If you spend any time in Disneyland Paris planning groups on social media, you’ll notice certain questions come up and time and time again. And one of the most frequent is when is the best time to go to Disneyland Paris?

The thing is, there’s not a straight forward answer to this as it’ll depend on each family or group visiting and what they want most. Is it low crowds? Cheap prices? Good weather? Special events? There’s a bewildering range of choices!

So in this post I’m going to go month by month in Disneyland Paris, looking at what’s on and weighing up the pros and cons of each.

January

Overview: Disneyland Paris tends to go all out for New Year’s Eve, and as such the first few days of January can be pretty busy as the people who stayed there to celebrate wind up their holidays and go home. Once we’re a few days into the month though, January actually tends to be one of the quietest months in the park crowds wise. People who visit earlier in the month might be able to catch the tail end of the Christmas decorations.

Pros:

• Low crowds: Once past the new year crowds, January is one of the quietest months historically to visit Disneyland Paris. So it’s a good time to go if being able to get on rides and into shows quickly is a priority!
• Low prices: Prices for Disneyland Paris resorts and packages are based on demand. So lower crowds mean lower prices!
• Decorated park: Earlier in the month you can catch the tail end of the Christmas decorations before they are taken down!

Cons:

• Weather: Expect it to be very cold, and potentially very wet. It might even snow! While the parks are designed to beat the bad weather as much as possible, you will probably be cold and / or wet!
• Ride refurbishments: Disney will often take down the more popular rides early in the year for refurbishment. An example is that Big Thunder Mountain was down for refurbishment in early 2024, and will be again in 2025! So you might miss out on some top attractions.
• Less entertainment: With less crowds Disney may reduce the number of show times for its shows in this period, or they might go on hiatus (although things like the parade and night time show will still happen!) Weather is also more likely to impact any outdoor entertainment, perhaps leading to it being curtailed, altered or cancelled.
• Shorter park hours: Less crowds also mean shorter park hours, although it’s still possible to do everything with a good plan!

February

Overview: Early February tends to be very similar to January in crowds and weather! So expect it to be quiet but cold. Crowds tend to pick up from the middle of the month on. This is partly because of French school holidays starting around mid-month, but also of course UK schools’ half-term later in February. Having said that these holidays still tend to be the quietest of all the school breaks! Romantics might also find a few special touches for Valentine’s Day.

Pros:

• Quieter crowds: Although crowds start picking up later in the month, crowds are still relatively quiet compared to other school holiday times in the year
• Lower prices: Lower crowds mean less expensive breaks!
• Valentine’s Day touches: Look out for a few extra touches for Valentine’s Day
• Possible new event launches: In the past there have been new shows and seasons launched in February. Nothing is guaranteed but you might get something new launching during your break!

Cons:

• Weather: Pretty much cut and paste what I said for January! Expect it to be cold, probably wet, and possibly snowy!
• Ride refurbishments: Also like January, you might find a few ride refurbishments during this quieter season
• Less entertainment: Although the pick up in crowds later in the month might mean additional show times for some shows or characters, there’s still probably going to be less that there is during the summer! Plus the weather could impact things.
• Shorter park hours: As with January, the park hours might be quiet short.

March

Overview: In March temperatures can start to warm up a bit, and park hours lengthen. Disneyland Paris normally does something to mark St David’s Day and St Patrick’s Day this month, so look out for extra touches for your stay! In the past Disney has launched spring events and seasons in March, although this has varied quite a bit. Crowds do tend to pick up towards the end of the month – this might be an even bigger spike depending when Easter and the Easter holidays fall!

Pros:

• Weather: The weather in March tends to be more predictable and a bit warmer than the previous months, with springlike touches setting in!
• Special events: Look out for special events for St David’s Day, St Patrick’s Day, and potentially Easter depending when it falls
• Lowish prices: Early March can keep winter pricing which makes it a more reasonable time cost wise to visit the parks (but probably not as cheap as the previous two months!)

Cons

• Crowds: You’ll find crowds starting to pick up later in the month for sure. Although still not the busiest you’ll see the park it’ll impact a visit (even more so if Easter is early that year!)
• Weather: I know, I listed this as a pro right? Well while the weather tends to be better, it could still be very wet and unpredictable, with potentially very chilly or even very mild days. I’d pack layers!

April

Overview: Spring has definitely sprung now in Disneyland Paris, and you’ll find a lot of gorgeous landscaping and flowers around the resort. Crowds will certainly pick up this month as there are French school holidays, as well as holidays in other countries due to Easter. There may be some extra touches in the park for Easter! Lengthening days will also bring longer park hours.

Pros:

• Weather: April can be a great time weather wise, with mild temperatures and potentially sunnier days.
• Longer park hours: Longer days mean longer park hours, so more time to get everything done!
• Beauty around the resort: Seriously the landscaping around Disneyland Paris is beautiful and doesn’t get enough credit. Spring with flowers in bloom is a perfect time to appreciate it!
• More activities in parks and around the resort: The better weather and higher crowds means that more shows and outdoor activities are likely to be put on for guests.

