Best Time to Visit Niagara Falls for Weather, Prices, and Crowds

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Niagara Falls is one of the seven natural wonders of the world and a famous landmark

Niagara Falls is one of the most famous landmarks in North America. As one of the seven natural wonders of the world, it draws millions of visitors every year.

The best time to visit Niagara Falls will depend on the sort of traveler you are. Prices for hotels and flights are generally the cheapest in winter (December-March), but they're still fairly affordable in fall (September-December) and spring (March-June).

Crowd levels are highest during the summer (June-September) when schools aren't in session, and more families can visit. The weather is also nicest during this time, with temperatures around 80 degrees Fahrenheit and only a few days of rain each month.

Niagara Falls is breathtaking all year. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know to help you decide when to plan your visit!

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Niagara Falls Vacation Planning Questions

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There are things to consider when planning a vacation to Niagara Falls
A city with buildings in the background and a waterfall with trees in front
Summer is a good time to visit Niagara Falls because it offers nice weather

When is the best time to visit Niagara Falls?

The best month to visit Niagara Falls is June. However, the entire summer (May-September) will offer a similar experience. Temperatures usually stay in the lower 80s Fahrenheit.

It might rain during the season, but there aren't usually any storms, and showers end quickly. So, overall, the climate is typically ideal for visiting the falls up close.

The only potential downside to visiting during this time is how busy the area can get. Many families come to Niagara Falls during school summer vacations between June and August. Prices for hotels and flights also increase during this time.

If you want to avoid crowds, the best time to go to Niagara Falls is in the spring (March-June). The weather is still pretty warm, often around 65 degrees Fahrenheit, but fewer people are there.

A large waterfall with ice and snow and buildings in the distance
Winter is the least popular time to visit Niagara Falls due to colder temperatures

When is the worst time to visit Niagara Falls?

If you're a budget traveler or want to avoid crowds, summer (June-September) is the worst time to visit Niagara. During this time, even the cheapest hotels at Niagara Falls will increase their prices and book up quickly.

Many families choose to come to Niagara when school is out. Since the weather during the summer is so lovely, usually in the low 80s Fahrenheit, it's the most popular time to travel.

However, if making sure the climate is pleasant enough to spend a lot of time outdoors is a concern for you, winter (December-March) is the worst time to visit. During these months, temperatures can range between 18 and 41 degrees Fahrenheit.

It's also the area's snowiest and rainiest period. On average, there are 10 days of rain per winter month and at least one or two inches of snowfall.

A waterfall with fall-colored trees around it
August and September are when you will find deals for accommodations in Niagara Falls

When is the cheapest time to go to Niagara Falls?

The transition period between summer (June-September) and fall (September-December), specifically August and September, is the cheapest time to go to Niagara. This is because crowd levels decrease after the summer rush of travelers during this period.

The lower demand for lodging and flights means even the best places to stay in Niagara Falls will start to reduce their prices to encourage travelers. You can find accommodations last minute as well because there are fewer advance bookings.

You might be able to find cheaper flights or hotel rooms during the winter (December-March), but the weather during that season is much worse. August and September offer 55-75 degree Fahrenheit temperatures and the least number of rainy days, seven to nine per month, as opposed to 10 or more in other months.

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Many airports provide options for tourists to get to Niagara Falls

When is the cheapest time to fly to Niagara Falls?

The best airports to fly into for Niagara Falls are Niagara Falls International Airport in Niagara, New York, and Lester B. Pearson International Airport in Toronto, Canada. These two hubs have the most incoming and outgoing flights.

However, six other airports also help tourists get to the falls, depending on where you're coming from. Since there are many airport options, you have more chances to find flight deals throughout the year.

A good rule of thumb to follow when you're looking for cheap tickets is to try to book a trip for January. After Christmas, Niagara Falls' tourist crowds drop significantly, so airlines slash prices.

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Skylon Tower offers a rotating restaurant where you can enjoy the view while dining

Where is the best view of Niagara Falls?

Locals say the best view of Niagara Falls is the Skylon Tower observation deck. You can take the elevator to the observation floor or make a reservation at the rotating restaurant if you want a view while you dine.

The best hotel for viewing Niagara Falls is the Marriott Fallsview. However, when booking, make sure you request a room with a view of the falls to avoid being placed on the opposite side of the hotel.

If you want to see Niagara up close, take a boat tour, such as the Maid of the Mist. These boat rides have become famous worldwide because they bring you very close to the cascade. Bring a poncho or raincoat! The lines for these tours can get long, so consider booking a skip-the-line tour.

