If you’re planning a trip to Orlando and want to save big, the cheapest month isn’t a mystery-it’s September. Not August. Not October. September. That’s when hotel rates drop, flights get cheaper, and the crowds vanish-even though Disney World is still open. This isn’t guesswork. It’s what locals and frequent visitors have learned through years of booking trips on tight budgets.
Why September Is the Lowest-Priced Month
Orlando’s tourism calendar runs on weather, school schedules, and holidays. After summer break ends in late August, families stop flooding the area. By early September, the last of the vacationers have gone home. That’s when hotels and rental companies start slashing prices to fill rooms.According to data from the Orlando Tourism Board, average hotel rates in Kissimmee drop by 30-40% in September compared to June and July. A standard 3-bedroom vacation home that costs $350 a night in July can be had for under $200 in September. Even Disney’s own resort hotels, which rarely discount, offer up to 25% off during this window.
The weather still holds up. Average highs hover around 88°F, and humidity is high but manageable. Rain comes in short afternoon thunderstorms-usually over in an hour-so you can still hit the parks in the morning and nap in the afternoon. Most people don’t realize this: Orlando’s rainy season ends in mid-September. The storms become less frequent and less intense as the month goes on.
What About Crowd Levels?
Crowds are the silent cost of travel. Even if a hotel is cheap, if you’re waiting two hours for Space Mountain, your trip feels expensive. September fixes that.Disney World’s crowd calendar shows September as one of the least busy months of the year. Lines at Magic Kingdom average 20-30 minutes per ride. Compare that to December, where waits hit 60-90 minutes. Even popular attractions like Avatar Flight of Passage and Rise of the Resistance rarely exceed 40-minute waits in September. You can ride Seven Dwarfs Mine Train three times before lunch.
Universal Studios and SeaWorld follow the same pattern. Fewer families mean shorter lines, quicker food service, and more space to breathe. If you’ve ever felt like you were herded through a theme park like cattle, September is your escape.
What About Hurricane Season?
Yes, September is still technically hurricane season. But here’s the truth most travel blogs won’t tell you: Orlando is 60 miles inland. Hurricanes rarely make it this far without weakening to tropical storms or depressions. Even then, the biggest risk isn’t wind-it’s rain.Since 2010, only two hurricanes have caused significant disruptions in Orlando: Irma in 2017 and Ian in 2022. Both were in early September. But here’s the key: those were outliers. In 14 of the last 15 years, September brought no major storm impacts to Kissimmee or Orlando. The odds of your trip being ruined by a hurricane are lower than the odds of your flight being delayed due to weather.
Most hotels and vacation rentals offer free cancellations up to 48 hours before arrival. If a storm looks like it’s heading your way, you can cancel and rebook without penalty. Travel insurance is optional but smart if you’re booking non-refundable tickets. Don’t let fear of storms stop you from saving hundreds.
Other Cheap Months to Consider
September isn’t the only good option. If you can’t go in September, these months are your next best bets:- January (after New Year’s): Cold but quiet. Disney has minimal crowds. Prices stay low until mid-January.
- Early February: Before Presidents’ Day weekend. Kids are back in school. Hotels are still discounted.
- Late August: Right after summer break ends. Prices drop fast after August 15.
- November (after Thanksgiving): The week after Thanksgiving is quiet. Christmas decorations go up, but crowds don’t arrive until the weekend.
Avoid these months if money matters: June, July, December, and April (Easter week). These are peak times. Prices spike, hotels sell out, and you’ll pay double for the same room you could’ve gotten in September.
How to Book the Best Deals
Knowing the cheapest month isn’t enough. You need to book smart.- Book early, but not too early: Start looking in late April or May. Prices stabilize by June, but the best deals appear in July and August as hotels try to fill empty rooms.
- Use vacation rental sites: Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com often have better rates than hotel chains. Look for properties with kitchens-you’ll save money on meals.
- Bundle flights and stays: Sites like Expedia and Priceline offer package deals that can cut your total cost by 20-30%.
- Sign up for hotel newsletters: Disney, Hilton, and Marriott send exclusive discounts to subscribers. Some offer free breakfast or park tickets with your stay.
- Check for military, teacher, or college student discounts: Many resorts offer special rates if you have a valid ID. You don’t need to be active-duty military-many programs include veterans and educators.
What You’ll Save
Here’s a real example from a family of four who booked a 5-night trip in September 2024:- 3-bedroom vacation home in Kissimmee: $210/night → $1,050 total
- 4-day Disney World tickets (adults): $399 each → $798 total
- Flights from Atlanta: $220 per person → $880 total
- Food and souvenirs: $400
- Total: $3,128
Same trip in July 2024 cost $5,890. That’s $2,762 saved-enough to cover a second trip next year.
What to Pack for September
You don’t need much. Orlando in September is warm and wet. Bring:- Lightweight, quick-dry clothes
- Waterproof phone case or pouch
- Compact umbrella or poncho
- Reusable water bottles (free refills at Disney)
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Light jacket for air-conditioned rides and evening breezes
Leave the heavy coats and rain boots at home. You won’t need them.
Final Tip: Go on a Weekday
Even within September, not all days are equal. Midweek (Tuesday-Thursday) is quieter than weekends. If you can take off Tuesday through Saturday, you’ll get the lowest prices and shortest lines. Avoid Friday and Sunday arrivals-those are peak check-in days.September isn’t just the cheapest month. It’s the smartest month to go. You get the same parks, the same shows, the same magic-but without the crowds, the stress, or the sticker shock. If you’ve been waiting for the right time to take that Orlando trip, September is it.
Is September really the cheapest month to visit Orlando?
Yes. September consistently has the lowest hotel rates, cheapest flight deals, and smallest crowds in Orlando. After summer vacation ends and before Halloween events begin, demand drops sharply. Data from the Orlando Tourism Board and hotel booking platforms confirm September as the lowest-priced month year after year.
Are the theme parks open in September?
Absolutely. Disney World, Universal Orlando, and SeaWorld operate year-round. September is actually one of the best times to visit because rides stay open longer, shows run on schedule, and there are no seasonal closures. You’ll get the full experience without the summer rush.
Is it safe to visit Orlando in September with kids?
Yes. Orlando is one of the safest tourist destinations in the U.S. The risk of a hurricane directly affecting Kissimmee is low. Most storms pass by or weaken before reaching the area. Families visit Orlando in September every year without issue. Just check the weather forecast 48 hours before you leave and choose accommodations with free cancellation.
Can I find good deals on Disney tickets in September?
Disney doesn’t usually discount tickets directly, but you can save by buying multi-day passes through third-party sellers like Undercover Tourist or AAA. These sites offer the same official tickets at 10-15% off. You can also bundle tickets with hotel stays for extra savings.
What’s the best way to get from the airport to Kissimmee?
Rental cars are the most convenient and cost-effective option. Orlando International Airport (MCO) has dozens of rental agencies. A compact car costs around $30-$40 per day. Uber and Lyft are available but cost more over multiple days. If you’re staying in a vacation home with a kitchen, you’ll need a car to get groceries and avoid expensive restaurant meals.