No, Really. Pack a Poncho for Disney World This Winter.

We talk a lot about how rainy spring and summer are in Disney World, and how it’s always important to bring a poncho, an umbrella, or both to keep yourself dry. Well, we hope you haven’t packed those away just yet, because you’re about to need them BIG TIME for this winter.

Tree of Life in Animal Kingdom

El Niño is a weather event that happens every two to seven years, and has to do with weather patterns that have happened throughout the rest of the year. This year, we’re looking at an El Niño weather event that will absolutely affect the United States between December 2026 to February 2027, and it’s looking like it’s about to be a lot rainier than usual.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), this year’s El Niño is going to bring wetter-than-average conditions across the southern U.S., from California all the way to Florida, as well as along the Eastern Seaboard. Additionally, warmer-than-average temperatures are expected across the northern U.S., but the drought will fortunately be improving for the majority of the country. In terms of temperatures for Florida, we’re looking at near-normal temperatures, which is a good sign.

©NOAA

Ken Graham, director of NOAA’s National Weather Service, said, “While higher chances of rain and snow may bring relief to drought-afflicted areas, too much precipitation on dry soil can fuel destructive flash floods and mudslides. Now is the time for communities and individuals to plan ahead for the upcoming winter.” When it comes to the rain levels expected, we’re looking at wetter-than-average conditions for Florida especially. Now, this likely won’t really mean snow, since we’ll be looking at the same temperatures as normal, which often don’t get below freezing (though Florida absolutely does still get cold!), but you never know!

©NOAA

This means that there could be many rainy, wet, cold winter days coming for Disney World, and while we’re big on the idea that any day in Disney World is better than a day elsewhere, despite what the weather may be, wet and cold often isn’t a great mix. You’ll likely want to pack layers, as well as your ponchos and umbrellas, and keeping dry socks in your bag isn’t a bad idea either. Parts of Disney World are known to flood, and wet socks any time aren’t great, but during the winter? Yeah, major no from us.

Disney Springs in the rain

What really happens when Disney World floods? Check out our video below!

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