With an average of 3,160 tons of water flowing every second, Niagara Falls is a unique place that everyone must visit at least once in a lifetime. This breathtaking place spreads across the United States and Canada and includes three waterfalls: The Horseshoe Falls (also known as the Canadian Falls), American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls. Picking the best time to visit Niagara Falls is not an easy job. It requires more than just looking at the weather and, actually, it really depends on you and on what you’d like to do. There is a good reason to visit Niagara Falls every time of the year. Each season has different advantages and offers different activities.
1. Summer
Summer is the peak season in terms of tourist numbers, so expect to find a lot of people in every corner. The average temperature sits around the 75 and 80 °F, but sometimes it can get very humid, with peaks of 90 °F. As for rainy days, June, July, and August generally average around 10 days with precipitation. Although the Falls will be packed with people, visiting during the summer has a lot of advantages. First, you will be able to fully take advantage of the nice weather while enjoying the attractions. Second, in this period you’ll find the most to do on both sides of the falls as everything is open all day long. Third, you’ll be able to move from one place to another using the free Discover Niagara Shuttle, which is in full operation only during the summer season. Finally, in summer there are a lot of festivals and events going on in the neighboring cities. Obviously, there are disadvantages as well. Since summer is the most popular time to visit the falls, prices get pretty high and lines for attractions and activities are very long. And if you want to take nice pictures, you’ll have to go there very early in the morning to avoid strangers in your shots.
2. Spring
Spring welcomes fewer tourist than summer, but it also counts more rainy days. Temperatures swing constantly, with some days being warm and other days being very cool. As for the summer, also the spring season has its pros. If you come in spring, you’ll enjoy the Niagara Park Botanical Gardens in full blossom, with its beautifully grown perennials, rhododendrons, azaleas, a formal parterre garden, herb and vegetable plantings, and the world-famous rose garden featuring over 2,400 roses. Queen Victoria Park, located right next to the waterfalls, must also be on your bucket list. This Park features a collection of unique native and international plants, a rock garden, hanging baskets, a Hybrid tea rose garden and beautiful carpet-bedding displays. Plan also a visit to Centennial Lilac Garden to experience the unmistakable fragrance of the lilacs. This garden contains over 1,200 plants with over 200 different varieties.
3. Fall
During the fall season temperatures get very cool in the early mornings and evenings, but during the daytime you’ll still get sunny hours and tolerable temperatures. If you decide to visit during the fall, you’ll have the chance to see a harmony of fall colors contrasting against the blue of the falls. During this time of the year, attractions operate for a reduced time, but – since the crowds won’t be there anymore – you should not have any problems fitting all your plans even with a reduced opening time. Fall is also a great time for visiting if you want to save some money. Starting from September, hotel rates get lower, and attractions and tours’ prices generally drop.
4. Winter
Winter is for courageous people only as temperatures often fall well below the freezing point. For this reason, hotel rates are at the lowest during the winter season. Because of the frigid temperatures, many attractions and activities are forced to shut down. But there are some good reasons to visit Niagara Falls in winter too. One reason is the snow, which makes the place even more magical than what it already is. And if you are lucky, sometimes it’s possible to see Niagara Falls partially frozen. The Winter Festival of Lights is also a good reason to visit. At Christmas time, the destination becomes a true winter wonderland with millions of twinkling lights and animated displays transforming the surrounding environment.
