If you’ve got a Walt Disney World vacation coming up in late May or early June, you might want to pack a poncho… and maybe some flexible plans.
While the official Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30, 2025’s forecast is already looking a little suspicious—and we’re not even out of May yet. We’re here to break down why this matters, what’s fueling the early storm talk, and how Disney guests can protect their dream trip without stressing too hard.
First, the Basics: When Does Hurricane Season Actually Start?
We get this question all the time. Officially, the National Hurricane Center defines the season as June through November. But recently, that window’s been more of a guideline than a hard-and-fast rule.
In fact, seven of the past ten years have seen named storms develop before June 1st. If you’re wondering whether that’s normal: it’s not. From 2005 to 2014, that only happened three times total. We’re in a new climate reality now—and that reality’s getting windier.
So… What’s Causing All This Early Activity?
It’s all about the water. Right now, sea surface temperatures in the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico are running way hotter than average for this time of year. Think late-June conditions happening in mid-May.
And for tropical systems, that heat is basically jet fuel. The warmer the water, the more likely it is for a small disturbance to intensify rapidly into a tropical storm or hurricane—and Central Florida is right in the potential impact zone.
Add in shifting wind patterns, a brewing La Niña, and increased global ocean temps, and you’ve got a setup that has hurricane trackers and storm researchers keeping both eyes wide open.
Why May Matters More Than Ever
Because of how often we’re seeing early-season activity, the National Hurricane Center officially bumped up their outlook schedule to May 15 back in 2021. That means the people who forecast storms are already watching the tropics… and so should you, especially if you’re headed to Disney in the next few weeks.
Weather models are already hinting at possible storm development in the western Caribbean, which could push activity toward the Sunshine State even before we flip the calendar to June.
In other words: we’re not waiting on hurricane season—it may already be knocking.
What This Means for Disney World Guests
Here’s the good news: Disney is very good at handling bad weather. From lightning sensors to rapid cleanup crews and weather-resistant show tech, they’re ready for a little rain—or even a major storm. But if you’re visiting during a potential system, there are some things you should know.
Expect Pop-Up Rain and Wind
Even if a full-blown hurricane doesn’t hit, tropical disturbances can bring multi-day rainfall, gusty winds, and park-wide closures for outdoor rides, fireworks shows, parades, and more. It’s not always dangerous, but it can totally reshape your itinerary.
Temporary Ride Closures and Limited Access
Outdoor rides like Test Track, Slinky Dog Dash, Expedition Everest, and Jungle Cruise often close during heavy rain, especially if lightning is within a certain radius. That can create longer lines elsewhere, and some Lightning Lane return times may get shifted or cancelled.
Capacity and Crowd Shifts
If storms force closures or delay morning rope drop, crowds can bottleneck later in the day. Even indoor-heavy parks like EPCOT can feel more congested when everyone’s trying to stay dry inside The Land or the Imagination Pavilion.
Weather Gear Is a MUST
Florida rain doesn’t mess around. It’s fast, heavy, and unpredictable, especially in a storm-prone season. Forgetting a poncho could cost you more than $15 inside the parks—and wet shoes can wreck your whole day.
Pro Tips for Weather-Savvy Disney Planning
If you’ve got a Disney trip planned between mid-May and late June, you don’t need to cancel anything—but you should stay prepared. Here’s what we recommend:
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Watch the forecast—from the day you book until the day you leave.
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Download a reliable radar app (like MyRadar or Weather Underground) to track storms in real time while you’re in the parks.
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Keep your plans flexible—especially dining reservations and Genie+ strategies.
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Pack a portable poncho, waterproof sneakers or sandals, extra socks, and a ziplock for your phone and charger.
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Use early mornings and late evenings for ride-heavy time, since storms usually hit in the afternoon.
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Review Disney’s hurricane policy. If an official hurricane warning is issued for either your travel destination (Orlando) or your home within 7 days of your arrival, Disney will let you cancel or reschedule without penalty.
What Are the 2025 Forecasts Saying?
According to Colorado State University’s Tropical Meteorology Project, the 2025 season could be well above average, with an expected 17 named storms, 8 hurricanes, and 4 major hurricanes.
That doesn’t guarantee a direct hit to Orlando, but it does increase the chance of a travel disruption. Whether it’s flight delays, park capacity limits, or weather-related closures, more storms = more impact.
Don’t Panic—Just Plan Smart
Planning a Disney World trip during hurricane season isn’t a bad idea—but it does mean you need to keep your eyes on the skies. The official start is June 1st, but warm waters and early models suggest we could see activity sooner in 2025.
So if you’re going in late May or early June, prep like you would for a summer thunderstorm—but add a little extra flexibility and patience to your park plans.
Trust us: the magic is still there, even with rain in the forecast. Just keep your radar app handy and your Minnie ears dry.
