August Heat

scrapbookmom5174 · #1 03-02-2009, 12:19 AM

I am trying to get an idea in my head exactly how hot it is going to be in August. We will be there 8/03 - 8/13. I live in an area that average high 90's to low 100's during August, but we have low humidity.

Last summer we were at Branson, MO and the humidity was around 90% and the temperature was in the high 90's. Is this similar?

One other question, after it rains each day will the temp drop?

Thanks,
Clea

faline · #2 03-02-2009, 08:29 AM

It will be quite hot and humid in August. Your experience in Branson should be a good indicator.

While afternoon thundershowers are very common in Florida at this time of year (They can also be very intense and, sometimes, dangerous.), they do not appreciably cool the air. Evenings are somewhat more manageable.

The best plan is to head to the parks early in the morning. Plan a nice sit-down meal in an air conditioned location. In the early to mid-afternoon, return to your resort to cool down and/or swim. Head back to the parks in the early evening when the heat has diminished a bit and is a bit more manageable.

mouseketeer mom · #3 03-02-2009, 08:57 AM

I was really worried about our August trip last year. Me and the heat don't mix.
Well, turns out we had a hurricane during our trip. Helped with the heat, thats for sure, because as the hurricane approached, it was overcast for many days before. The heat wasn't horrible with the overcast skys. Then in came the rain, and I still think I'm drying out. It was torrential. The humidity was thru the roof and it was really uncomfortable. Would I do it again? You bet!

dixielandings · #4 03-02-2009, 09:08 AM

Yeah, it's Handbasket Central there in August. I grew up in Houston, about an hour from the coast, and the weather there is pretty much the same as Orlando. I agree with the PP about concentrating on the early and late hours. Pace yourselves, drink lots of WATER (not soda and stuff), and alternate outdoor with indoor attractions. Uncle Walt was very careful and intentional about having an escape from the weather in his Parks. Think Hall of Presidents, Carousel of Progress, the shows at AK, just about any attraction at Epcot.

And SUNSCREEN.

EmmMOM2 · #5 03-02-2009, 11:17 AM

We went in the End of August and early September and it was HOT and HUMID...
Their were a few days when i thought i'd pass out from heat stroke. I was able to find shade a rest for awhile.
Expect to ALWAYS have water with you and a portable fan if you like. Also, I would bring tons of sunscreen and reapply at least twice a day.

pandkx3 · #6 03-02-2009, 12:20 PM

I live in S. Mississippi about 50 miles from the coast and I'll tell you that in August the only reason we go outside is to flip the steaks on the grill

However, if we were in Disney, I would brave 110 degree weather with 100% humidity. Just make sure that you have water and take frequent breaks. You don't realize how much high humidity makes you sweat.

#1donaldfan · #7 03-02-2009, 12:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by faline

It will be quite hot and humid in August. Your experience in Branson should be a good indicator.

While afternoon thundershowers are very common in Florida at this time of year (They can also be very intense and, sometimes, dangerous.), they do not appreciably cool the air. Evenings are somewhat more manageable.

The best plan is to head to the parks early in the morning. Plan a nice sit-down meal in an air conditioned location. In the early to mid-afternoon, return to your resort to cool down and/or swim. Head back to the parks in the early evening when the heat has diminished a bit and is a bit more manageable.

...well, those are my thoughts exactly....how'd you get into my brain ??? ha, ha.....that would have been my reply, had you not....

wire0monkey · #8 03-03-2009, 04:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dixielandings

And SUNSCREEN.

Absolutely!

We put on sunscreen before getting dressed in the morning and then reapply it after the afternoon swim. I put sunscreen on the parts of the kids and husband that are covered, as well as the parts that are exposed. My husband can burn through a shirt.

Belster · #9 03-04-2009, 11:58 AM

Previous to 2008 I have only done Disney in August. Two reasons:

1. We have a timeshare and spent one week at disney and the other in Tampa.

2. The discounted rate.

We decided in 2008 to try October...needless to say I will never ever go to Disney again in August. The heat is WAY to intense to walk around in all day.

I would say if you were on your own without kids that many want to be held and such you could stand it but it would still be a scorcher.