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A room with large windows and tables with a view of the city
Niagara Falls can be viewed from hotels, a boat tour, or an observation deck

What is the best way to see Niagara Falls?

Depending on the kind of traveler you are, there are a few different options to get a good view of Niagara Falls. If you want to see them from the moment you wake up, consider booking a "falls view" hotel.

According to locals, the best hotel with views of Niagara Falls is either the Hilton Niagara Falls or the Marriott Fallsview. These hotels are a short walk from one another, so their view options are very similar.

You can also see Niagara Falls up close from the Maid of the Mist and other similar boat tours. These are great options if you don't mind getting sprayed with the mist of the cascade.

Many tourists prefer Skylon Tower, another option, especially during winter (December-March) when temperatures are routinely below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. This tower has an observation deck tourists are welcome to visit, and there's even a rotating restaurant.

A white bridge over a river with trees surrounding it
Niagara Falls can be seen from US and Canada, connected by Rainbow Bridge

Where is the best side of Niagara Falls?

Once you've decided when to visit Niagara Falls, you have to determine which side you want to visit. While the falls might be a famous Canadian landmark, it's actually on the border with New York, so you can also see it from the US.

The Canadian side is considered the best if you want to see the most iconic places to visit in Niagara Falls. From Canada's observation points, you can see Horseshoe Falls and American Falls.

However, the New York side also has its merits. You can take a helicopter tour from this side for a one-of-a-kind experience.

Luckily, if you don't want to decide between the two, you can see the falls from both Canada and the US. You can walk across the Rainbow Bridge, which connects Downtown Niagara Falls, New York, to Niagara Falls, Ontario. Maid of the Mist tours also leave from the US side of the falls and take visitors into Canada's waters.

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An airplane flying with a tower in the background
Flying is the best way to get to Niagara Falls, and there are many airport options

What is the best way to get to Niagara Falls?

Flying is the best way to get to Niagara Falls if that's your biggest reason for going to the area. You can fly to Buffalo Niagara International Airport in Buffalo, New York. The airport is about 40 minutes away from the falls, so you'll need to rent a car or use a shuttle service to get to your hotel and the cascade.

Driving is a valid option if you have a list of places to visit on the way to Niagara Falls. This is particularly true if you're planning to spend at least a full weekend in the Toronto or Ontario regions.

During the spring (March-June) and summer (June-September), the weather is usually nice, with minimal snow, so you can drive safely. Flying might be a more secure option in the fall (September-December) and winter (December-March) when the climate in both the US and Canada can be a little more unpredictable.

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The best time to visit Niagara Falls is winter for affordable prices
The best season to visit Niagara Falls for an affordable trip is winter

When is the best season to visit Niagara Falls?

As far as the weather is concerned, summer (June-September) is the best season to visit Niagara Falls. Temperatures are warm and can reach 81 degrees Fahrenheit, but the mist from the falls helps keep the area cool.

If you want to avoid crowds, the best season to visit is during the fall (September-December) or spring (March-June). These transition seasons don't typically see many visitors since school is in session around the globe. The only exceptions to that rule are the last two weeks of December, around the holidays, and Easter weekend.

For an affordable trip, the best season for traveling is winter (December-March). Flights tend to drop in price during this time, and if you want to stay at the best hotel in Niagara Falls, the Marriott Fallsview, you're more likely to find an affordable option.

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A blue sign "Zipline Launch" on a building with many windows
Niagara Falls is busiest during the summer months of June to September

When is the Niagara Falls peak season?

Summer (June-September) is the busiest season in Niagara Falls. June-August gets the bulk of the landmark's yearly visitors because families with schoolchildren have more freedom to travel.

Even people who aren't traveling with students tend to plan their Niagara trips for the summer months because of the weather. Canada is known for being cold, but summer temperatures typically range between 75-85 degrees Fahrenheit. On average, June, July, and August only get seven or eight days of rain, which is less than the rest of the year.

Since summer is peak season, it's also the most expensive time to visit. So if you have your eye on getting a room at the best place to stay at Niagara Falls, you'll need to make sure you have a flexible budget and book in advance.

A large waterfall with snow on the sides and buildings in the background
The best time to visit Niagara Falls for deals and discounts is in the winter

When is the Niagara Falls off-peak season?

Any time other than summer (June-September) could be considered an off-peak season at Niagara Falls because crowd levels are drastically lower. However, the least busy time is winter (December-March).

