Seasons in Orange County

Whether you're hoping for some yuletide carols in chilly weather (well, chilly for southern California) or sunny days in your swimsuit, Orange County has you covered.

While Orange County doesn't have the same seasonal variation as its northern Californian counterparts, that doesn't mean you won't notice the seasons changing. And if you don't notice, the Disneyland® decorations will almost certainly clue you in.

In the fall and winter, Orange County goes all out with the vacation celebrations. Halloween and Christmas lovers, take note! In the spring and summer, that chilled-out California vibe takes over and it's all about cruising along the beach and soaking up the sunshine.

Pick any day of the year to visit and know that you're going to have a fantastic time and find plenty of things to do. Here are some of our top seasonal recommendations.

Fall

  • Knott's Berry Farm is the place to be in the fall, when the decorations become spooky and the special effects are kicked up a notch. Boo!
  • Festivals are a huge part of fall in Orange County, whether that means events featuring haunted tours or food fairs with pie eating contests.
  • Disneyland® puts on a kid-friendly Halloween event called Mickey's Halloween Party where you can dress up as your favorite character.

Winter

  • Want to have a whale of a time? Then head on a whale watching expedition to see the gray whale migration that takes place every winter.
  • Orange County enjoys moderate temperatures in the winter, meaning that hiking and yoga are still popular activities for visitors of all ages.
  • Let your soul be filled with the spirit of jazz as you attend one of the weekly jazz events held throughout the winter months - Christmas carols guaranteed!

Spring and Summer

  • Celebrate the Fourth of July with stunning fireworks shows at beaches around Orange County, including Monarch Beach.
  • Pick fresh watermelon and hold a seed spitting contest (we won't tell) after going on a tour of Tanaka Farms.
  • You can't go to Orange County in the summer without stepping foot on a beach. Try the famous Huntington Beach for loads of atmosphere.