Belster · #10 03-04-2009, 12:00 PM

I forgot to mention a positive thing...you wont have heavy luggage because all you need are shorts and tanks. That is a plus.

crazypoohbear · #11 03-06-2009, 09:34 AM

HOt HOT HOT and HUMID.
But it's doable. I bring an umbrella to keep the sun and rain off me.
I walk through every store to get the air conditioning.
We drink a LOT of water "take a drink" every ten minutes. Sit in A/C for lunch/dinner
Walk on the shady part of the street.
Wear light colored clothing.
Slather on sunscreen all day long.
Drink Drink Drink!!!!
You will be fine

MarkC · #12 03-06-2009, 10:59 AM

Your signature doesn't list where you are from, but lets face it that it's hot pretty much everywhere in August. Actually, the temperature is lower in Florida than a lot of places (around 90 vs. 100 other places), but the humidity is worse. The main difference is that you are out in the heat more instead of staying in air conditioning if you are home. Just be smart about it and see the parks in the morning and evening, and swim or do indoor activities in the heat of the day. Drink lots of water-- you can actually request a free cup of ice water at most counter places and they will give you one.

joonyer · #13 03-06-2009, 11:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pandkx3

Just make sure that you have water and take frequent breaks. You don't realize how much high humidity makes you sweat.

It's not that you sweat so much more in high humidity, (you sweat in a hot, low humidity climate, too) it's that your sweat will not evaporate, so you don't get the cooling effect of evaporation on your skin, and your clothes get soaked. It can be very uncomfortable. But the Disney Magic will make it bearable. There's not much difference in the Central Florida humidity from May through September, it's pretty much Hot & Humid for months on end. That's why we like going in Feb. & Oct.

Just Grin

and Bear

it.

Marker · #14 03-06-2009, 02:23 PM

Since you mention Branson, I'll pass this on.

Yes, it will be hot and humid in Florida in August. Yes, it was hot and humid in Missouri when you were there. The difference is, in central Florida, around 5 or 6 in the afternoon, it'll likely rain. After that shower, you're typically left with a beautiful evening. When you were in Missouri, I'll bet it didn't rain, and it just stayed miserably humid all night as well as all day, for days and days and days.

Summer in Florida doesn't scare me at all.

Don't be afraid to sweat, sweat is your friend. As long as you're sweating, you're doing ok. If you stop sweating, you're already in trouble.

Drink lots... that's very good advice, but it's incomplete. It should say drink lots of WATER. Sugary & Caffine drinks do not hydrate you like water. If you drink nothing but soda all day long, you're probably going to be in trouble. In fact, I'd go so far as to say AVOID sugary drinks and snacks. And if you wait until you're thirsty to drink the water, you're already behind.

When it does start raining in the afternoon, everyone seems to head for cover, and many lines suddenly get noticably shorter. Sure, you might get a little wet, but if you've been sweating all day, it really feels pretty good.

Don't wait until you get there to start drinking water. If you start hydrating a couple days before you go, you'll be ahead of the game. Your body will already have that much of a head start.

Snow's Mom · #15 03-06-2009, 10:48 PM

I'm from Iowa and we went to DW in August a few years ago. It was HOT. I bought one of those neck things that you freeze and wear around your neck and that really helped. Used it back in Iowa, too! The fashion police (my DD) did not approve, but I used it daily.

In spite of the time change, my whole family got up early so we could leave for the parks by 7:30. Teens, too, yes. Seriously. By 11:00 the heat was starting to take it's toll. We either went back to our hotel (the AC was heavenly!) or to a lunch reservation or for a ride on the monorail or all of the above. It did usually rain and make things better for awhile. Back to the parks after a nap or a dip in the pool (late afternoon). We took lots of showers!

Even AK, which people always complain about being hotter than any other park, was fine. They have a lot of misters and we carried water bottles everywhere we went. And suntan lotion. We also had a little spray bottle of water and some wet-wipes. We tried everything, it all helped.

Evenings are better, but still hot, especially if there's no breeze. We skipped the afternoon parades. Get up early or stay late---but avoid that midday heat when possible! It'll be a great trip!

Daddy Mouse · #16 03-07-2009, 01:11 PM

There are tricks to make yourself cooler during the heat and humidity. I sweat like a racehorse, but I'll wrap ice in a hand towel and place it on top of my head. It looks strange, but it kept me much cooler.

ibelieveindisneymagic · #17 03-10-2009, 02:17 PM

We've been twice at the end of August. The first time, our honeymoon, we didn't drink enough, spent too much time out at the parks, and I actually sat down on the ground and cried 'cause I felt so horrible! (My poor new DH, I don't think he knew quite what to do with me).

The second time, we were much smarter! We got an early start, drank tons of water, walked through the air-conditioned stores whenever possible (ie. up Main Street) and made sure to take in some of the sit-down air-condiditoned attractions. We did go back and swim most afternoons, but in general, we just took it a bit slower than usual and didn't overdo it.

Once we got the hang of it, we were more than fine in August. We're from Canada, that type of heat and humidity is just crazy for us, but we more than managed