Disneyland in August: Crowds, Weather, Events
Looking at scheduling Disneyland in August?
There’s no real “best” time to visit Disneyland, except for when your schedule allows. But there are times that are better than others. If you have flexibility in your schedule, it’s worth taking a look at whether or not this is going to be the best month for you.
In this post, we’re digging into Disneyland in August. From weather to crowds, we’re looking at what you need to know about visiting Disneyland during this peak summer month.
Disneyland Weather in August
August is the PEAK of summer in southern California, which makes it a great time to visit Disneyland if you love the heat.
During this month, daytime temperatures often soar into the mid-80s to low 90s°F (around 29°C to 34°C). And evenings bring a mild relief from the heat, with temperatures gently dipping into the 60s°F (around 15°C to 20°C), providing a comfortable atmosphere for nighttime shows and parades.
With the warm weather in mind, Disneyland is popular for tourists, so the crowds are a bit thicker than you might be expecting.
What to Wear in August
Packing for Disneyland in August is all about staying cool and comfortable in the summer heat. With the Southern California reaching peak temperatures, it’s important to prepare for full, sunny days at the park.
With this in mind, you’ll want to make sure you have lightweight and breathable clothing on hand. Here’s what I recommend bringing along:
- Lightweight, moisture-wicking tops
- Comfortable shorts or skirts
- A light sweater or long-sleeve shirt
- Comfortable walking shoes
Remember that while it is important to pack light, breathable clothing, you always want to check the weather forecast as you trip approaches – this allows you to make any necessary adjustments to your packing list.
You also want to make sure you don’t forget essentials like sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses to protect against the sun during those peak daylight hours.
Disneyland Crowds in August
August is one of the busiest times to visit Disneyland as it goes hand-in-hand with summer vacation for many families.
Disneyland typically experiences some of its highest crowd levels during this time as visitors take advantage of the warm weather and school breaks. While weekdays can be slightly less crowded than weekends, overall, you can expect larger crowds and longer waits for attractions throughout the month.
It’s hard to predict crowd sizes with complete accuracy, especially this far out. With that in mind, I recommend using real-time crowd tracking apps as it arrives closer to your planned date.
For those that want to skip (some of) the crowds, you’ll probably want to head to the park first thing in the morning. You won’t be the ONLY person with this idea, but not everyone will be there.
Disneyland Events in August
D23 at Anaheim Convention Center
The D23 Expo, the world’s largest Disney fan convention, takes place at the Anaheim Convention Center from August 9 to 11, 2024.
While the Anaheim Convention Center is not at Disneyland, the D23 Expo itself does include a member event that takes place in Disneyland on August 8th – so it’ll probably be more crowded that day.
Halloween at Disneyland
Halloween this early?! That sure is the case at Disney.
Over the years Disney’s Halloween celebrations have become a bigger and bigger draw, to ensure that more people get an opportunity to participate, celebrations this year begin on August 23rd.
Halloween means special decorations and themed overlays on attractions (particularly The Haunted Mansion), reflecting the growing popularity of the event.
Oogie Boogie Bash at California Adventure
Right alongside Halloween decor, the Oogie Boogie Bash starts in August.
This event takes place at Disney’s California Adventure and runs through Halloween. It includes Halloween-themed entertainment and character meet and greets.
If you don’t have Oogie Boogie tickets, you’ll need to leave California Adventure at least an hour before the event starts at 5 p.m., so make sure you have a park hopper so your day doesn’t end!
Tips for Visiting Disneyland in August
Visit on Weekdays
To minimize the impact of summer crowds, plan your Disneyland visit from Tuesday to Friday. Although August is generally busy, these weekdays usually have lower crowd levels compared to weekends. Note: it WILL likely still be busy.
Stay Hydrated and Cool
August’s heat in Southern California can be intense, so it’s crucial to stay hydrated. Carry a refillable water bottle and top it off at water stations (totally free) around the park.
I would also consider brining a portable fan or misting bottle along – both can help provide quick relief from the high temperatures.
