Best time to visit month‑by‑month for The Ritz‑Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes
Best times: for mild, low‑rain weather and easier theme‑park days visit March–May or November–early December; these months avoid Orlando’s hottest, wettest stretch. If you want lowest rates and don’t mind heat and afternoon storms, travel June–August, but expect higher crowds and daily thunderstorms.
In this guide
January–February: Cooler, quieter winter stays
January and February are the coolest months at The Ritz‑Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes. Daytime temperatures are mild and evenings can be noticeably cooler than summer.
These months usually bring lower rainfall than the summer, making outdoor activities like golf, walking the grounds, and poolside time comfortable on most days. The spa and fitness facilities remain open year‑round with their standard hours.
- Good for: golf (cooler tee times), spa visits, quieter resort atmosphere
- Pool note: main resort pool (Solaire Pool) is open daily; the spa’s adults‑only lap pool follows spa hours
- Theme‑park travel: shorter lines compared with holiday peaks (but expect some school‑holiday weekends)
| Travel factor | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Weather | Mild days, cooler nights |
| Crowds | Low to moderate |
| Best for | Quiet resort stays, spa, golf |
March–May: Spring shoulder season (best balance)
March through May is one of the most comfortable times to visit — warm days, lower monthly rainfall than summer, and pleasant evenings. NOAA normals and travel sources list March and November among the most comfortable months for Orlando weather.
This is a good shoulder season for combining resort time with nearby attractions: golf tee times are pleasant, the Ritz Kids program runs for families, and transfers/shuttle options to the theme parks are available with advance reservations (part of resort services).
- Good for: families avoiding peak summer heat, golfers, outdoor wedding/event bookings
- Pools: main family pool and kids pool are available; spa pool remains adults‑only and follows spa hours
- Crowds & rates: generally favorable balance — check school‑holiday dates (spring break) which can increase demand
| Month | Why go |
|---|---|
| March | Comfortable temps, lower rain |
| April | Warm days, good for pools and golf |
| May | Warm but before peak summer storms |
June–August: Hot, humid summer — peak theme‑park season
Mid‑June through mid‑September is Orlando’s hot, humid wet season with frequent afternoon thunderstorms. Expect average highs near 90°F in July and higher humidity on many days.
This is also a busy period for families visiting theme parks. The resort remains fully operational with pools, the spa, and the Ritz Kids program, but plan outdoor activities for mornings and early evenings when storms are less likely.
- Good for: families who need summer travel; access to JW Marriott waterpark amenities
- Tips: schedule golf and outdoor excursions early; bring sun protection and be prepared for short, heavy rain
- Facilities: pool cabanas and daybeds are available to reserve; spa and fitness center keep normal hours
| Concern | Advice |
|---|---|
| Afternoon storms | Plan outdoor activities for AM or later evening |
| Crowds | Higher at theme parks and on resort weekends |
| Heat | Use shaded pool areas; adults‑only spa pool follows spa hours |
September–October: Late‑summer to fall — good shoulder months
September and October mark the late summer/fall transition. Rainfall remains possible (hurricane season runs June–November and peaks around early September), but mid‑September through October often offers good weather windows with fewer crowds.
If you prefer lower crowd levels than summer but still want warm weather, this period can be a practical choice. Outdoor event spaces and wedding venues such as Whisper Creek Farm and Da Vinci Lawn are still usable, though subject to weather.
- Best for: travelers seeking warm weather with potentially lower rates than peak summer
- Watch for: weather forecasts during hurricane season; consider travel insurance for late‑summer bookings
- Event planning: the resort manages large venue spaces year‑round but outdoor plans depend on weather
| Month | What to check |
|---|---|
| September | Hurricane‑season risk; lower crowd levels |
| October | Often stable, pleasant fall days |
November–December: Dry season and holiday period
November into early December is part of Orlando’s drier, cooler season. November is often cited with March as one of the most comfortable months for visiting due to lower rainfall and mild temperatures.
Holiday periods (late November–December) can increase demand; if you want quieter resort time with pleasant weather, early November and mid‑December (outside the main holidays) are strong options.
- Good for: comfortable outdoor activities, golf, and spa treatments
- Holiday tip: check dates around Thanksgiving and winter holidays for higher rates and occupancy
- Transportation: shuttle services to theme parks require reservations; plan transfers in advance during peak holiday dates
| Travel factor | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Weather | Cooler, low rainfall |
| Crowds | Low to high (holidays increase demand) |
| Best rooms | Rooms with balconies (many renovated Rooms & Suites include private balconies) are pleasant in cooler months |
Practical tips year‑round
Check pool access rules and spa age policies before booking: the spa pool and spa facilities are restricted to guests 18 and older, while the resort offers a Ritz Kids program for younger guests. Fitness center access also has age restrictions.
Valet‑only parking, a mandatory daily resort fee, and in‑room Wi‑Fi policies vary by booking channel — confirm details when you reserve. The resort provides on‑site dining (including Knife & Spoon and Highball & Harvest) and a golf course with tee times from early morning to late afternoon.
- Book early for Knife & Spoon or Highball & Harvest reservations; phone numbers are available through the resort
- Reserve theme‑park shuttles or airport transfers in advance when available; some services require a surcharge or reservation
- If traveling with pets, confirm the hotel’s pet policy (one dog or cat up to 25 lbs per room with a non‑refundable fee) before arrival
| Service | Note |
|---|---|
| Check‑in/out | Standard check‑in 4:00 PM; check‑out 11:00 AM |
| Airport | Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the nearest (about 10 miles) |
| Reservations | Spa hours and pool hours are fixed; book treatments and cabanas in advance |
