Should I pack a poncho for Disney World?

Yes, from June through September. June, July and August each average 11.5 rain days and September 9.2, according to NOAA's 1991 to 2020 normals for Orlando, and a poncho from home is easier than finding one in a park shop.

What should I put in my park bag?

Sunscreen, a refillable water bottle, a portable phone charger, a poncho, band-aids, and a snack for the kids.

Do I need to pack a swimsuit?

If your resort has a pool, yes. Pack one even in winter, since some mornings are cool enough that little ones will want to wait for the afternoon.

Disney World Packing List for Families

The Short Answer

Pack for comfort first: broken-in shoes, light layers, sunscreen, a poncho and a charger. Then add one or two things for your month. Winter needs a jacket for early mornings, and a poncho goes in the bag every single day from June through September.

The One Number That Changes the List

Rain days. In May Orlando averages 5.7 days with at least 0.10 inch of rain. In June, July and August the average is 11.5 each, about double. Summer storms usually arrive in the afternoon and pass, so the poncho is for a quick shower, not a washed-out day. The table below lists every month with what I would pack.

The Every-Trip List

Comfortable, broken-in shoes for everyone
Light layers and a swimsuit
Sunscreen and a hat
Poncho
Refillable water bottles
Portable phone charger
A few band-aids and any medicine the kids use
A small snack for the kids

What I Leave Home

Brand-new shoes
Heavy jackets, unless you go in December to February
Anything you would be upset to lose

Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Zip the Bag

Which month are we going?
Is there a resort pool day in the plan?
Does anyone need a spare outfit for the afternoon?

Not sure about dates yet? Watch My Trip keeps an eye on your trip for you. Let me know if you have any questions!

Orlando Month by Month

Month	High	Low	Rain days	What to pack
January	71.8°F	49.5°F	4.0	Layers. Mornings can start in the 50s, so bring a light jacket for the first rides and the walk back to the resort. Pants for the kids, shorts in the pocket for the afternoon. Comfortable shoes matter more than anything else on this list.
February	74.9°F	52.4°F	3.8	Same plan as January: a light jacket for early mornings and evenings, shorts for midday. Pack a poncho anyway. A quick shower does happen, and a poncho from home beats waiting in a gift shop line.
March	78.9°F	55.8°F	4.0	Spring break weather is lovely, and the afternoons start to feel warm. Think shorts and tees with one light layer. Sunscreen goes in the bag now, not later.
April	83.6°F	60.7°F	3.9	Warm and mostly dry. Pack for sun first: hats, sunscreen, sunglasses and a refillable water bottle. Keep one light layer for air-conditioned rides and restaurants.
May	88.4°F	66.3°F	5.7	Hot, and the afternoon storms begin to show up. Breathable clothes, a hat, and a small poncho for each person. Shoes that dry fast are a great call.
June	90.8°F	71.6°F	11.5	Hot and humid with a storm most afternoons. Pack two pairs of shoes so one can dry overnight, a poncho for everyone, and a small towel. Plan a midday break at the resort pool.
July	92.0°F	73.2°F	11.5	The hottest and wettest stretch. Moisture-wicking clothes, spare socks and a dry bag for your phone. Ask yourself: where is the shade and the air conditioning when a storm rolls in?
August	91.6°F	73.7°F	11.5	Same as July, with the heat sticking around. Cooling towels are a favorite for kids. Pack extra clothes for the park bag and check the forecast for storms before you leave the resort.
September	89.6°F	72.4°F	9.2	Still hot, still stormy, and it is hurricane season. Pack like July and keep an eye on the forecast. This is a month where trip protection and a flexible plan are worth a quick chat with me.
October	84.7°F	66.2°F	5.3	Heat eases and the rain days drop. Shorts are still the default, with a light layer for the evenings. Halloween parties mean costumes, so leave a little room in the suitcase.
November	78.3°F	58.2°F	3.0	My favorite kind of packing: easy. Shorts in the afternoon, a light jacket for the evening, and comfortable shoes. The mornings can be cool, so ask yourself whether the kids will want long sleeves.
December	73.8°F	52.9°F	3.7	Mild days and cool nights, with the occasional cold snap. Pack layers, a warmer jacket for evenings, and a hat and gloves just in case. Holiday photos look great in a coordinated outfit, if that is your thing!

Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals, 1991 to 2020, Orlando International Airport (MCO). Checked on 12 Oct 2026. A rain day is days with 0.10 inch or more of precipitation. These are averages, not a forecast.

Want the single-month view? Use the Disney World weather tool.