Wear Sun Protection
Direct sunlight and high UV levels are typical in August, making sun protection essential. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen before you arrive at the park and reapply every two hours throughout the day.
Beyond sunscreen, you can wear a wide-brimmed hat and add UV-protective sunglasses – both can help protect you from sun exposure.
Plan for Evening Comfort
While the days can be scorchingly hot, evenings might cool down. A light jacket or sweater stashed in your bag can be very useful for night shows or if you’re staying for fireworks.
Use FastPass and Mobile Ordering
Utilizing Disneyland’s FastPass system to reduce your wait time for popular attractions. You can also save time on means by using the mobile ordering feature available through the Disneyland app.
Arrive Early or Stay Late
Getting to the park early or staying late can offer an advantage when it comes to scoring rides on your top picks. These times often feature shorter queues for attractions that are usually packed during peak hours.
And, if you can spare missing the parade, you might find it easier to get into a desired traction during that time too!
Prepare for Early Closures
If visiting California Adventure, be mindful of early park closures due to special events such as the Oogie Boogie Bash. These events mean non-ticket holders need to leave the park earlier than usual.
Pack Lightly but Wisely
Bring a lightweight backpack equipped with essentials like water, snacks, a portable charger, and a basic first-aid kit. This setup allows you to have everything you need on hand while ensuring you’re not weighed down as you move around the park.
Should I Visit Disneyland in August?
You might not have much flexibility in choosing when to visit Disneyland, especially when coordinating with others. But it’s still important to consider both the advantages and drawbacks of visiting in August.
August is a bustling month at Disneyland. The park offers extended hours and unique summer entertainment that you won’t find during other times of the year, such as the start of the Halloween season, which adds a special twist to the experience. Additionally, the warm weather guarantees that all attractions are up and running.
So, let’s go over the pros and cons of visiting Disneyland in August:
Pros
- Extended Park Hours: During August, Disneyland often extends its operating hours to accommodate the summer crowds. This means more time for you to explore the park, enjoy rides, and catch entertainment like parades and fireworks shows.
- Summer Entertainment: August is a prime time for special summer entertainment, which may include exclusive shows, parades, and nighttime spectaculars that are not available during other times of the year.
- Warm Weather: The warm weather in August ensures that all outdoor attractions are operational, and you don’t have to worry about rain disrupting your plans. This makes it ideal for enjoying water rides and other outdoor activities.
- Seasonal Events: August hosts unique seasonal events such as the start of Halloween celebrations at Disneyland, which offers a chance to experience the park in a completely different theme with special decorations and themed attractions.
Cons
- High Temperatures: August in Southern California can be extremely hot, often reaching temperatures that make prolonged outdoor activities uncomfortable. This can lead to quicker fatigue and may require more frequent breaks to cool down, especially for families with young children or elderly members.
- Increased Crowds: August still sees significant visitor numbers due to school vacations and last-minute summer trips. This can result in longer wait times for popular attractions, crowded walkways, and generally busier conditions throughout the park.
- Costly Travel and Accommodation: As August is a peak travel season, costs for flights, hotels, and even local transportation can be higher. This increase in travel expenses can make planning a trip to Disneyland more costly compared to off-peak times.
- Early Park Closures: Due to special events like the Oogie Boogie Bash, parts of the park, particularly California Adventure, may close earlier than usual. This can disrupt plans for those not attending the special events and reduce the time available to enjoy all the attractions.
- Intense Sun Exposure: The strong sunlight in August raises the risk of sunburn and heat-related illnesses. Constant sun exposure without adequate protection can detract from the enjoyment of your day, requiring more frequent applications of sunscreen and measures to stay cool.
Final Thoughts: Disneyland in August
If you love heat and don’t mind the crowds, August could be a great time to visit Disneyland. Especially if you want to catch Halloween-themed things and can’t go later in the year.
But there are going to be a TON of people in August and it’s going to be hot. It has to do a lot with how you personally feel about whether or not you can do Disney at this time. With careful planning and some flexibility you could absolutely have a ton of fun!
