The end of 2024 and the dawn of 2025 have brought an icy twist to the Sunshine State, leaving some of Central Florida’s most beloved theme parks grappling with unexpected closures. As Floridians bundle up against the cold, there’s even talk of snow in certain areas—a rarity for this part of the country.
In recent weeks, a persistent cold snap has caused widespread disruptions across Orlando’s famed theme parks. Frigid weather, driven by back-to-back cold fronts, has forced temporary closures at iconic resorts like Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort.
Both Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park—the only Disney water park currently open—and Universal’s Volcano Bay Water Theme Park faced extended closures earlier this week. Thankfully, both parks reopened their gates on Friday, January 17.
Chilling Records Set in January
“Morning temperatures have been routinely starting in the 30s and 40s across the region, and afternoons have often struggled to reach the 50s and 60s,” reported Click Orlando. “Normally, the Orlando area is enjoying highs around 71 degrees at this time of year, so this cold streak is definitely standing out.”
Cold weather in January isn’t unheard of in Florida, but this year’s freeze has shattered expectations—and records.
“As of now, Orlando is experiencing its 12th coldest January ever on record, with an average high of 55.7 degrees,” the outlet shared. “For some context, the coldest January on record was in 1977, when highs averaged 50.6 degrees, which is pretty insane for Florida!”
With an average high of 55.7 degrees, 2025 is shaping up to be Florida’s coldest January since 2010, when highs averaged 54.4 degrees—placing it fifth on the all-time list. While snow is a common sight at parks like Disneyland Paris, Disney World visitors don’t typically have to worry about snowflakes—but could this year be the exception?
A Snowy Forecast for Florida?
Though Florida is famously the Sunshine State, the coming days might bring a surprising weather twist. Some forecasts even hint at snow as Arctic air barrels southward along the East Coast.
“A pure blast of Arctic air prior to the system developing could set the stage for some snow and ice in North Florida early next week,” Click Orlando explained. “Cold will start to spill down the Florida peninsula on [January 18].”
While snowflakes might fall in North Florida, it’s unlikely Central Florida—home to Disney World and other top-tier attractions—will experience a full-on Frozen moment this time around.
Feeling the freeze this winter in Florida? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
