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The natural beauty alone is a compelling reason to visit Niagara Falls. Watching the roaring waters as they fall over the 325-foot cliff and create a fine mist is a rare experience you won’t get elsewhere.
While it is not officially named one of the Seven Wonders of the World, petitions have been signed to name it the Eighth Wonder of the World. But while there’s plenty to see and do in this storied area, when is the best time to visit Niagara Falls? Here’s our take.
The Best Time to Visit Niagara Falls
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Overall, the best time to visit Niagara Falls is between August and September. During this time, the peak summer season is winding down so it is less crowded, but attractions are still in full swing.
August through September at Niagara Falls offers guests the left-over warm weather of summer but without the extensive crowds of people taking their vacations while school is out.
This means that you won’t get a chill when the misty water splashes against your skin while on the boat or walking tour of the falls.
This is also the best time to visit because you start to see the change in color of the surrounding trees as they begin their preparation for the autumn season. You also don’t have to worry about the falls freezing over and preventing optimal flow patterns as the air is still warm.
To experience Niagara Falls in all its beauty, but without the extensive crowds and long lines, visiting during the end of August through September will give you the best bang for your buck.
You will also notice that lodging and travel prices begin to drop this time of year, meaning you may end up saving some money.
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Cheapest Time to Visit Niagara Falls
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The cheapest time to visit Niagara Falls is from November through January. This is considered the off-season at the falls meaning lodging and travel options are offering extensive sales to produce revenue.
If you don’t mind a cold breeze and getting splashed with frigid cold waters, you may want to consider visiting Niagara Falls during the winter months. A budget-friendly wintertime trip to Niagara Falls may end up being more spectacular than a crowded summertime trip.
During the winter months at Niagara Falls, guests can experience how sections of a roaring waterfall can come to a stop when the temperatures drop below freezing.
Witnessing frozen sections of the massive falls is a site that most visitors miss out on since the prime visiting time is in the summer months.
Keep in mind that if you decide to visit Niagara Falls in November through January, you may not have the opportunity to embark on a river or walking tour as these are rarely offered when the weather is cold.
The freezing temperatures will freeze water on walkways and cause ice chunks to float on the water creating a potential hazard.
Least Busy Time to Visit Niagara Falls
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The least busy time to visit Niagara Falls is in the spring and fall months. School is still in session this time of year and in the Spring, families are preparing for summer vacations, while in the fall they are recovering from their recent trip out of town.
This makes spring and autumn the best times to visit Niagara Falls if you don’t like crowds. When visiting in the spring, you will experience a cool breeze with fresh, crisp air as you take in the natural beauty of the falls.
During the autumn months at Niagara Falls, you will see the vibrant colors of the trees changing colors as the leaves prepare to drop.
You will also notice that travel and lodging rates drop during these times of year to fill plane seats and hotel rooms. When visiting during the spring and fall months, you may notice that there are limited hours on attractions like the Observation Tower and tours around the falls.
If you run into this issue, you will still have the option to view the falls, you simply may have to spend your ticket money on area attractions instead of falls tours.
Worst Time to Visit Niagara Falls
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The worst time to visit Niagara Falls is from June to early August, during what’s considered to be peak season.
While the weather is near perfect for the refreshing mist the falls emit, the plethora of vacationers can create unpleasant crowds. When not close enough to the falls to get a feel of the cool water on your hot skin, you may experience extremely hot and humid temperatures.
This will make waiting in line to see the falls or waiting to experience Niagara Falls State Park attractions a sticky and unpleasant experience.
If you’re willing to take on the sticky weather and the gigantic crowds and visit Niagara Falls in the summer months, be sure to book lodging, travel, and any additional tickets well in advance.
The last thing you want to do is travel across the country only to realize tickets are sold out when you get there.
You may find special deals on lodging or travel rates if you wait until the last minute to purchase, but the likelihood of these tickets being available is slim. Therefore, waiting for a special deal for your trip dates is best.
Niagara Falls by Month: Climate & Activities
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Still unsure about the best time to visit Niagara Falls? Take a look at our summary of the weather and climate by month below:
January
Winter temperatures at Niagara Falls range from -6 to -1°C (21-30°F). It’s a serene time to witness the falls partially frozen, explore nearby parks like Niagara Falls State Park, and enjoy indoor attractions such as the Niagara SkyWheel.
February
Similar to January, February maintains cold temperatures between -6 to -1°C (21-30°F). Visitors can experience the Winter Festival of Lights, take scenic winter walks along the falls, and enjoy the Niagara Icewine Festival.
March
As spring begins, temperatures range from -3 to 6°C (26-43°F). March is ideal for indoor attractions like the Butterfly Conservatory, hiking in the Niagara Glen Nature Reserve, and attending events like the Niagara Falls Comic Con.
