Nothing testifies to the power of geography quite like Niagara Falls.
Oh, I’m not talking about the power of the falls themselves, mighty as they are, but the way they affect human behavior. In its own way, Niagara Falls is like a miniature Vegas on the Canada-US border. A place to get married, or host a bachelorette party; a place to see a show or try your luck in the casino; a place to stand in awe of nature’s naked majesty.
If you’ve never been, chances are it’s on your bucket list.
But when is the best time to scratch it off your list? Is it better to go in the full bloom of summer, to feel the cool spray of the falls on your face? Or is it more romantic in winter, flanked with ice, plummeting plumes frozen in time?
As with most destinations, the best time to visit depends on what kind of vacation you want. With that in mind, here’s a season-by-season breakdown of the best times to visit Niagara Falls.
Summer
I don’t really have to tell you that summer is far and away the most popular time of year to visit the falls, do I? Because it certainly is.
Peak season is June to August. With average daily highs sitting between 75 and 80°F, it’s not hard to see why. Like much of the region, Niagara Falls tends to experience high levels of humidity, but the proximity to water moderates the temperature. Summers here are clement without being too stifling.
As far as rain goes, June, July, and August all average around 10 days with precipitation. August is the driest month of the year, but also the zenith of tourist season.
The truth is, summer is the time of year you’ll find the most to do on either side of the falls. Everything is open, even if it is busy.
On the American side, Niagara Falls State Park is a must-see, with its 400 acres of verdant woodland pressed up against the water. You can take the iconic Maid of the Mist boat tour, the closest it’s possible to get to the falls themselves, and explore the Cave of Winds. You can visit the Seneca Niagara Casino, get wet on a Niagara Jet Adventure, or taste the fruits of the land fresh off the vine.
On the Canadian side, there’s the Skylon Tower and Marineland, where you can visit the whales and dolphins and ride a roller coaster or two.
If you’re willing to drive a wee bit to the north, you can also explore Niagara-on-the-Lake, one of Canada’s most beautiful towns. It hosts the Shaw Festival, the second-largest repertory theatre in North America, from April to October every year.
There’s also the historic Fort George, a well-preserved colonial outpost and scene of several battles in the War of 1812. You’ll have fun watching (and speaking) with the dedicated re-enactors dressed up as Redcoats.
Finally, a little further along the Queen Elizabeth Way, you’ll find Southern Ontario is home to one of the world’s richest wine regions. There are literally hundreds of wineries to choose from, so bring a designated driver.
Most of these things are best done in the summer, so if you don’t mind a crowd — or paying top dollar — this is definitely the season to visit.
Fall at the Falls
Now, if you like the sound of some of those ‘summery’ activities, but you don’t want to be surrounded by tourists, the autumn may be the season for you.
The average number of tourists plummets precipitously in September, though you may find the prices don’t quite keep pace. The good news is, most of the outdoor activities that would draw you to the falls are still on the table in September and October — sometimes even November. The air may be brisk, but fall at the falls is not unbearable.
In September, the average daily high is about 70°F; in October, 59°F; in November, it drops to 46°F. You’ll want to bring your fall jacket and your best sweater or three, but once again, the moderating effect of the Great Lakes should keep you from freezing too badly.
On the U.S. side, fall may just be the perfect time to explore Old Falls Street USA, a short cobblestone street leading out of Niagara Falls State Park. You should be able to find food, music, street games, and (with a little luck) a fall festival or two.
Old Fort Niagara is stunning in the fall, and provides a nice counterpoint to Fort George on the Canadian side. The fort was originally built in the 1670s by the French, but it was later expanded in the 18th century. It played a role in the French and Indian War, the Revolutionary War (in which it was a loyalist redoubt), and the War of 1812.
On the Canadian side, fall is the perfect season to visit that old Victorian gem of a town, Niagara-on-the-Lake. No place could look better against the backdrop of singed foliage — except perhaps the falls themselves!
Winter
I know I’m unlikely to sell you on a winter getaway in upstate New York and/or Canada for obvious reasons.
Between December and March, average highs in Niagara Falls fluctuate between 31 and 41°F. January is the coldest month, with lows of around 17°F, while December usually sees the most days of snow (or rain, or sleet) — 12 days on average. You’ll want to dress warmly if you’re venturing north at this time of year, and be prepared to live with significant travel delays, since blizzards are fairly common in the Great Lakes basin.
So why even mention a winter trek to the falls as a possibility? Three big reasons.
Reason one: compared to summer, it will be dead. It’s true there aren’t as many things to do, especially outdoors. But if you’re an indoor cat, you can have the run of the place. Particularly if you’re interested in hitting the casinos, this could be your time to shine.
On the Canadian side, Fallsview Casino regularly hosts some pretty major concerts at their performance venue. Upcoming acts inclue Eddie Money, Kenny Loggins, and the Commodores — just to name a few. And if you stay in the hotel, you won’t really have to go outside unless you care to.
Reason two: compared to summer, you will save big. January is the cheapest month in Niagara Falls overall, so you can stay in a splurge hotel at fairly reasonable prices.
Reason three: you may just get to see the falls frozen over. It’s a spectacular sight, one that really brings home the scale of the thing. Although the falls never freeze completely, even a partial freeze is something to behold.
Spring
There’s less to say about spring, perhaps, than any other season. The winter thaw in this part of the world is a muddy, messy affair.
The main things to recommend spring in Niagara Falls, particularly on the Canadian side, are the flowers. Tulips and daffodils abound in Niagara falls, and the town is in fact famous for them.
Another reason to visit in springtime is the weather. Moderate as always, April brings average highs of 53°F, and May ups the ante to 66°F.
In my opinion, this makes May a sleeper pick for ‘best month to visit Niagara Falls.’ It’s busier than the winter, but not yet peak season. The prices are higher, but still a bargain. And the weather is balmy, though not quite beautiful. If you’re looking for something in-between, May could be the best time for to go.
Conclusion
For my money, the best time to visit Niagara is in the autumn — late September or early October. The summer crowds have melted away, and the prices have begun to drop. You may deal with some rain, but snow is unlikely.
Best of all, you can breathe in that crisp fall air and watch the leaves burning in the background as the falls rush past, as if to put them out.
