With most kids having gone back to school and the temperature cooling down, September is one of the best times to visit Orlando. Home to more than a dozen theme parks—including Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, Legoland, and SeaWorld— most of them report their lowest attendance during the month of September. Smaller-than-normal crowds mean shorter lines and potential deals on park tickets and lodging.
September marks the end of the balmy summer season and is arguably the best time (climate-wise) to visit. Temperatures cool down gradually as the month goes on.
- Average High: 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 degrees Celsius)
- Average Low: 73 degrees Fahrenheit (23 degrees Celsius)
The chance of rain also decreases throughout the month, but there is still a 50/50 chance that you’ll see showers on any given day. Florida’s frequent wet spells sweep through in the afternoons. Keep in mind that September is also the peak of hurricane season, so you’ll need to be on the lookout for extreme weather and plan accordingly.
What to Pack
Summer attire like shorts, tees, and flip-flops are ideal for a trip to Orlando in September. Throw in a light jacket for evening outings, and a poncho or umbrella for the unpredictable rain bursts.
Even at the more upscale restaurants, the opportunity is provided to go casually dressed in the evenings due to the heat and humidity—therefore: tropical sports shirts and slacks or sundresses and strappy sandals are welcome. Don’t forget comfortable footwear, especially if you plan to spend most of your vacation walking around the amusement parks.
Resort pools and water parks are perfect places to cool off, so be sure to pack a bathing suit and cover-up for the obligatory mid-day dip. A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are also necessary for a September trip to Florida.
September Events in Orlando
September brings food-focused events throughout Orlando plus the beginning of the festive Halloween season.
Magical Dining Month
More than 100 Orlando-area restaurants offer three-course prix-fixe meals starting at $40 per person from the end of August through the beginning of October, the 38 days known as Magical Dining Month. At the end of the program, restaurants donate up to $2 for each Magical Dining dinner served directly to one or more deserving charities. 2023’s event will take place from August 18 to October 1, 2023.
Epcot International Food & Wine Festival
Feast on food from around the world at the more than 20 marketplaces that make up Epcot’s annual International Food & Wine Festival. In addition to food, there are also nightly concerts, chef-led events, and scavenger hunts. 2023’s event starts July 27 and will offer various marketplaces throughout the park.
Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
Halloween gets a head start at Walt Disney World, where Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party happens most nights from late August through October. The ghosts and goblins come out after dark in the Magic Kingdom, and Disney characters clad in Halloween costumes are on the scene. Just like on Halloween night, you can collect sweets and treats. Many attractions in Walt Disney World will be open during this event. You’ll need tickets to the park to get in.
SeaWorld Craft Beer Fest
SeaWorld is an ideal place to bring the libation enthusiasts in your family during Craft Beer Fest. This Labor Day Weekend, you can choose between 100 craft beers from breweries across the state of Florida, plus a few domestic and international craft favorites.
SeaWorld Halloween Spooktacular
Feast on food from around the world at the more than 20 marketplaces that make up Epcot’s annual International Food & Wine Festival. In addition to food, there are also nightly concerts, chef-led events, and scavenger hunts. 2023’s event starts July 27 and will offer various marketplaces throughout the park.
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