazzling decorations. Expect higher crowds during school breaks, but embrace the holiday cheer!
If you’re looking to avoid large crowds, consider visiting Disneyland in early November on weekdays. While the holiday season offers festive magic, expect higher attendance during school breaks and around Thanksgiving. The first weekend of December, when the popular Candlelight Processional takes place, will likely see increased crowds. Mid-November and early December generally provide a good balance of holiday cheer and manageable crowds.
Spring — February, March, April
Springtime at Disneyland Resort is always a magical time, with the Food & Wine Festival and the arrival of spring breakers. In 2025, the excitement will reach new heights with the addition of Season of the Force. The park will be a vibrant spectacle, with blooming flowers, including the stunning pink Tabebuia trees, adding to the festive atmosphere.
To maximize your spring visit, consider attending the Food & Wine Festival in early March or taking advantage of the potentially lighter crowds during the week of April 7-11. Since fireworks typically occur only on weekends, plan your visit accordingly. Note that Disneyland occasionally offers nightly fireworks, as they did in late March/early April 2024, but the 2025 schedule will be announced closer to the date.
Summer — May, June, July
Summer break typically brings increased crowds to Disneyland, but the longer park hours and exciting summer entertainment make it a worthwhile time to visit. However, keep in mind that Disneyland After Dark parties, held on select Tuesdays and Thursdays in early May and mid-June, will result in an earlier park closing time.
Summer at Disneyland brings warmer weather, but ‘June Gloom’ can offer some relief. July can be surprisingly manageable, especially on weekdays. However, expect increased crowds during Memorial Day weekend (May 26, 2025).
While summer crowds can be significant, we find that late July and early August offer a delightful balance at Disneyland. Enjoy nightly fireworks and Fantasmic! before the Halloween season kicks off, and start to notice a slight decrease in crowds as the park prepares for the spooky festivities.
Fall — August, September, October
Experience the magic of late summer at Disneyland before embracing the spooky charm of Halloween Time. Enjoy the final days of summer entertainment in early August, followed by a captivating transformation as the park decorates for Halloween. Witness the giant Mickey pumpkin on Main Street, explore Cars Land adorned in Halloween attire, and delight in the Nightmare Before Christmas overlay on Haunted Mansion Holiday. Oogie Boogie Bash, a separately ticketed Halloween party, takes place on select nights, resulting in earlier park closures for those not attending.
It’s important to note that ‘off-season’ at Disneyland may also mean shorter park hours, a reduced entertainment schedule, and potential ride refurbishments. While September weekdays generally offer lower crowds, fireworks displays often only occur on weekends. Additionally, while daytime temperatures can be warm, evenings can become quite cool.
August is a great time to visit Disneyland. With many kids back in school, crowds tend to be more manageable. Plus, we love the chance to enjoy nightly fireworks displays.
Even during peak times, you can optimize your Disneyland experience. Consider purchasing Lightning Lane passes to skip standby lines, arrive early to enjoy lower crowds, and focus on having a magical day at the Happiest Place on Earth.
Ready to make your Disneyland dreams come true? Contact me today and let’s start planning your 2025 vacation! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel, my services are free, and I’d love to help you plan a magical vacation.
