Disneyland in May: Crowds, Weather, Events
Planning on Disneyland in May?
While there’s no best time to visit Disneyland (it can be busy ANY time of year), this enchanting month offers a lovely opportunity to experience the park in mild-but-warm weather.
In this blog post, we’re exploring what May looks like in Disneyland. From weather to crowds and special events, we’re looking at EVERYTHING you need to know to visit Disneyland in May.
Ready for some magic?
Disneyland Weather in May
May offers delightful weather in Disneyland.
Typically, the climate is a pleasant mix of warm during the day and cooler in the evening. Daytime temperatures usually range from the mid-60s to low 70s Fahrenheit (around 18°C to 22°C), making it comfortable for all-day adventures in the park.
May marks the transition from spring to summer in California, and while the mornings might be slightly cool, the afternoons are comfortably warm. It’s a great time to enjoy the outdoor attractions without the intense heat that comes in the later summer months.
The best part about Disneyland in May is that despite it being spring, May is one of the drier months, so sunny days are the norm. That said, it’s always a good idea to check the specific forecast as your trip approaches, just in case.
What to Wear in May
Spring can be a difficult month to advise on packing for because it HIGHLY depends on where you’re coming from. The in-between weather is pleasant for bumming around the parks but could mean you’re coming into a colder or warmer climate that you’re used to.
That said, based on the nice weather during the day with cooler mornings and evenings, you’ll probably want to think layers. I usually recommend brining along:
- A light jacket or sweater (for cooler parts of the day)
- Comfortable, breathable longer pants
- Tshirts – probably one long and one short sleeved
- COMFY shoes!
Don’t forget to pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats to stay protected from the sun during peak hours. It truly doesn’t matter what time of year you’re coming, you NEED these in your park pack!
Disneyland Crowds in May
May can be an opportune time to visit Disneyland if you choose your dates wisely.
Positioned between the busy periods of Spring Break and summer vacation, May often sees a reduction in crowd sizes, especially on weekdays, as most schools are still in session. This makes Tuesday through Friday (daytime!) ideal days for a visit, where you might enjoy shorter lines and less waiting time for attractions.
However, there are a few exceptions to consider.
May hosts several grad nights, which tend to draw larger crowds of celebrating students. Additionally, this year Disneyland will feature the “Disney After Dark” events on May 2, 7, and 9. These special evenings can attract more visitors and slightly alter the atmosphere and crowd levels during those times.
It’s important to remember that predicting crowd sizes with absolute certainty is challenging. Real-time apps and recent visitor reports can be helpful for gauging crowd levels during your visit.
Disneyland Events in May
Season of the Force
Embark on a galactic journey starting May 1st at Tomorrowland. Season of the Force transforms your experience, giving you the opportunity to meet Captain Phasma and her stormtroopers, along with the return of HyperSpace Mountain. Dive into unique Star Wars-themed treats and collectibles. It’s perfect for any Star Wars fan!
Pixar Fest at Disneyland
Experience Pixar Fest at Disneyland, ongoing until August 4th, 2024. The festival highlights popular Pixar movies, from timeless hits like “Toy Story” and “Coco” to recent favorites like “Turning Red” and “Elemental.”
Disneyland After Dark Star Wars Nite
Don’t miss Star Wars Nite on May 2, 7, and 9 during the Season of the Force at Disneyland. This ultimate Star Wars event is packed with galactic fun, featuring exclusive activities and themed entertainment.
Grad Nites
Every May and June, Disneyland celebrates graduating high school students with Grad Nites. These special evenings occur on select dates—May 10, 14, 15, 17, 19, 22, 23, 28, and 31—offering exclusive after-hours festivities that honor recent graduates.
Holidays in May
While there isn’t necissarily anything happening on these particular holidays at Disneyland, they do occur during May and often see bigger crowds. Since people are off work and/or families are trying to celebrate together you’ll likely see larger crowds these days.
- Mother’s Day: May 12
- Memorial Day: May 27
Tips for Visiting Disneyland in May
Opt for Weekdays
In May, particularly after the grad festivities get started, you’ll want to aim to visit Disneyland from Tuesday through Friday. Weekdays typically see lower crowd levels as local schools are still in session, providing a more relaxed atmosphere and shorter lines for rides.
Plan for Weather
This is a tip for ANYTIME you visit ANYWHERE, you need to make sure that you’re prepared for whatever the weather is you might see. Since May in Southern California sees cooler mornings and evenings with warmer afternoons, layers are going to be your friend.
And regardless of what time of year you’re visiting, lways wear sunscreen. Even on cloudy days, and consider a hat and sunglasses to protect against the sun during peak hours.
Use FastPass and Mobile Apps
Take advantage of Disneyland’s FastPass system to skip long lines for popular attractions. Additionally, use the Disneyland mobile app to check ride times, find dining options, and manage your FastPass selections from your phone, saving you time and hassle.
