Best time to visit Niagara Falls

If you don’t like cold, you shouldn’t visit Niagara Falls in January. It is the coldest month of the year with temperatures being constantly below freezing. Be prepared to face -10°C (15°F) during your stay or even two times colder. January also gets the most snow, and snowstorms are frequent in the air that may result in some delays on the roads. However, there are also warmer days when the temperature keeps on freezing levels. There are about 3 hours of sunshine per day, and the sky is often clouded. The biggest advantage of this season is the chance to see how famous falls turn into winter wonderland freezing into an amazing mountain of ice.

February is slightly warmer than January in Niagara Falls, but the weather is still bitter cold. Temperature are below freezing most of the time. During warmer days it can rise slightly above the freezing levels, but make sure to pack enough of insulated winter clothes if you dare visit. Snow is also abundant at this time that can occasionally lead to road delays. It can also rain, but February is usually the driest month of the year. Yet, the day brings only four hours of sunshine. Most tourists arrive at this time to marvel at the spectacular scenery of the frozen falls which can happen during the coldest periods.

The first month of spring brings some relief after bitter cold winter, but the weather is still too cold and often unpredictable. The temperature is often below freezing at night, while during the day you can expect more sunshine and warmer air. Sudden cold waves are possible so pack some gloves and a warm hat. March is known for its sudden precipitation in the form of rain, snow or both at the same time. However, days now last longer which brings more visitors to the area. Overall, March is not a good time to visit Niagara Falls due to cold and capricious weather.

April brings long-awaited warmth to Niagara Falls and more tourists to the parks and attractions. Although it may still snow occasionally, the weather becomes much warmer and sunnier. You can still expect sudden cold fronts so pack your winter jacket for sure, but temperature usually is above freezing. And definitely take an umbrella since April has about 12 rainy days. The hours of sunshine are also increasing - there are six of them in April. Boats start to circulate on the lakes and the Niagara River. The falls are more majestic than ever fed by melting snow. The Maid of the Mist and other popular summer-time attractions are finally running after a winter break.

The last month of spring brings great weather to Niagara Falls. The flowers are blooming throughout the parks. And temperature finally reaches double digits in Celsius (or is above the 60s in Fahrenheit) most of the time. There are about 13 rainy days in May so an umbrella will come handy. With 8 hours of sunshine per day, May is one of the best times to visit Niagara Falls. The lush greenery, blooming flowers, and rushing white waters complete a perfect picture. The falls are roaring with their full power due to spring snowmelt.

June kicks off the warm and humid summer season in Niagara Falls. It is a great time to visit and enjoy the great outdoor recreation and naturals beauty of the region. The temperature is very mild and comfortable for hiking, walking, rafting or any outdoor activity. The days are sunny and long, and rains occur sometimes, but they are less common than in May. You can experience heat waves in Niagara Falls when the temperature goes over bove 27°C (80°F) but it happens quite rare. The nights can be rather cool so pack a light jacket with you. The biggest advantage of this season is the sight of powerful roaring waterfalls that get massive amounts of water every spring. Treat yourself with a boat trip or a cruise to see the phenomenon up close.

The hottest month of the year brings mid-summer temperatures to Niagara Falls. However, it usually remains in a comfortable range, rarely crossing the mark of 32°C (90°F). Nights are also warm so don’t hesitate to sit outside and count the bright stars or enjoy regular fireworks above Niagara Falls. With over 9 hours of sunshine there are so many things that you can do in the area. July is a perfect month for visiting Niagara Falls. Even occasional heavy downpours or rainstorms will be short. July is the driest month in the park with 9 rainy days on average. Thunderstorms usually take place in the afternoon so plan your tours in the morning.

August is an excellent time to visit Niagara Falls. The chances of rain are low and the temperature is within the most comfortable range to spend time outside enjoying beautiful nature. Sometimes it may reach 30°C (85°F), but it happens rarely. Most days are just perfectly warm and sunny. In the night it may get cooler so pack a light sweater with you. Even though August is one of the least rainy months, it may still rain occasionally. On average, there are 10 rainy days in August. Clear and sunny days prevail. And with plenty of hours of daylight, you can plan hiking, rafting, and other outdoor activities in the area. The waterfalls are gorgeous in August, and you may see rainbows near the water. Also, August is the best time to take a dip in one of the lakes that New York state and Ontario province are so famous for.

Temperatures cool down a bit in September, but it still feels like summer in Niagara Falls. The average temperatures stay in the comfortable range during the day, and there are 6 hours of sunshine. You can tell that the fall is coming only observing how leaves are changing colors in the park. Surrounded by fall-colored trees the rivers and lakes look simply stunning throughout the Niagara Falls region. September also has a reputation of a wet month in Niagara Falls with about 11 rainy days. Overall, September is still warm, but it gradually cools down towards the end of the month. So pack an umbrella and keep layered clothing in case of temperature drop.

The second month of fall can bring various kinds of weather to Niagara Falls. It can be perfectly warm and sunny, just like in the summer. Or there can be a snowstorm and a sudden temperature drop. On average, the peak of the fall season has mild temperatures around 10-12°C (53°F) with some cool breezes. Days are getting shorter, so it’s better to plan sightseeing in the morning. It rains more often. There are 12 rainy days in October. There are also less crowds in the parks than in the summer. However, despite capricious weather October is a great time to visit Niagara Falls due to amazing fall foliage in the area. You won’t believe your eyes with all the different shades of orange, red, and yellow surrounding you. The parks of Niagara Falls are definitely the most beautiful in October.

The last month of autumn brings lots of rain and cold. Sunny warm days become rare with average temperatures creeping down to freezing levels during nights and staying just around 8 °C(45°F) at best. There are 13 rainy days in November and just a few hours of sunshine daily. Fog and gloomy skies are common. Maid of the Mist and other open-air attractions are closed for the winter season. You can expect the first real snowfall by late November in the Niagara Falls area. And you can count on some frost too, so don’t forget to pack a hat and gloves.

Visiting Niagara Falls during December has some advantages. But it’s not due to weather. With cold wind and winter frost the parks surrounding the waterfalls quickly get empty. The temperatures drop below the freezing range or stay slightly above. The shortest days with just 2 hours of sunshine are usually rather grey and gloomy. December receives some of the biggest amounts of precipitation during the year in the form of rain or snow. So pack your best insulated and waterproof clothes and boots. On the positive side, if you plan to spend winter holidays in Niagara Falls, you have a solid chance to see White Christmas with a fresh blanket of snow covering pretty amazing scenery.