The Worst Time to Visit Niagara Falls [Avoid These Months]
Niagara Falls is a great and massive waterfall system known for its dazzling beauty and powerful flow. It is the most famous attraction of North America located on the border between the United States and Canada. It is composed of three waterfalls; the Horseshoe Falls, the American Falls, and the Bridal Veil Falls.
If you are planning a vacation to explore Niagara Falls then you should know the worst and the best time to visit, which can ensure your trip is more meaningful and enjoyable.
While planning for a trip to Niagara, you should have overall knowledge about its seasonal changes, its crowds, and many more. In this article, we will talk about the worst time to visit Niagara Falls, to make your visit more comfortable.
Worst Time to Visit Niagara Falls
No wonder Niagara Falls is a magnificent tourist destination for visitors. Every year millions of tourists come to visit the natural wonder. But many of them are not aware that, winter is the worst time to visit here!
In this case, winter refers to December, January, and February as the least favorable months to visit Niagara Falls. In these months, the temperature frequently goes down to freezing.
The daily range of high temperature may be from 2° to -0.9° degrees Celsius (36° to 30° degrees Fahrenheit). And nightly range of temperatures can drop down from -4.5° to -8.2° degrees Celsius (24° to 17° degrees Fahrenheit)
At Niagara Falls, winter comes with challenges and difficulties for tourists. That’s why December, January, and February are not the preferable months to visit these beautiful falls.
Why Winter Season is Called the Worst Time to Visit Niagara Falls?
Niagara Falls is a natural wonder which is located alongside the Niagara River. Every season brings a different and unique experience for visitors here.
As mentioned earlier, from all seasons, winter is called the worst time to visit Niagara Falls. During this time, it starts snowing in November. After that, from December to January Niagara feels colder, especially at night. Also, you won’t have many daylight hours to enjoy here. And it mostly happens in December.
In the winter, the days become shorter at Niagara Falls. The sun sets quite early and the time can be as early as 5.00 pm or even earlier when it is the peak time of winter. In other seasons, when Niagara Falls flows with its massive waterfalls, here in winter the water turns into ice. In these freezing temperatures, it becomes tough to walk around.
On the other hand, when preparing winter trip to Niagara Falls, you will find yourself with lots of winter clothes and heavy winter gear to shield yourself from the freezing weather. That can bother you a lot!
Most of the time, the various attractions and tourist sites are closed for heavy snowfalls. Many roads and places around the falls are closed for safety purposes. It minimizes your expectations to explore the beauty of Niagara Falls.
Moreover, the harsh grasp of winter may cause illness. In this frequently changing weather, there is a higher chance of common colds, flu, and minor illnesses. Falling sick can ruin your trip with a very bad experience.
Overall, winter is not a suitable season for tourists because of its extremely cold and uncomfortable weather. To make your Niagara Falls trip complete and experimental, try to avoid the winter season.
The Most Crowded Season at Niagara Falls
The number of tourists in Niagara Falls varies depending on the time of the year, day of the week, and specific events or holidays. Here’s a general overview:
The summer months, June, July, and early August are considered the peak tourist season at Niagara Falls. Especially the month of August! It is a popular month to visit because of its warm and pleasant weather. So in these times, you may expect larger crowds at popular attractions, restaurants, hotels, and many more places as visitors flock to the falls to enjoy.
Holidays and weekends are the popular periods for travel at Niagara Falls. Some holidays and weekends may coincide with special events and festivals. For these, at that time visitors get more attracted. Also, you may find a longer line of people for popular attractions like the Maid of the Mist boat tour and other popular activities. For Higher tourist numbers, the hotels are booked very early here.
An increased number of visitors may cause unbearable traffic jams and as a result, it makes it more difficult to find parking spaces, especially near particular areas and popular attractions.
Overall, if it is possible then try to avoid the peak seasons as you do not want to experience such things. You can make the trip more enjoyable to Niagara Falls by considering the season and planning your trip during off-peak times.
