If you visit Disneyland on the wrong day in August, you will probably regret it.
Like in much of the summer season at the Happiest Place on Earth, the day you go can make all the difference. The month of August is no exception, with shoulder-to-shoulder crowds on some days — and a little breathing room on others. Let’s take a closer look at what to expect at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure in August.
Here are the Best and Worst Days to Go to Disneyland in August:
| Best & Worst Days | Crowd Forecast |
|---|---|
| BEST DAYS | |
| LAST WEEK OF AUGUST | The summer season crowds are usually gone on weekdays by the last week of the month |
| THIRD WEEK OF AUGUST | There's usually a break in the summer season crowds in mid-August. Check Calendar for best dates |
| WEEKENDS | Saturdays and Sundays are traditionally the best days of the week to go |
| WORST DAYS | |
| EARLY AUGUST | The bulk of the summer season crowds are still out on the first two weeks of the month. Check Calendar for best dates |
| SECOND TO LAST WEEK | Annual pass blockout dates are lifted this week, so it's historically more crowded |
Disneyland Crowd Calendar
We recommend going on weekdays late in the month if you can for the most manageable crowds. If you must go earlier, the third week of the month (when annual pass blockout dates are still in effect) is your best bet.
If you’re planning on visiting Disneyland on a weekend, be sure to check the Crowd Calendar for the best dates to go.
Crowds/Attendance in August
Most schools are still out of session for much of August, so the busy summer season is still underway early in the month. Around mid-August is traditionally when the summer season crowds start to wind down (except for the week annual pass blockout dates are lifted). If there are any “Ghost Town” days this month, it’s usually on weekdays during the very last week of August. Here are some things to keep in mind when visiting the parks in August:
1. The later you go in August, the better
School districts in the area start going back in session in mid-August, so Disneyland is less crowded the later in the month you go. The third week of the month in particular (check the Crowd Calendar for the exact dates) is traditionally when there’s a break in the summer season crowds.
2. Avoid second to last week of August
That said, after that break in the crowds, the following week is usually when they pick up again. The reason? Annual passholders!
On the second to last week of August, all annual passes (including the lowest tiers) are valid again after being blocked out for most of the summer season. The result is a spike in attendance on Monday – Friday, mostly from locals with passes headed to the parks before schools go back in session. We recommend going on the Sunday or Saturday of this week if you can, as the annual passes are still blocked on the weekend. Otherwise, go on the week before or after to avoid the bigger crowds.
3. Weekends are most manageable
Believe it or not, Saturdays and Sundays have become some of the most manageable days of the week to visit Disneyland during the summer season.
Again, you can thank the high number of annual passholders for that. The lower tier annual passes are blocked out on weekends, so locals tend to go during the week. On top of that, daily park tickets are priced at the most expensive level on weekends, luring tourists to the cheaper priced weekdays.
So, if you’re willing to spend a few more dollars for those weekend tickets (we think it’s worth it), you can enjoy a more manageable experience at Disneyland — even in the middle of August.
Lines/Wait Times in August
For the shortest lines in August, head to the parks on weekdays at the very end of the month. Waits on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday on the last week are only 10-20min on average.
Lines are historically longest in early August, on the first two weeks of the month. 30-60 waits is the norm. Weekends tend to be better (around 30min). If you go on the week annual pass blockout dates are lifted, be prepared for 40-60min waits on average.
No matter what day of the month you go on, we recommend arriving at Disneyland early (at park opening if you can). The lines are just about always shorter in the morning, until around noon when the crowds start to pick up.
Weather in August
August is the hottest month in Southern California. Temperatures can range anywhere in mid 80°s to upper 90°s on average. Days of sweltering heat (over 100°) are also possible this time of the year. but the good news is that really hot weather tends to keep away the big crowds. In the evening, temperatures are in mid 60°s and 70°s on average. August is one of the driest months of the year at Disneyland as well, so rainy days are extremely uncommon.
Have you been to Disneyland in August? What was your experience like? Be sure to let us know in the comments below!
Image: zeldman