April
Spring temperatures at Niagara Falls range from 3 to 13°C (37-55°F). It’s an excellent time to explore the falls’ surroundings, take boat tours like Maid of the Mist, and witness the blooming flowers in the parks.
May
May sees temperatures ranging from 9 to 19°C (48-66°F). It’s a great month for experiencing the Niagara Falls Illumination, taking scenic drives along the Niagara Parkway, and enjoying outdoor activities in warmer weather.
June
Summer arrives with temperatures between 14 to 24°C (57-75°F). June offers opportunities for boat tours to get up close to the falls, exploring Clifton Hill’s entertainment district, and attending events like the Niagara Parks Power Station Light Show.
July
July maintains warm temperatures from 18 to 28°C (64-82°F). It’s a peak month for tourism, with visitors enjoying fireworks over the falls, outdoor concerts, and exploring attractions like Journey Behind the Falls.
August
Temperatures in August range from 18 to 28°C (64-82°F). It’s an ideal time for outdoor adventures like zip-lining at Niagara Falls, visiting nearby wineries, and experiencing the Niagara Falls International Film Festival.
September
As fall begins, temperatures range from 14 to 24°C (57-75°F). September offers a pleasant transition, with opportunities for hiking in the Niagara Glen, attending the Niagara Grape and Wine Festival, and exploring the falls’ surroundings.
October
October sees temperatures ranging from 8 to 17°C (46-63°F). It’s a great month for admiring fall foliage in the parks, taking scenic helicopter tours, and enjoying the haunted attractions during the Halloween season.
November
Fall temperatures range from 2 to 9°C (36-48°F). November is perfect for exploring the Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort, taking scenic drives along the Niagara River, and experiencing the Winter Festival of Lights.
December
Winter returns with temperatures ranging from -4 to 2°C (25-36°F). December brings festive holiday decorations, the Winter Festival of Lights, and opportunities for indoor entertainment and shopping.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Visiting a new area poses multiple unknowns for vacationers. When is the best time to visit? What do I need to know about the area? What can I expect while visiting?
These are all valid questions that are vital to research before booking a vacation. Below are some of the most frequently asked questions about visiting Niagara Falls.
How many days do you need in Niagara Falls?
To explore a good portion of the falls and take in all that it offers, we recommend booking a stay for a minimum of two nights. This will give you the necessary time to explore the falls and the surrounding area. This also allows you to book various adventures without reservation times overlapping.
What is the off-season at Niagara Falls?
The off-season at Niagara Falls is during the winter months. The frigid temperatures tend to keep tourists away. The lack of tourists in the wintertime means tours of the falls cease, and operating hours are slim. While winter at Niagara Falls offers benefits the summer months do not, the best time to visit is in the spring and fall to avoid large crowds while the weather is still bearable.
Is October a good time to visit Niagara Falls?
October is an excellent time to visit Niagara Falls. The summer crowds are no longer causing the area to burst at its seams, the leaves are changing colors, and the temperatures are perfect for spending the day outside. October is also the time of year the surrounding areas host festivals unique to the region.
What is the best time of day to visit Niagara Falls?
Visiting Niagara Falls in the early morning or late afternoon is best. In the summertime, crowds are slightly smaller early in the morning or during the start of dinner time. It is also beneficial to visit early morning in summer as the temperatures are colder, making the outdoors more bearable.
Do I need a passport to see Niagara Falls?
If you wish to explore the Canadian side of Niagara Falls, a passport is required if you are over 15 years of age. Individuals 15 and younger can cross the border without one, but we recommend everyone in your group has their passport before crossing the border to avoid any issues. Passports are not required if you do not wish to cross the Canadian border.
So, When Should You Visit Niagara Falls?
| 👍 Best Time to Visit | August-September |
| 💲 Cheapest Time to Visit | November-January |
| 🗓️ Least Busy Time to Visit | Spring & Fall |
| 👎 Worst Time to Visit | June, July & August |
If you’re looking for the best Niagara Falls experience available to man, the best time to visit is between August and September. August through September at Niagara Falls provides visitors with spectacular views of the falls, fewer crowds, and the perfect temperature for spending all day outside.
If you plan to visit during peak season in the summer, ensure you plan and book travel and lodging in advance. Visiting Niagara Falls in the summer without proper planning may result in spending more money than you intended and missing out on some of the best tours.
The least crowded time to visit but still receive all tour options and warmer weather is in the spring and fall when school is still in session.
Before booking your once-in-a-lifetime trip to Niagara Falls, consider what the weather may be like, attraction operating hours, and what else there is to do in the area beside the falls. We promise you won’t be disappointed!