Off-peak times are usually cheaper, so they're the best times to plan a budget-friendly trip. Airlines, hotels, and even the best restaurants at Niagara Falls advertise deals and discounts to promote travel during less busy times.

Due to the decreased demand for accommodations, you don't have to plan weeks or months in advance during the winter. If you like to travel last minute, this is the best season.

The winter weather at the falls can be less-than-ideal, depending on your preferences. It's usually cold, between 30 and 45 degrees Fahrenheit, and it's often rainy or snowy, with up to four inches of snowfall and 12 rainy days per month.

Weather, Prices, and Crowds in Niagara Falls

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Consider weather, prices, and crowds when planning a vacation to Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls in winter

Winter (December-March) is one of the best times to visit Niagara Falls if you like to travel on a budget. Both the Canadian and the US sides of the falls have minimal crowds during this season.

Niagara falls in December can be a little hit-or-miss for prices. The last two weeks of the month see more holiday travelers, which can cause airlines and hotels to hold off on offering discounts. Starting in January, though, the area's slowest season begins.

Flights and lodging are the cheapest during January, but they stay affordable until the end of winter. So, if you don't mind seeing the falls amid snow flurries and you're able to tolerate temperatures between 31 and 41 degrees Fahrenheit, it's a great time to visit.

Some tours, like the Maid of the Mist, don't operate during the winter. However, to compensate, you can take a winter wonderland tour, which lets you see the area's most famous sites like Cave of the Winds.

Niagara Falls in spring

If you ask locals, they'll tell you spring (March-June) is the best time of year to visit Niagara Falls. It's the season with the best balance between costs, climate, and crowd levels.

Spring is generally considered a reasonable time to visit Niagara Falls. You'll notice prices steadily rise as summer (June-September) approaches, but you can still find deals on hotel rooms and flights.

Crowds aren't a problem in the springtime either. It's not a popular spring break destination, so the only time that routinely gets busy during the season is Easter weekend when more families can travel.

The spring climate can vary greatly depending on when you visit. Temperatures average between 41 degrees in March to 76 degrees Fahrenheit in June, and each month typically sees an inch of rain.

Niagara Falls in summer

For many people, summer (June-September) is the best time to travel to Niagara Falls. It's the season with the best climate, which attracts a large percentage of the over 8 million people who come to the landmark each year.

With temperatures between 76 and 81 degrees Fahrenheit and mostly sunny days, you can comfortably spend all day outside hiking or going on boat tours. It can get humid. Usually, the humidity index is around 76%, but the mist from the falls helps make it more tolerable.

Summer is Niagara's busiest season for tourism. If you want to travel during this time, booking your travel plans and accommodations as soon as possible will help guarantee you get your reservations before they're sold out. Booking early gives you the best chance at finding discounts, but it's best to have a more flexible budget during this time since costs will be higher.

Niagara Falls in fall

If you don't mind cooler temperatures, fall (September-December) is the best time to see Niagara Falls. Crowds calm down after the summer (June-September) tourism rush, so you can find better deals on flights and hotels.

Temperatures at the beginning of the season are warmer, usually hovering around 70 degrees Fahrenheit. However, they steadily decrease, sometimes reaching as low as 35 degrees Fahrenheit in December.

As temperatures decrease, you'll notice more rainy days in the forecast. Usually, in the fall, there are between 10 and 12 days of rain per month. You can still have a fun day when the weather is rainy by booking a unique excursion like a wine tour.

Niagara falls in October, specifically, is a great time to visit. The boat cruises are usually still operational before closing near the end of the month, but there are very few out-of-town visitors, so you can get last-minute deals.

In Summary

One of the most iconic landmarks in Canada and the US, Niagara Falls deserves to top everyone's must-visit list. However, figuring out when you should visit can be tricky.

Spring (March-June) is a great time to visit if you want lower crowd levels but still prefer warm temperatures and affordable prices. However, January lets you plan the cheapest trip, and summer (June-September) has the warmest, driest weather.

No matter what season you decide to visit Niagara Falls, you'll have an unforgettable experience. One thing's for sure; you don't want to miss the chance to see this world wonder. So, there's one thing left for you to do, start planning!

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Written by Gabrielle T

ggtraveler1213 FORMER WRITER Gabrielle loves all things travel and culture. She is originally from the USA, but she has lived in Italy for over a decade. She's always ready to pack her bags, grab her passport, and head out on an adventure!

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