Going to Disneyland in July may not be as bad as you think.
The month of July at the Disneyland Resort is commonly known for two things: big crowds and long lines. After all, it is the middle of the summer season, schools are out of session, families are on vacation, and there’s the 4th of July holiday. Sure, it may not seem like the best time to go, but if you go on the right day, a manageable experience is still very much possible this time of the year. Let’s take a closer look at what to expect at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure in July.
Here are the Best and Worst Days to Go to Disneyland in July:
| Best & Worst Days | Crowd Forecast |
|---|---|
| BEST DAYS | |
| FIRST TWO WEEKS | The first two weeks of the month are historically most manageable |
| 4TH OF JULY WEEKEND | The 4th of July Weekend (including the week of and after) hasn't been very crowded in recent years. Check Calendar for best dates |
| JULY 5 | The after the 4th of July usually isn't crowded |
| WEEKENDS | Saturdays and Sundays are traditionally the best days of the week to go, especially in early July |
| WORST DAYS | |
| MID TO LATE JULY | The summer season crowds pick up toward the end of July. Check Calendar for best dates |
| JULY 17 | Disneyland's birthday may draw bigger crowds due to special events |
Disneyland Crowd Calendar
We recommend going early in the month (on the week of or after the 4th of July) for the most manageable crowds. By mid-July, the summer season crowds are usually out in full swing all week long.
If you’re planning on visiting Disneyland in mid to late July, be sure to check the Crowd Calendar for the best dates to go.
Crowds/Attendance in July
With schools out of session and the summer season well underway, there usually aren’t any “Ghost Town” days this time of the year. Crowds tend to be moderate to high this month, with the bulk of the crowds arriving toward the end of the month. Some days are better than others though. Here are some things to keep in mind when visiting the parks in July:
1. The earlier you go in July, the better
There’s historically a small break in the summer season crowds starting at the end of June and extending into early July. So, the earlier in the month you go, the more manageable it tends to be. Don’t be afraid of going around the 4th of July, either. Crowds usually don’t start to pick up until the middle of the month.
2. 4th of July Weekend isn’t that crowded
Believe it or not, the 4th of July Weekend (including the 4th of July) at Disneyland hasn’t been very crowded in recent years. The reason? It’s primarily due to all annual passes (except the highest tier) being blocked out for the holiday weekend. On top of that, daily tickets are priced at the most expensive level. So, while most other theme parks are packed to the gills for Independence Day, Disneyland is traditionally manageable.
In general, the weeks before, of, and after the 4th of July aren’t very crowded. There are sometimes exceptions to this, so check the Crowd Calendar to be sure. The day right after the 4th of July holiday (July 5) is historically one of the least crowded days of the month.
3. Weekends are most manageable
It may seem a little strange to think of Saturdays and Sundays in July as the best days of the week to visit, but that’s the case at Disneyland!
Again, it’s mostly due to the large number of local annual passholders, who are blocked out on Saturdays during the summer. Ticket prices are also most expensive over the weekend, which deters tourists and non-passholders. So, if you’re willing to spend a little more money for weekend tickets, you can enjoy a more manageable experience at the parks.
Lines/Wait Times in July
Your best bet for the shortest lines in July is to visit on the first two weeks of the month. Expect 20-30min waits on average then. For the 4th of July Weekend, around 30min waits has been the norm.
By mid-July, more of the summer season crowds are out, so be prepared for 40-60min waits on average. Weekends are your best bet for more manageable lines then.
No matter what day you go on, we recommend arriving early (at park opening if you can) to take advantage of the shorter waits in the morning. Crowds at Disneyland usually pick up by noon.
Weather in July
July is one of the hottest months in Southern California. Temperatures are in mid to high 80°s on average. It can get pretty hot in July, but the good news is that sweltering heat (high 90°s to 100+°) usually keeps the big crowds away. In the evening, temperatures are in mid 60°s and 70°s on average. July is also one of the driest months of the year, so rainy days are extremely rare.
Have you been to Disneyland in July? What was your experience like? Be sure to let us know in the comments below!
Image: saechang