If you're planning a trip to Kissimmee, Florida, and you want to pack the right clothes or avoid the chill, you need to know one simple thing: January is the coldest month. Not December. Not February. January. It’s the month when the air feels crisp, the mornings have a bite, and you might actually need a light jacket-especially if you're heading out early for Disney World.
Kissimmee doesn’t get snow. It doesn’t even get frost often. But it does get cold by Florida standards. Average low temperatures in January dip to around 48°F (9°C), and highs hover near 70°F (21°C). That’s not freezing by northern standards, but for locals who spend most of the year in shorts and tank tops, it’s noticeable. You’ll see people wearing hoodies at the poolside cafes, and tourists who thought Florida meant 80°F every day suddenly wondering where their sweater went.
Why January? It’s not magic. It’s physics. After the winter solstice in December, the days start getting longer, but the land and ocean still haven’t warmed up. Cold fronts roll down from the northern U.S. every 5 to 10 days, pushing cooler, drier air into central Florida. These fronts peak in January. By late January, the sun is stronger, and the cold snaps start to fade. But for a solid 30 days, January holds the title.
Don’t let the numbers fool you. Even though the average high is 70°F, the real feel can be lower. Wind matters. Humidity drops in winter, which makes the air feel sharper. If you’re standing outside waiting for a shuttle at 7 a.m., with a 10 mph breeze, it can feel like it’s in the 50s-even if the thermometer says 65. That’s why locals say, “It’s not cold, it’s just Florida cold.”
How Cold Does It Really Get?
Temperatures below 40°F (4°C) are rare but not unheard of. In January 2018, Kissimmee hit 28°F (-2°C) during a rare Arctic outbreak. That’s the kind of cold that makes citrus growers panic and tourists scramble for blankets. Most years, though, the lows stay in the mid-40s. You’ll rarely see ice on the windshield, but you might need to turn on the car heater for the first time since last spring.
Compare that to summer. In July, average highs hit 92°F (33°C) with humidity so thick you can feel it in your lungs. The difference between January and July is almost 25 degrees Fahrenheit. That’s the difference between a light sweater and a swimsuit. And it’s why so many northern snowbirds flock to Kissimmee in winter-they’re not just escaping snow. They’re escaping the 90-degree humidity.
What to Pack for January in Kissimmee
Here’s what works: layers. A light jacket or hoodie for mornings and evenings. A long-sleeve shirt for midday if the wind picks up. Don’t forget a pair of closed-toe shoes if you’re walking through parking lots or grassy areas-dew can be chilly. Flip-flops? Fine for the resort pool, but not for early morning strolls.
Evenings at Disney Springs or Old Town Kissimmee can be surprisingly cool after the sun sets. Restaurants turn up the AC. You’ll see people in shorts and hoodies. It’s not unusual to see a family in matching Disney-themed sweaters while waiting for a table. That’s the local winter uniform.
And yes, the pools are still open. Most resorts keep them heated, so swimming is fine. But if you’re not used to cooler air after getting out of the water, you’ll feel it. Bring a towel robe. Or just dry off fast and head straight to the hot tub.
Is January the Best Time to Visit?
It depends on what you want. If you’re trying to avoid crowds and high prices, January is one of the best months. After New Year’s, the holiday rush fades. Disney World isn’t packed. Hotels drop rates. Airfare is cheaper than in December or March.
But it’s not perfect. Rain still happens. January averages 2.5 inches of rain-less than summer, but enough to catch you off guard. Most showers are quick, though. You’ll get one or two rainy days a week, usually in the afternoon. Pack a compact umbrella. Or just wait it out at a Starbucks.
And while it’s the coldest month, it’s still the most comfortable time of year for outdoor activities. Golfing? Perfect. Hiking at Lake Tohopekaliga? Ideal. Walking the streets of downtown Kissimmee? Easy. No bugs, no swelter, no sticky heat. Just clear skies and cool air.
What About December and February?
December is warmer than January, on average. Lows hover around 51°F (11°C), highs near 73°F (23°C). But the first cold front of the season often hits in late December, so you might get a January-style chill before January even starts.
February starts warming up. By the end of the month, highs are hitting 75°F (24°C) and lows are above 50°F (10°C). It’s still pleasant, but you’re no longer in the coldest window. If you’re looking for the absolute lowest temps, stick to January.
Some people think February is colder because they remember one chilly week. But that’s just weather, not climate. January is statistically colder, year after year. Data from the National Weather Service shows January has the lowest average temperature for Kissimmee over the past 30 years.
How This Affects Your Disney Trip
If you’re going to Disney World, January is a smart choice. Lines are shorter. You can ride Seven Dwarfs Mine Train without a 90-minute wait. The parks open earlier, and the air is clean and crisp-no humidity fogging up your camera lens.
But plan for the cold. Bring a portable phone warmer if you’re using your phone for FastPasses or Mobile Order. Batteries drain faster in the cold. Wear gloves when you’re waiting in line. And if you’re going to the water parks, bring a towel and a zip-up hoodie. You’ll thank yourself later.
Most families don’t realize how much the temperature affects their experience. One mom told me she packed her kids’ swimsuits and nothing else. They spent two hours in the hotel room because they were too cold to go outside. Don’t be that family.
Final Thoughts
January is the coldest month in Kissimmee. It’s not a deep freeze. It’s not even cold by most U.S. standards. But for Florida, it’s the chilliest stretch of the year-and the most comfortable for visitors. If you’re looking for fewer crowds, lower prices, and pleasant weather, January is your sweet spot. Just don’t forget the hoodie. You’ll need it.