There’s no bad time to visit Disneyland—but there is a best time depending on what you’re looking for. Maybe you want low crowds, lower prices, or the most special events packed into your trip.
I’ve spent years visiting Disneyland during every season—from the calm of early March to the excitement of the holiday season—and this guide breaks down everything you need to know to find your personal Disneyland sweet spot.
Inside this article we’ll look at:
- Crowd levels
- Seasonal events
- Best months to visit Disneyland
- Bess time to visit Disney California Adventure
- And more!
Whether you’re planning a quick getaway, a summer vacation, or a visit during school holidays, you’ll find the perfect time to make your vacation simply magical.
This article was originally published in 2020 but receives regular, fresh updates on my favorite times to travel and why they might also work for you!
Disneyland Crowd Calendar
Here’s what you really need to know when it comes to crowd calendars.
Everyone wants to visit Disneyland when crowds are low and lines are short—but here’s the truth: crowd calendars can only tell you so much. I’ve been writing about Disneyland since 2013, and even I can’t predict every busy day. What I can tell you is how to use crowd calendars the right way and when to completely ignore them.
Crowd calendars are based on things like Southern California school holidays, Magic Key blockout dates, and seasonal events at both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure. Those patterns can help you spot trends, like how early March or late April often bring spring break crowds before summer vacations begin.
But sometimes, Disneyland surprises us. A random Tuesday in February might feel packed, while a Saturday in July could flow beautifully thanks to extended hours and smart use of Lightning Lane.
My advice: instead of chasing the “perfect” day on a crowd calendar, find the time that fits you. Whether that’s a sweet spot between school breaks, a holiday season trip for the decorations, or a summer vacation when everyone can go—it’s always a great time to visit if you plan smart.
Best Time to Visit Disneyland
So, when is the best time to visit Disneyland? The answer depends on what matters most to you—low crowds, special events, lower prices, or a particular seasonal vibe. And I truly LOVE answering this question. It’s probably the one I get asked the most in person.
For many guests, the best months are when Disneyland hits that “sweet spot” between school holidays and Southern California’s busiest travel seasons. Here’s a quick guide based on what you’re looking for:
- Low Crowds: You’ll typically find fewer people in mid January through late February. Even Spring Break can be surprisingly pleasant like early March or late April when most Spring Breaks are done. I also love the summer months, surprisingly July has always been a winner for us.
- Lower Prices: Mid-week visits outside school breaks or big seasonal events are when you’ll find the best single day ticket prices. But I prefer less ticket restrictions and lower costs over multiple days. That’s why I suggest you bundle discount tickets with a Disneyland Good Nieghbor hotel from my partners, Get Away Today.com/Happiest.
- Special Events: If your trip is all about the magic, time your visit around Halloween Time decorations in the fall or the Christmas season, when the entire Disneyland Resort transform with unique entertainment, food, and decor.
- Summer Vacation: Expect higher crowds but longer park hours, more entertainment, and all rides and attractions open—making it a great time for first-timers or families who can only travel during summer months like June, July and August.
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer here. Different times of the year bring different kinds of magic. The trick is matching your priorities to the experience you want most.
Disneyland Seasonal Events
One of the things that makes Disneyland so special is how the theme parks transform throughout the year. From the sparkling Christmas season to the spooky fun of Halloween decorations, each visit can feel completely different depending on when you go. Planning around these special events can help you choose the best days and times of the year for your trip.
Let’s go over each season and special event starting in the beginning of the year:
- Holiday Season: Since the holidays end in early January, this is where we begin. If you go during the last bit of this celebration, expect ultimate magic but also ultimate crowds as everyone wraps up their time off work and school.
- Lunar New Year : Seasonal and cultural festivities at Disney California Adventure Park, I love this celebration!
- Food & Wine Festival: Dominating the Spring Break scene is a culinary celebration for the entire family. Foodies will love this time of year at California Adventure.
- After Dark Nites: The party extends late into the night on select nights each winter and spring, don’t miss these special ticketed events.
- Halloween Time: Mid-August through early November, Disneyland and Disney California Adventure come alive with Halloween decorations, themed treats, and limited-time experiences like Oogie Boogie Bash.
- Holiday Season: Holidays begin in mid-November which is the best time to go see the decor, ride overlays, entertainment and more before things get really busy in late December.
Pro tip: If you’re chasing crowd calendars for that perfect time—good weather, manageable lines, and festive touches—target your visit right before or after the school holidays, when you can enjoy seasonal magic without peak crowds. You may get a soft opening of certain experiences (like food festival market places or seasonal decor).
Plan Your Disneyland Visit with Confidence
No matter when you visit, Disneyland is magical year-round. But knowing the best days, times of the year, and seasonal events can make your trip even more memorable. Whether you’re aiming for low crowds, chasing the holiday season magic, or planning a summer vacation, there’s always a great time to make memories at Disneyland Resort.
For even more planning help, check out these guides:
- All the Disneyland Area Hotels I’ve Stayed At
- Disneyland Calendar with Monthly Breakdowns
- Downtown Disney Guide (don’t miss exploring here!)
- And don’t forget: my latest book, Disneyland 2026, has all the updated tips, planning strategies, and insider secrets to make your next trip unforgettable.
Ready to book your next trip? Get the best prices on tickets and packages by booking through my trusted partner, Get Away Today.com/Happiest. Whether it’s a Disney hotel stay, a summer vacation, or a visit during special events, they’ll help you get the most out of your Disneyland trip.
We are going December 2021 because that is my Winter Vacation as a teacher. We planned on staying 3 days. Do you think we can do the first of the week? Around the 20-22? I’m looking at your Hotels + Tickets. Thanks in adavance.
Hi Brit, this is so exciting! Now that there are theme park reservations, it’s much easier to visit during set vacation times. Just grab your tickets and theme park reservations now to secure your dates.
I thought the last week of June was a pretty good time if you must go during summer… no??
Summer can be surprisingly nice if you hit it right, but always be prepared with a game plan and you’re already ahead.
New Years Day falls on a Thursday, so if you're talking Friday, the 2nd and even the week after… it's safe to say you're in peak crowd territory. But since you've already been there on a VERY crowded day, you know what it's like. If your dates are set, the best tip I can give is to plan and be prepared to tackle the crowds. Check out a few of our best crowd planning posts: https://thehappiestblogonearth.com/2013/12/dealing-with-disneyland-crowds.html, https://thehappiestblogonearth.com/2013/09/opening-disneyland-resort.html and our "What to Ride First" series.