If you are planning a Disneyland trip in the month of January, you’re in for a great experience! This is one of the best months to visit Disneyland as the crowds are generally lower, the weather is cool, and you’ll still find some holiday decor lingering around the first week of the month. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or an experienced Disney fan, this guide will help you maximize your visit.
We are frequent Disney go-ers and use our planner to make sure that we carve out time for all the fun adult things, like trying all the yummy Disney treats and drinks! We always take into account what the weather will look like and how we can best plan our day. Here’s the link to our printable planner so that you too can start planning your perfect Disney Day!
Read along to learn some helpful tips, plan for the weather and know what to expect when it comes to crowds.
Why Visit Disneyland in January?
January is a fantastic time to visit Disneyland for so many reasons!
- Lower Crowds after the Holidays – Once the New Year’s rush ends, Disneyland dips in attendance.
- Cooler Weather – The weather is crisp so no summer heat making the temperatures so much more comfortable.
- Seasonal Attractions and Events – Experience Lunar New Year and a preview to Valentine’s day merchandise. A slight reminder here, if you see something you like purchase it! Things sell out fast and likely won’t be available online.
Disneyland Weather in January
January can be one of the coolest months in Anaheim where temperatures can range anywhere from a high of 70 degrees Fahrenheit to a low of 45 degrees.
We visited Disneyland twice in January and experienced both ranges in temperatures so it’s definitely a good idea to dress in layers. While we don’t get too much rain, we see January as one of the wetter months in Anaheim, so it’s always a good idea to bring a light rain jacket or even a poncho just in case. You don’t want to get caught off guard.
You’re better off packing items like light sweaters, beanies, scarves, gloves (for kids) in addition to a light rain jacket. It’s always easier to layer up and take items off then it is to be stuck with a heavy coat the entire day. This also helps make sure you don’t get stuck making unexpected expensive purchases at the park or Downtown Disney. And don’t be afraid of the rain ruining your plans, there are so many things do to while you wait for the rain to pass.
TIP: I also like to make reservations for indoor dining/table service because this at least guarantees you a dry spot to eat and enjoy the views of the rain. It’s well worth the money especially if you are travelling with little ones. My favorites include Carnation Cafe and River Belle Terrace as they offer both charming and cozy dining options. This time allows you to plan the next move and what rides to approach if the rain is expected to continue throughout the day. Many Disneyland ride attractions do experience ride closures during rainfall so reassessing your ride strategy during this time is helpful.
Special Celebrations in January
The Lunar New Year Festival will take place in Disney California Adventure. You can catch Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession with special character meet-and-greets with Mulan, Mushu, Mickey and Minnie in festive outfits. You’ll also get to indulge in the special Asian-inspired food throughout DCA.
When visiting Disneyland in January, you also get to experience the holiday overlay and decorations. This will only be available the first week of January but you can still enjoy special things like
- Haunted Mansion Holiday (Nightmare Before Christmas)
- It’s a Small World (Holiday overlay)
- Sleeping Beauty Castle Snowfall Lights.
What to Pack for Disneyland in January
We tend to do days trips throughout the year, but these tips below are great for anyone planning a day trip or multi-day trip to Disneyland. Here are my Disneyland packing tips:
- Layered clothing like hoodies, jackets, and light sweaters. Don’t let the sunny forecast trick you, you will be cold at night!
- Comfortable walking shoes! Don’t underestimate how much walking you will do. This is not the time to break in new shoes. I would even recommend leather type shoes or some type of waterproof sneaker because rain can and will make an appearance.
- Backpack for all day trip, fanny pack for half day trip or if you plan to get back to a hotel for a mid-day break. If you are layering clothing, I highly recommend that you rent a locker to keep one backpack dry and secure with the additional items that may be needed throughout the day.
- If you are taking a stroller, consider a rain cover to keep your items dry on rainy days.
Final Thoughts
Visiting Disneyland in January is a fantastic way to experience Disney without the huge crowds or heat. It’s a great time for parents to visit if kids are on an extended winter break from school. Although you’ll miss out on the holiday overlay decor if you visit after the first week of January, there’s plenty left to do, see and enjoy at the park! Lastly don’t be fooled by sunny weather, it can quickly drop in temperature leaving little ones quickly asking for a warm sweater! A prepared packer will be a happy Disney park go-er.
Are you planning a Disneyland visit in January or the winter months? Let us know in the comments below.
x,
The Sun Queen