Orlando, in central Florida, is known worldwide for its theme parks, led by Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando. This Orlando travel guide covers what to do, how to organize your days and when to go to avoid the summer heat and storms, based on NOAA climate normals and official travel advice.
According to Wikipedia, Orlando has more theme parks and attractions than anywhere else in the world, and it is one of the most visited cities in the United States. Its international airport is among the busiest in the country. Downtown, around Lake Eola, has its own museums, but most visitors come for the parks on the outskirts.
Our travel deals for Orlando
Affiliate links: we earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
FlightsKiwi.comCompare flights and airline combinations to Orlando.Compare flights- Airport transferKiwitaxiPrivate driver booked in advance at a fixed price.Book a transfer
- Tickets and toursTiqetsEntry tickets and guided tours to book online; compare with the official price.See tickets
- City passGo CityMulti-attraction pass at a fixed price: worth it only if you visit a lot.See passes
- eSIMAiraloData plan to install before you leave (eSIM-compatible phone).See plans
Orlando: key facts
- Location: central Florida, United States
- Main parks: Walt Disney World (opened in 1971, in Bay Lake, southwest of Orlando) and Universal Orlando (opened in 1990)
- Airport: Orlando International Airport (MCO)
- Entry: domestic travel for US citizens; UK citizens need an approved ESTA or a visa (GOV.UK, updated 18 August 2026)
- Currency and time: US dollar; same time as New York
- Ideal length: 4 to 7 days, depending on how many parks you visit
Things to do in Orlando: the essentials
Walt Disney World
Opened by the Walt Disney Company in 1971, Walt Disney World is in Bay Lake, about 34 km (21 mi) southwest of Orlando. It is the best-known attraction in the area. The resort combines several theme parks, water parks and many hotels: visitors often spend several days there. Tickets, opening hours and ride reservations are handled on the official website.
The Disney resort has its own page: visiting Walt Disney World (parks, hours, tickets, weather).
Universal Orlando
Opened in 1990 as Universal Studios Florida, Universal Orlando has grown over the years into a resort with several parks, hotels and an entertainment district. It suits teenagers and fans of thrill rides and movies.
SeaWorld and other parks
SeaWorld and many other parks and attractions round out the offer. With young children, it is better to limit the number of parks and plan rest days at the pool.
Downtown Orlando and Lake Eola
Away from the parks, downtown is centered on Lake Eola and its historic district, which stretches to Lake Lorna Doone and the College Park neighborhood, with streets lined with old oak trees. The main cultural venues, such as the Orlando Museum of Art, are in the city.
How many days, how many parks?
| If you… | Then… |
|---|---|
| have children under 8 | focus on Walt Disney World; plan a rest day every 2 or 3 park days |
| are traveling with teenagers | combine Universal Orlando with one or two Disney parks |
| visit in June-September | do outdoor rides in the morning: storms often break out in the afternoon (see the climate) |
| only have 3 days | choose a single resort to cut down on travel |
| want some beach time too | combine with Miami and South Florida |
To plan a road trip, see our Florida guide and our United States guide.
When to go to Orlando
From February to May and in October-November, when it is warm without being too hot (26.1 °C (79 °F) in the afternoon in March, 25.7 °C (78 °F) in November) and rain is limited. From June to September, highs exceed 32 °C (90 °F) and, from June to August, it rains on more than one day in two (17.1 rainy days in July). The UK FCDO (GOV.UK, updated 18 August 2026) notes that the Atlantic hurricane season normally runs from June to November. Winter is mild during the day (22.1 °C (72 °F) in January) but cool in the morning (9.7 °C (49 °F)): pack a sweater.
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Rainy days | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 22.1 °C (72 °F) | 9.7 °C (49 °F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 7.0 | ✅ Mild, cool mornings |
| February | 23.8 °C (75 °F) | 11.3 °C (52 °F) | 52 mm (2.0 in) | 6.4 | ✅ Mild and dry |
| March | 26.1 °C (79 °F) | 13.2 °C (56 °F) | 77 mm (3.0 in) | 6.8 | ✅ Ideal |
| April | 28.7 °C (84 °F) | 15.9 °C (61 °F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 6.3 | ✅ Ideal, warming up |
| May | 31.3 °C (88 °F) | 19.1 °C (66 °F) | 102 mm (4.0 in) | 8.4 | ⚠️ Hot, storms returning |
| June | 32.7 °C (91 °F) | 22.0 °C (72 °F) | 204 mm (8.0 in) | 16.2 | ❌ Very hot, storms, hurricanes possible |
| July | 33.3 °C (92 °F) | 22.9 °C (73 °F) | 189 mm (7.4 in) | 17.1 | ❌ Hottest month, daily storms |
| August | 33.1 °C (92 °F) | 23.2 °C (74 °F) | 195 mm (7.7 in) | 17.2 | ❌ Hot and stormy, hurricanes possible |
| September | 32.0 °C (90 °F) | 22.4 °C (72 °F) | 162 mm (6.4 in) | 14.2 | ⚠️ Hot, peak of hurricane season |
| October | 29.3 °C (85 °F) | 19.0 °C (66 °F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) | 8.4 | ✅ Drier, still warm |
| November | 25.7 °C (78 °F) | 14.6 °C (58 °F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 6.0 | ✅ Ideal, hurricanes possible early in the month |
| December | 23.2 °C (74 °F) | 11.6 °C (53 °F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 7.1 | ✅ Mild, holiday season |
Summer storms: how many rainy days per week?
