Best Time to Visit Niagara Falls

You're visiting New York and on your list of things to do in New York is probably a trip to Niagara Falls. A monumental view, great pictures, the soothing sound of the water falling over the Great Lakes... Definitely a must on your trip.

So when is the best time to visit? Although the Falls National Park is open 24/7, some of its main attractions are not. For this reason, the weather, the time or the day of the week may condition your choice.

Here is a guide with everything you need to know about it:

Definitely the most pleasant time to visit the falls is during the summer. You avoid the rains and take advantage of the longer days during this time. Also, at this time all the attractions are open to the public. However, this is also the time when you meet the most people. After all, how can you not make the most of your days off with a nice trip to Niagara Falls?

If you want to avoid the long lines to get on the Maid of the Mist, the attraction you definitely can't miss, I suggest you take the tourin late May or early June.

Another good option is in September and October. You don't need to carry a coat, just comfortable enough clothes. And you can take pictures and enjoy the views without so many people around you.

Choose the tour that best suits your itinerary and enjoy this wonder of nature.

Although the Falls National Park is open all year round, it is during the month of June that you can make the most of this natural paradise and its attractions.

The arrival of summer brings pleasant temperatures to northwest New York. We are talking about an average of 21 to 25 °C during the day. Also, June is when we have the most hours of sunshine, as you can see on this weather site. The perfect time to take advantage of the natural light and capture the beauty of these waterfalls with your photographs.

Also very important are the opening times of one of the main attractions: the Maid of the Mist. This boat sails on both the American and Canadian sides so you can see the falls from up close. Its services, however, are only available from May to November. Travel with as few items and clothes as possible on this tour. And, of course, don't forget to protect your mobile phone and/or camera, as the humidity can affect your equipment.

Crowded, cramped: the dark side of summer

As mentioned above, as this is a month when weather conditions are ideal, you are likely to encounter large groups of tourists with the same objectives as you. Attractions and hotels fill up very quickly during this time, which is why prices tend to go up.

Also, this is the time of year that many families choose to visit Niagara Falls. This is because many tourists plan their trips around their children's school schedules.

Tips for visiting the Falls in summer

The main thing to do to get the most out of your visit is to avoid booking your excursions on public holidays or weekends. I recommend the first half of June as the ideal time. You enjoy the pleasant summer weather and escape the large crowds that arrive with the start of the school holidays at the end of this month.

If you're one of those people who can't stand large crowds, early autumn is the ideal time to plan your visit to Niagara Falls. As well as the temperature, a high of 22°C and a low of 8°C, attraction prices and crowds start to drop with the change of season. A relief for your wallet.

The good thing, too, is that you still have until November to get on board the Maid of Mist. You don't have to wait in long lines like in the summer, so you can enjoy the scenery and colours that come with the change of season even more.

Tips for visiting the Falls in autumn

With the arrival of autumn the days are getting shorter and shorter. Therefore, we recommend that you take it easy. Choose a two-day trip, for example, and see the falls at different times of the day. You can take photos that capture each of these landscapes and take advantage of your free time to taste and discover the delights that autumn brings to the region. It is said that there is nothing like experiencing wine or fruit picking during autumn.

It's important to pack your coat and jacket, though, as the nights tend to be chilly at this time of year.

As well as being an important source of energy and fresh water in the world, the Great Lakes region is home to a wealth of plant and animal species that can be seen on your tour of the Falls National Park.

For example, with the end of the last snowfall in mid-April, migratory species such as the monarch butterfly return to the region. Also, from this month onwards you see the rivers begin to thaw. A wonderful opportunity to observe and photograph the effects of nature during the change of season. And if you are a fan of birdwatching, your spring visit is sure to be even more enjoyable. This is also when most of the attractions return.

But be careful, even though the temperatures have started to rise, they still average between 19 and 8°C (68 to 68°F). In addition, there is a high chance of rain during spring. Don't forget your mackintosh at the hotel.

Tips for visiting the Falls in spring

An interesting event at this time of year is the Niagara Folk Arts Festival on the Canadian side. For most of the month of May you have the opportunity to experience culinary specialties from around the world and to attend free performances of music, dance, theatre, etc. as you can see in this video.

Unfortunately the Maid of the Mist and other attractions are closed due to the heavy frost at this time of year. But if you're someone for whom cold temperatures aren't a problem, you might be lucky and see the falls covered in snow. You can still enjoy the scenery from the scenic tunnels.

Pack some good thermal tights and a thick coat because temperatures can reach as low as - 7°C. The good thing is that at this time of year you won't have to worry about large groups of tourists.

Tips for visiting the Falls in winter

If your trip to New York is all about enjoying New Year's Eve celebrations and you're a fan of light ceremonies, this might be the perfect time of year for your visit to Niagara Falls. You're sure to be dazzled by the charm of the Winter Festival of Lights.

On the Canadian side, for 101 days, you can enjoy a special illumination linked to the Christmas spirit so characteristic of North America. A great way to make the short winter days more bearable. You have the opportunity to take unique photos to remember, like the ones you can see here.

As you can see, every time of the year has its own thing. Now is the time to think about it calmly and plan your visit in the season that best meets your expectations.