Does Disneyland close when it rains? No. Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure stay open in the rain. Some outdoor rides may pause, and parades or fireworks can be canceled, but most of the parks keep running. Rain is also not a reason for a ticket refund. The good news? Rainy days are often much less crowded and sometimes are my favorite Disney days for that reason.
The photos in this post are from rainy days on my own Disneyland trips. As you can see, the park still looks magical when it’s wet. In my opinion, some of the best photography opportunities at Disneyland happen when it rains. All the lights reflect on the wet ground, and the reflections are just stunning, especially on Main Street at night. If you love taking pictures, don’t let the rain keep you away!
Does Disneyland Close When It Rains?
Disneyland almost never closes for weather. Southern California rain is usually light, and the parks keep running through it. What changes is that a few outdoor rides may close for a while, and outdoor shows, parades, and fireworks may be canceled or changed.
Lightning and strong wind cause the most closures. When there’s lightning nearby, outdoor rides and even some coasters pause until it passes. Disney doesn’t publish a set list of rides that close in the rain, so check the Disneyland app for live ride status.
What Rides Close at Disneyland When It Rains?
These rides are the most likely to close during rain, based on past rainy days:
Disneyland Park
- Mad Tea Party
- Alice in Wonderland
- Dumbo the Flying Elephant and Astro Orbitor (sometimes)
- Storybook Land Canal Boats and Casey Jr. Circus Train
- Chip ‘n’ Dale’s GADGETcoaster
- Davy Crockett’s Explorer Canoes and Pirate’s Lair on Tom Sawyer Island
Disney California Adventure
- Golden Zephyr
- Jumpin’ Jellyfish
- Goofy’s Sky School
- Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters
- Redwood Creek Challenge Trail
- Radiator Springs Racers and Grizzly River Run (sometimes, in heavier rain)
Best Rides to Do at Disneyland When It Rains
Indoor rides keep running in the rain, and lines are often shorter than usual. Here are the best ones to stay dry:
- Disneyland Park: Space Mountain, Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean, Indiana Jones Adventure, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, and it’s a small world
- California Adventure: Soarin’ Around the World, Toy Story Midway Mania, Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout, WEB SLINGERS, and Monsters, Inc.
- Indoor shows: Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room and Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln
Big Thunder Mountain and the Incredicoaster usually keep running in light rain, but they may pause for heavy rain or lightning.
Is Disneyland Less Crowded When It Rains?
Yes, usually. Many locals and Magic Key holders stay home when it rains, so the parks can feel a lot less packed. Wait times for indoor rides can still get long, since everyone heads inside, but outdoor walkways are much calmer. Just know the day after a big storm can be busier. Want to see the busiest and lightest days? Here’s my Disneyland crowd calendar for November and December 2026.
My pro tip: As long as you dress for the rain, you can have a great time at Disneyland, because a lot of people clear out. With rain shoes, waterproof pants, a waterproof jacket, and a poncho, you’ll be golden. With the wrong clothes, it can be miserable. One of my favorite things to do on a rainy day is ride Grizzly River Run and Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. It’s already wet outside anyway, so they’re actually super fun! Sometimes they even let you ride Grizzly River Run twice in a row without getting off, which is so fun.
When Does It Rain at Disneyland?
Most of Anaheim’s rain falls from December through March. Summer and early fall are usually dry. Even in the rainy months, there are lots of sunny days, and storms often pass in a few hours. If you’re visiting in winter, plan for a little rain just in case.
Tips for a Rainy Day at Disneyland
- Bring a poncho from home. It’s much cheaper than buying one in the park.
- Dress for the rain. Rain shoes, waterproof pants, and a waterproof jacket (plus your poncho) make a huge difference. Pack an extra pair of socks too.
- Rent a locker for dry clothes. Lockers inside the parks start at just $7 a day, so you can change into something dry later. Prices are on the official locker rentals page.
- Check the Disneyland app often for ride closures and show changes.
- Go to outdoor rides as soon as the rain stops. Lines are often short right after they reopen.
- Warm up with a treat. A hot cocoa or a warm churro makes any rainy day better. Here’s what to eat at Disneyland.
Not sure how to dress for a winter trip? Here’s my guide to what to wear to Disneyland, with a full December packing list.
Disneyland in the Rain FAQ
Does Disneyland close when it rains?
No. Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure stay open in the rain. Some outdoor rides may pause, and parades or fireworks may be canceled, but most of the parks keep running.
What rides close at Disneyland when it rains?
Outdoor rides like Mad Tea Party, Alice in Wonderland, Storybook Land Canal Boats, Golden Zephyr, Jumpin’ Jellyfish, and Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters are the most likely to close. Disney does not publish a set list, so check the Disneyland app.
Does Disneyland give refunds for rain?
No. Rain alone is not a reason for a ticket refund at Disneyland, since the parks stay open.
Is Disneyland less crowded when it rains?
Usually, yes. Many locals stay home on rainy days, so the parks can be less packed. Indoor rides can still have long lines.
Does Disneyland do fireworks in the rain?
Fireworks can still happen in light rain, but they may be canceled or changed for heavy rain, wind, or lightning. Check the Disneyland app for updates on the day.
What month does it rain the most at Disneyland?
Most rain in Anaheim falls from December through March. Summer and early fall are usually dry.
Final Thoughts
So, does Disneyland close when it rains? No, and a rainy day can actually be one of the best days to go. Bring a poncho, stash dry clothes in a locker, ride the indoor attractions, and enjoy the smaller crowds. And if you’re lucky, you might even catch a rainbow over Tomorrowland.
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