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What to Wear in Orlando in December (Theme Park Days and Cool Nights)

“Orlando in December catches people out in both directions. Some pack only shorts and shiver at the evening fireworks. Others pack for winter and melt by noon. The answer is one versatile layer you can tie around your waist, and shoes you've already walked miles in.”Her take

What is the weather like in Orlando in December?

December is one of Orlando's milder months. National Weather Service long-term averages put the typical high at about 74°F and the typical low at about 53°F, with sunshine and lower humidity than summer. That's a gap of roughly 20 degrees between midafternoon and late evening, which is why layers matter.

Cold fronts can pass through and bring a few chilly days and nights in the 40s, while other weeks feel almost like summer. Check the 10-day forecast before you pack and plan for a range rather than one temperature. December averages about 2.5 inches of rain for the whole month, far less than summer, but a passing shower is still possible.

Theme park day outfits

You'll walk many miles, stand in lines in the sun and possibly get splashed on water rides. Choose breathable, quick-drying fabrics and a light layer you can tie around your waist or tuck in a bag.

• Warm day: a fitted tee or tank, lightweight shorts or a skort, a long-sleeve overshirt for the evening, walking sneakers, sunglasses and a cap.
• Mild day: a breathable long-sleeve top, straight jeans or relaxed cotton trousers, a denim jacket or zip-up, sneakers.
• Cool day: leggings or jeans, a thin thermal under a sweatshirt or fleece, a lightweight packable puffer, sneakers and socks.
• Water ride day: quick-dry fabrics and a spare pair of socks in your bag.

What shoes to wear

Shoes matter more than anything else on this trip. Bring two pairs of comfortable walking sneakers you've already broken in, so you can switch if one gets wet. Cushioned socks help on long days.

Sandals are fine for the pool and casual meals but tend to be tiring for full park days. Skip brand-new shoes; blisters can end a vacation day early.

What to wear in the evening

Once the sun sets, it can feel noticeably cooler, especially standing still for evening shows or eating outdoors. Add long pants, a sweater or light jacket, and closed shoes.

For a nice dinner, a midi dress with a denim jacket or cardigan and flat sandals or loafers works, as do wide-leg trousers with a fine knit. Resorts and restaurants in Orlando are generally casual; smart casual covers almost everywhere.

Rain gear and sun protection

Pack a lightweight hooded rain jacket or a poncho that folds small. A small umbrella is handy for waiting in lines.

Even in December, the Florida sun is strong. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses and a cap or brimmed hat, and reapply sunscreen through the day.

A 5-day Orlando December packing list

This list covers warm, mild and cool days and can fit in a carry-on if you choose lightweight fabrics.

• 4 tees or tanks and 2 breathable long-sleeve tops.
• 1 pair of shorts or a skort, 1 pair of jeans, 1 pair of lightweight trousers or leggings.
• 1 midi dress for dinner.
• 1 sweater or fleece, 1 denim jacket or overshirt, 1 packable puffer or rain jacket.
• 2 pairs of broken-in sneakers, 1 pair of sandals.
• Swimsuit, sunglasses, cap, sunscreen, small crossbody bag, spare socks.

Questions people ask

The takeaway

Breathable layers for warm days, a real warm layer for nights, two pairs of broken-in sneakers, rain gear that folds small, and sunscreen every day.

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