What to Wear to Disney Parks in May: The Ultimate Guide

Planning a trip to one of the Disney parks in May? You’re in for a magical time! May is one of the best months to visit, with warm temperatures, moderate crowds, and plenty of fun events like Star Wars Day (May the 4th) and early summer celebrations. But with rising temps and lots of walking, knowing what to wear is crucial for comfort and enjoyment. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to pack and wear for a perfect Disney trip in May.

If you’re visiting Disneyland in May, make sure you check out my full guide for a crowd calendar, list of events, ride closures and more!

Average Weather at Disneyland and Disney World in May

Before deciding what to wear, it helps to understand what kind of weather you’ll experience at the parks in May. Both Disneyland (California) and Walt Disney World (Florida) see warm temperatures, but their climates differ significantly.

Disneyland (Anaheim, California) Weather in May

• Average High: 76-82°F (24-28°C)
• Average Low: 57-60°F (14-16°C)
• Rainfall: Less than 0.5 inches—rain is rare in May.
• Humidity: Low, with dry, comfortable conditions.

What This Means:
Days are warm and pleasant, but mornings and evenings can still be a little cool. Layers are helpful, and sunscreen is essential as California gets a lot of sunshine.

Walt Disney World (Orlando, Florida) Weather in May

• Average High: 85-90°F (29-32°C)
• Average Low: 65-72°F (18-22°C)
• Rainfall: 3-4 inches—afternoon showers are common.
• Humidity: Moderate to high, making it feel hotter than the actual temperature.

What This Means:
Florida is much hotter and more humid than California in May, so lightweight, breathable clothing is a must. Expect occasional rain showers, so pack a poncho or rain jacket.

Now that you know what kind of weather to expect, let’s dive into what to wear for a comfortable Disney trip!

What to Wear to Disney Parks in May

1. Lightweight and Breathable Clothing

May can get quite warm, so choose clothes made from breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, or moisture-wicking materials. Loose-fitting clothes help with airflow, keeping you cooler throughout the day.

Great outfit choices include:

• T-shirts or tank tops: Choose light-colored, breathable fabrics.
• Athletic wear: Moisture-wicking shirts and shorts can be great for long park days.
• Dresses or skirts: Flowy dresses and skirts help keep you cool.
• Comfortable shorts or capris: Denim shorts can be hot, so opt for lightweight options like cotton or athletic shorts.

2. Layers for Mornings and Evenings

Even though days are warm, mornings and evenings can still be chilly—especially at Disneyland. Bring a light jacket, hoodie, or cardigan that you can easily remove and store in a backpack when the sun comes out.

3. Comfortable Walking Shoes

You’ll be walking 10-15 miles per day at Disney, so proper footwear is essential! Avoid wearing brand-new shoes to prevent blisters. The last thing you need is sore feet when your visiting one of the Disney Parks in May!

Best shoe choices:

• Sneakers: Supportive and great for long park days.
• Sandals with arch support: Brands like Teva, Chaco, and Birkenstock are great choices.
• Athletic slip-ons: Breathable and easy to wear all day.

Check out my post about the best shoes to wear to Disney parks for more specific examples!

4. Sun Protection: Hats, Sunglasses, and Sunscreen

The sun can be intense at Disney parks in May, so protect yourself from sunburn and overheating.

• Sunglasses: Polarized lenses help reduce glare.
• Hats: A wide-brimmed hat or a baseball cap offers great sun protection.
• Sunscreen: Reapply every two hours, especially if you’re sweating or riding water attractions.

5. Rain Gear (Just in Case)

Florida is known for its afternoon showers in May, and while Disneyland is usually dry, occasional rain is possible. Bring a lightweight poncho or a packable rain jacket just in case. Ponchos are also great for staying dry on water rides!

6. Accessories and Essentials

• A small backpack or belt bag: Carry your essentials without weighing you down.
• Cooling towel: Great for staying cool on hot afternoons.
• Reusable water bottle: Staying hydrated is key! Disney has refill stations throughout the parks.
• Minnie/Mickey ears or themed outfits: If you love Disneybounding, May is a great time for fun Disney-themed outfits.

What NOT to Wear to Disney Parks in May

Here’s a few things you’ll want to avoid wearing when visiting one of the Disney parks in May.

• Uncomfortable shoes: Avoid flip-flops or unsupportive sandals that can cause blisters.
• Heavy denim: Jeans can feel hot and sticky in warm weather.
• Dark colors: Black absorbs heat, making you feel hotter throughout the day.
• Bulky bags: Carry only what you need to avoid extra weight.

Packing for Disney Parks in May

Packing efficiently is just as important as picking the right outfits! Here’s a checklist to make sure you have everything you need:

Must-Pack Essentials:

✅ Breathable outfits for each day
✅ Comfortable walking shoes
✅ Lightweight jacket or hoodie
✅ Sunglasses and hat
✅ Sunscreen (reef-safe for Disney water parks)
✅ Poncho or small umbrella (especially for Disney World)
✅ Small backpack or fanny pack
✅ Reusable water bottle
✅ Cooling towel for hot afternoons
✅ Park tickets, MagicBands, or phone with the Disney app

Get my free printable Disney packing list here! I’ve got a packing list for Disneyland and one for Disney World.

Final Thoughts

Dressing comfortably for Disney parks in May is all about light layers, breathable fabrics, and sun protection. Prioritize comfort, wear supportive shoes, and don’t forget your sunglasses and sunscreen! Whether you’re visiting Disneyland or Walt Disney World, these outfit tips will help you stay cool and enjoy the magic all day long.

Follow Me

Make sure to check out my YouTube videos for helpful info and my podcast for lots of Disney planning information! You can find it on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Just search for “Mix In Some Magic” Follow me on Instagram or Facebook for lots of Disney tips and fun and make sure you join my Disney planning Facebook group! It’s a great place to ask all your Disneyland planning questions and get expert help.