Over a 7-day stay, expect about 3.9 rainy days in July and August, compared with 1.4 in November. In summer, these are mostly thunderstorms during the day: plan outdoor attractions early in the morning. Destination de Voyage calculation based on NOAA 1991-2020 normals (days with at least 0.01 in × 7 / days in the month).
| Month | Rainy days per 7 days | Day/night range |
|---|---|---|
| January | 1.6 | 12.4 °C (22 °F) |
| February | 1.6 | 12.5 °C (23 °F) |
| March | 1.5 | 12.9 °C (23 °F) |
| April | 1.5 | 12.8 °C (23 °F) |
| May | 1.9 | 12.2 °C (22 °F) |
| June | 3.8 | 10.7 °C (19 °F) |
| July | 3.9 | 10.4 °C (19 °F) |
| August | 3.9 | 9.9 °C (18 °F) |
| September | 3.3 | 9.6 °C (17 °F) |
| October | 1.9 | 10.3 °C (19 °F) |
| November | 1.4 | 11.1 °C (20 °F) |
| December | 1.6 | 11.6 °C (21 °F) |
The gap between afternoon and early morning is largest in March (12.9 °C (23 °F)): a jacket is useful for early park openings. To compare with Miami and Key West, see when to go to Florida.
Getting there and getting around
- By air: Orlando International Airport is one of the busiest in the United States. Routes and connections change with the seasons: check with the airlines.
- On the ground: the parks are spread out around the city; most visitors rent a car or use hotel and park shuttles.
- On the road: the UK FCDO (GOV.UK, updated 18 August 2026) says a UK photocard driving licence can be used in the US, possibly with a 1949 International Driving Permit depending on the state; rental companies may have stricter rules.
Where to stay
Staying in or near a resort (Walt Disney World or Universal Orlando) cuts down on travel if you mainly visit that resort. A hotel between the two works if you want to alternate. Downtown and Lake Eola suit a more urban stay.
Entry requirements, health and safety
- US citizens: a trip to Florida is domestic travel, with no entry formalities.
- UK citizens: according to the UK FCDO (GOV.UK, updated 18 August 2026), you need an approved ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa before you travel. Apply only through the official ESTA website or the ESTA Mobile app. Your passport must be valid for the length of your stay. A valid ESTA does not guarantee entry: the decision rests with US border officials.
- Hurricanes: the Atlantic hurricane season normally runs from June to November (GOV.UK); check the forecasts from NOAA and the National Hurricane Center and follow the instructions of local authorities, including evacuation orders.
- Health: medical treatment is expensive and some hospitals ask non-US residents for a deposit (GOV.UK): visitors should have travel insurance covering medical costs. In an emergency, dial 911.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit Orlando?
February to May and October-November. From June to September, afternoons exceed 32 °C (90 °F) and, from June to August, it rains on more than one day in two, according to NOAA 1991-2020 normals.
How many days do you need in Orlando?
Allow 4 to 7 days for two park resorts, with rest days if you travel with children.
Do you need a visa to visit Orlando?
US citizens need nothing. UK citizens need an approved ESTA or a visa before traveling, according to GOV.UK (updated 18 August 2026).
When is hurricane season in Florida?
The Atlantic hurricane season normally runs from June to November, according to the UK FCDO.
What time zone is Orlando in?
Eastern Time, the same as New York: 5 hours behind London for most of the year. The gap can differ for a few weeks a year, when the US and the UK do not change their clocks on the same day.
Our sources
- NOAA (National Weather Service), 1991-2020 normals for Orlando International Airport, via the Wikipedia climate box, accessed 23 October 2026; Celsius and millimeter conversions by Destination de Voyage
- Entry requirements, health, safety and driving checked on 26 October 2026: UK FCDO, GOV.UK foreign travel advice for the USA (updated 18 August 2026)
- Wikipedia: « Orlando, Florida », accessed 23 October 2026
- Destination de Voyage calculations and summaries: rainy days per 7 days, day/night range, « how many parks » grid
- Our methodology
Updated October 2026.
To extend your trip, see our Florida guide and our destinations in the Americas.