Cons:

• Crowds: The spring holidays are a time when crowds at Disneyland Paris can get pretty serious (although still potentially better than summer and Christmas!). Expect lines.
• Prices: With more people come higher prices for packages!
• Weather: While April can be great weather it can also be unpredictable, especially with showers! Bringing rain gear is a great idea. So are layers so you’re prepared even if it gets unseasonally chilly or warm!

May

Overview: May can bring with it lovely weather, and the still lengthening days bring even longer park hours! Although there are no French school holidays this month there can be several public holidays that will bring in extra crowds, as can breaks elsewhere in Europe (such as May half term). Having said that, crowds still tend to be lower than in the peak days of summer. Star Wars fans note that there can be celebrations on May the Fourth in Discoveryland!

Pros:

• Weather: May can be quite warm, and although showers are certainly possible they’re less likely than earlier in the spring!
• Landscaping around the resort: As with April, in May the resort landscaping shines through flowers
• Longer park hours: The park hours will increase as days grow longer and crowds pick up
• Quieter than peak summer: Although certainly busy, crowds may be quieter than in the peak of Summer (July and August)
• Star Ways Day: Look out for celebrations in Discoveryland on 4th May!
• Shows and performances: Longer park hours and better weather can lead to more show times, and them being less likely to be disrupted!

Cons

• CROWDS: Although it may be quieter than peak summer, expect to see a lot of people, especially around the French public holidays and May half term in the UK (usually the last week of May)
• Prices: More people means higher prices for packages!

June

Overview: June brings with it summer weather, and potentially some very high temperatures! Crowds in June can be a little unpredictable – they can be reasonably high, but with no school holidays in France or the UK they still tend to be lower than in July and August. Don’t expect it to be dead though! June can bring some special events to the park, notable Pride Night which is normally mid-June, so make sure to keep an eye on social media and Disneyland Paris’ website to see if any appeal to you!

Pros

• Weather: June can be a great time to go if you like warm, sunny weather!
• Lower than the rest of summer crowds: With no French or British school holidays, June tends to be quieter than July and August.
• Long park hours: Long days bring long park hours, so lots of time for being in the parks!
• Special events: Pride is typically in mid-June. There can also be themed musical acts in the Disney Village in the evening (although that might depend on the building works there at the moment!)

Cons

• Heat: While it can be lovely touring Disneyland Paris in sunny weather, be prepared for it to potentially be VERY hot! Sun screen and drinking water is very highly recommended!
• Crowds: While lower than other parts of summer, June can still be busy – especially around the special events
• Prices: June may not be the most expensive time to visit Disneyland Paris, but it’s not the cheapest either…
• Very late night-time spectaculars: As the night-time shows need to be performed when it’s dark, the very long days in June mean that these can be performed very late – around 11pm. Perhaps not ideal if you have little ones who are going to struggle to stay awake for that long!

July

Overview: With July comes the real kick off of summer holidays in France (and in the UK later in the month), as well as elsewhere in Europe. Expect the crowds to be very high as a result! (In July 2024 there was a slightly low trend in crowds due to the Olympics but that’s pretty unusual). Park hours will be long, there’ll be lots of entertainment to enjoy, and it should be nice and sunny (maybe too sunny!). With Bastille Day on 14th July, expect a big night-time spectacular to celebrate with drones and fireworks!

Pros

• Weather: If you like it hot and dry this might be the time to visit!
• Long park hours: With packed parks and long days, expect the park hours to be long as a result!
• Bastille Day: Bastille Day on 14th July tends to bring an epic night-time spectacular to celebrate!
• Lots of entertainment: Expect the parks to be packed with entertainment, characters, shows and more in the nicer weather.

Cons

• Crowds: It’s peak school holiday season so expect it to be BUSY!
• Prices: Peak crowds mean peak prices!
• The heat: Expect it to be very hot and sunny – great if you like it, not so great if you don’t!

August

Overview: August still brings us firmly into the summer holidays in France and many places in Europe (including the UK). As such it can also be very busy at Disneyland Paris. It can also be sunny and hot! There may be a slight dip in crowds towards the end of the month depending on when the French summer holidays end. As with July, there should be long park hours and a lot of entertainment to enjoy!

Pros:

• Weather: Expect warm and mostly sunny weather!
• Long park hours: Although nights will slowly be drawing in, still expect longer park hours to meet the demand of the crowds!
• Lots of entertainment: While there isn’t Bastille Day in August, there should still be lots of everyday entertainment to enjoy!

Cons

• Crowds: Expect those summer holiday crowds to still be there in abundance this month, with long waits too.
• Prices: And yep, the prices will be higher as well!
• Heat: It could still be very hot in August, something to be aware of when you’re planning.