The Cost of a Trip to Niagara Falls
The cost of a trip to Niagara Falls depends on your travel preferences, the type of lodging you choose, the activities you want to do, and the duration of your stay. Niagara Falls offers a range of options from low-cost motels to upscale hotels. Per person, the cost of a night can vary from $80 to $300 or more depending on the season and proximity to the falls.
The cost also depends on where you are coming from and which transportation like airplane, bus, train, or car you are using. When you are driving, keep in mind the cost of petrol and the parking fees. And, if you traveling by air, budget for your airfare, any rental car fees, and airport transfers.
Niagara Falls has various attractions and activities with varying admission rates. There may be different entrance fees for different popular attractions like the Maid of the Mist boat tour, Cave of the Winds, and the Niagara SkyWheel. The cost of each attraction can vary from $15 to $50 or more.
Dining costs will vary based on your preferences. Dining options in Niagara Falls range from casual cafés to upscale dining restaurants. On average, budgeting $20 to $50 per person per meal is a reasonable estimate.
Generally, A traveler on a budget might spend $100 to $150 per day, while someone on a mid-range budget might spend $300 or more. And Luxury travelers can expect higher costs.
Keep in mind that, these are only resemble costs. Your actual spending depends on your personal preferences and choices. So It is advisable to create a detailed budget based on your specific plans and priorities.
Niagara Falls at Night
If you want to judge Niagara Falls by day, then you should see the falls at night first. At 365 nights a year, The falls are illuminated with colorful lights that transform into incredible, multi-colored water. At night, it becomes a breathtaking sight. It always creates a magical and delightful experience for tourists.
You can enjoy the falls from both the American and Canadian sides. Every side is brightened with powerful lights and displays various colors that are not to be missed. The natural beauty of the falls is enhanced dramatically by the illumination.
On the state park of the American side, the American Falls, the Bridal Veil Falls, and the Horseshoe Falls are lit up every night. The lighting creates a gorgeous background for walks and pictures in the evening.
One of the most popular destinations for American tourists is the Canadian side of Niagara Falls. This site also illuminates the parks with multicolored lights. The nightly illumination always enhances the beauty of the music and special events. On the Canadian side, the area around Fallsview Boulevard offers fantastic viewpoints. Many hotels in this area also feature rooms with views of the illuminated falls.
Another popular and beautiful attraction of Niagara Falls at night is the fireworks displays. Nothing can make your tour more beautiful than seeing fireworks burst over the edge of Niagara Falls. There’s nothing like the sight of an explosion. It is scheduled on specific days throughout the year like holidays, weekends, and special events. The Fireworks are seen more frequently during the summer months. These are displayed from numerous vantage points like outdoor spaces in Niagara Parks, high above the Skylon Tower, and from the Niagara SkyWheel. You can also enjoy the views of the fireworks from the many Fallsview hotel rooms or restaurants.
After the fireworks, spend some more time at night and explore everything that Niagara Falls has to offer. Don’t rush home.
Things to Do at Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls always offers marvelous activities and attractions. It has always been a dream vacation destination for visitors. Every time it grapes visitors’ attention for its eye-catching beauty and its uncountable and exclusive activities. At Niagara Falls, you should definitely explore the following:
- Maid of the Mist Boat Tour
- Wonder magic shows
- Cave of the Winds
- Journey Behind the Falls
- Niagara SkyWheel
- Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory
- Whirlpool Aero Car
- Explore Niagara Parks
- Cruise Tours
- Niagara Falls Illumination and Fireworks
- Explore Niagara Falls History Museum
- Experience the mindblowing magic show and many more…
Apart from these, Niagara Falls always provides many more interesting and inspiring activities for all visitors. If you decide to explore the falls, try to be a part of all these moments.
Conclusion
Niagara Falls is undoubtedly a representation of heaven on earth. But not every season is the right time to visit Niagara Falls. Being aware of the pattern and condition of all seasons you can make the best decision. Like, in the summer season, you may face a larger crowd as summer is a peak tourist season, and in winter you may face fridging temperatures, limited outdoor activities, shorter daylight hours, etc. So, If you are not prepared and not informed of these, then your visit can be the worst one. By knowing the worst and best time to visit Niagara Falls, you can make your trip full of awesome experiences!