Don’t Forget About California Adventure
On days when Disneyland is particularly crowded, consider visiting Disney California Adventure Park. It not only has its own unique attractions but might also be less crowded, offering a different but equally enjoyable experience.
Book Dining in Advance
Popular restaurants in Disneyland can have long wait times. Book your dining reservations well in advance (up to 60 days before your visit) to secure a spot at your desired eateries, especially for character dining experiences or during special event days.
Stay Hydrated
Walking around Disneyland, especially in warmer weather, can lead to dehydration. Carry a refillable water bottle, which can be refilled at water stations throughout the park, ensuring you stay hydrated all day.
Pack Snacks and Comfort Items
Bring your own snacks and a refillable water bottle to save on food costs and reduce time spent in lines at concession stands. Small comfort items like a portable fan, seat cushions, or a lightweight blanket can also enhance your comfort during shows or while waiting in line.
Be Flexible with Your Schedule
While it’s good to have a plan, sometimes spontaneous changes can lead to better experiences. Use the Disneyland app to monitor wait times and adjust your plans accordingly. If an attraction suddenly has a shorter wait time, it might be worth changing your schedule to take advantage of the opportunity.
Should I Visit Disneyland in May?
If you’re from out of down, you don’t always get a chance to decide when you get to visit – especially if you’re juggling multiple schedules. That said, it’s still worth weighing the pros and cons of visiting in May.
The truth is, May’s a pretty good month to visit.
The weather is generally pleasant, and weekdays see fewer crowds with schools in session, making it ideal for enjoying the park’s attractions. That said, special events like Grad Nites, can bring larger crowds and less predictable conditions.
However, if you avoid the busier event days and don’t mind a bit of uncertainty with the weather, May offers a great balance of enjoyable features and manageable crowd sizes.
Pros of Visiting in May
- Pleasant Weather: May typically offers moderate temperatures, making it comfortable to spend long days outdoors exploring the park. The weather is warm enough to enjoy the attractions without the extreme heat of summer.
- Lower Crowds: Since May is between the spring break and summer vacation peaks, weekday visits especially can see lower crowd levels. Schools are generally still in session, which helps reduce the number of local families and school groups.
- Extended Daylight Hours: Longer days in May mean more time to enjoy the park’s attractions and entertainment. Extended daylight hours allow guests to maximize their time in the park (in the light, the hours aren’t directly affected).
- Flower & Garden Beauty: The park is often in full bloom in May, with beautifully maintained flower beds and natural decorations. This adds an extra layer of charm to the already picturesque setting.
- Availability of Hotel Deals: Since May is not peak tourist season, it’s often easier to find deals on hotels and accommodations near Disneyland, making it a more budget-friendly time to visit.
- Grad Nites Vibes: Although Grad Nites can mean more crowds on specific dates, they also bring a festive atmosphere to the park, with special events and celebrations that contribute to the overall energy and excitement.
- Good Time for Annual Passholders: With blackout dates typically starting later in the summer, May is a strategic month for Annual Passholders to visit before restrictions apply.
Cons of Visiting May
- Grad Nites Crowds: Grad Nites are held on select nights in May, attracting large groups of high school students celebrating their graduation. These events can significantly increase crowd levels and lead to longer wait times for attractions.
- Variable Weather: While the weather is generally pleasant, May can sometimes bring unpredictable conditions, including sudden heat waves or rare rain showers, which could disrupt your plans.
- Partial Park Closures: With the summer season approaching, May might see partial closures or refurbishments of attractions as Disneyland prepares for the high season. This could mean missing out on certain rides or areas.
- Early Summer Crowds: As you move towards the end of May, you might start encountering the early waves of summer vacation crowds, particularly around Memorial Day weekend, which is one of the busier times at the park.
- Higher Prices: While not peak season, May is close enough to summer that you may start seeing an increase in prices for tickets, food, and merchandise compared to the off-peak seasons like January or February.
- Limited Time for Water Rides: Cooler morning and evening temperatures in May might make water rides less appealing, limiting your enjoyment of attractions like Splash Mountain or the Grizzly River Run.
- Reduced Hours: Early in May, the park hours might not be as extended as they are in peak summer months, which can limit how much you can see and do in one day, especially if the park closes earlier in the evening.
- Allergies: For visitors sensitive to pollen, May can be challenging as it’s a high pollen season in Southern California, potentially affecting those with allergies.
- Less Availability for Last-Minute Planning: As Disneyland gears up for the high season, last-minute hotel and dining reservations might be harder to secure, requiring more advance planning.
Final Thoughts: Disneyland in May
May offers a wonderful balance of pleasant weather and lighter crowds, making it an ideal time to visit Disneyland.
Whether you’re drawn by special events or the daily magic of the park, a May visit provides a perfect backdrop for creating lasting memories. With careful planning and a bit of flexibility, you can enjoy all that Disneyland has to offer during this delightful spring month.
So, are you headed to Disney this spring?