September

Overview: The summer days are behind us and Autumn is coming into view. September is a bit of an ‘in-between month’ at Disneyland Paris as the park winds down from summer and gets ready for Halloween in October. Crowd levels should dip from the summer peaks. Some of the entertainment that was around in the summer might start winding up this month in preparation for Halloween season, and some of the decorations for the latter might start appearing in the parks! Weather wise it could still be warm, but it’s likely to start feeling cooler and a little unsettled.

Pros

• Crowds: After the peak of summer, crowds should take quite a dip! (It won’t be as quiet as January / early February though)
• Prices: With lower crowds expected, package prices may drop down a bit
• Weather: September can be a good month weather wise – not too cold yet, but likely not as hot as in the summer months!
• Halloween Decorations: Although the Halloween festivities tend not to kick off in earnest until October, later in September you might spot the decorations starting to appear in the parks!

Cons

• Ending entertainment: It’s possible that summer of the summer entertainment may be wrapping up this month, so you may miss it if you’re not careful!
• Halloween hasn’t started yet: Unlike the US parks, Halloween doesn’t kick off in DLP until October, so you may miss the festivities in September.
• Unpredictable weather: Weather can be lovely but unpredictable – take layers and raingear just in case!

October

Overview: Once we’re in October the Halloween celebrations are in full effect! Expect calvacades, shows, characters (particularly villains) and extra touches in the night-time spectacular. On Halloween itself everyone can dress in costume to go to the parks! The downside of this though is crowds, the Halloween festivities are popular so expect lots of people there with you. You also start hitting the Autumn holidays in France and October half term in the UK towards the end of the month which adds to the crowds.

Pros

• Halloween!: Disney really does go all out for Halloween, and the festivities are great to experience while there.
• Extra characters, experiences and snacks: Halloween season can bring out villains into the parks, special shows, and themed snacks to experience.

Cons

• Crowds: The Halloween season is popular and attracts crowds, especially towards the end of the month when school holidays kick in.
• Prices: Yep – higher crowds mean higher prices! Disney also has this weird trend of rising prices for things like food in October for some reason, so keep an eye out for that.
• Weather: The weather in October is unpredictable – it could be warm, cold, rainy, sunny, breezy and more… perhaps all in the same day!

November

Overview: November sees the Christmas season kick off in earnest! The first week of November is typically a change over from Halloween to Christmas, and might be a quieter week in the parks as a result. Although crowds pick up a bit once the Christmas season is in full swing, this still tends to be a quieter month to enjoy the decorations than December. Armistice Day (11th November) is a public holiday in France so expect a bit of a rise in crowds around this date.

Pros:

• Christmas season: This typically kicks off the second week of November and brings with it a range of characters, shows, calvacades and snacks to enjoy
• Crowds: While crowds can come in for the Christmas season, it still tends to be quieter month to celebrate the festivities than December. Also the Halloween to Christmas changeover week might be pretty quiet (but with no special events to mark).
• Bonfire Night: In the past Disney has done special fireworks for Bonfire Night in Disney Village, so look out for announcements!

Cons:

• Changeover week: While the week of swapping between Halloween and Christmas can be a lot quieter, it can also feel a bit flat as you’re missing out on any sort of special celebration. (You might though catch the end of the Halloween Decorations and beginning of the Christmas ones)
• Weather: November at Disneyland Paris can be much as it is in the UK – chilly and miserable! (Although drier weather is possible). Suggest packing warm layers and raingear
• Armistice Day: Expect a peak in crowds (and prices) around the Armistice Day bank holiday on 11th.

December

Overview: The Christmas festivities are in full swing in December. The parks are increasingly busy this month, peaking once the schools break up later in the month and over Christmas and New Year itself. The period between Christmas and New Year can be one of the busiest all year, so expect high crowds and high prices!

Pros

• Longer park hours for winter: Despite the shorter hours of daylight, the parks can be kept open longer than in other winter months to help with the demand from the extra crowds. (There can be the odd early closing days for private parties though so watch out for those!)
• Christmas: There’s nothing quite like a Disney Christmas celebration! And of course you can spend Christmas Day itself in the parks if you like.
• Extra entertainment and shows: Because of the Christmas season expect extra entertainment, shows, characters and more

Cons

• Crowds: The parks can get very busy in December. Essentially the later in the month it is, the busier it will be.
• Prices: And yep, higher crowds mean higher package prices! Many of the restaurants also have special menus for Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve that cost a lot more than the normal menus (which aren’t exactly cheap)
• Weather: It could be very cold and very miserable, or maybe even snowy! While chillier weather is very suitable for Christmas it’s important to wrap up warm!

Phew! That’s a wrap on a year at Disneyland Paris? When would you like to visit?

Regardless of when your visiting, keep an eye on the Magically Different Mouse blog and social media for tips and tricks to help you make the best of your trip!