Cozying up to the Canadian border is the iconic natural wonder of Niagara Falls. It is one of the best locations in history and one of the many things that New York is known for. If you are planning a trip to New York, this should be on your list.
If you are a local, the pros of living in New York are that you can visit Niagara Falls anytime you like. It’s always the best time to Visit Niagara Falls.
The Seasons to Visit Niagara Falls
Spring (March, April, May)
There is nothing better than spring, and the weather isn’t either too hot or too cold. Mother nature doesn’t look better than this the entire year. It is a great time to visit Niagara Falls. If you wind up going early in spring, you might even encounter some snow.
Be warned, the weather is a little chilly at this time of the season, which some travelers aren’t fond of. However, if you wind up going toward the end of the season, you will find yourself at the sweet spot. The Niagara Parks botanical gardens have a bunch of flowers that are blooming at this time of the season. This gives you a chance to check them out. Moreover, you can even attend the iconic Elvis Festival that takes place in April.
Summer (June, July, August)
This might be the winner. Summer is considered the best time to visit Niagara Falls, New York. The temperature is a little warm, but near Niagara Falls, you will find the weather to be a little cool. Subsequently, this makes for the perfect place to be during summer. In this season, you will find a large crowd, too. While you are here, don’t forget to take the famous Maid of the Mist tour.
This historical boat tour has been running since 1846 – that is more than a century old! It’s a fascinating part of the history of New York. You get to experience Niagara Falls at its finest. The view doesn’t get better than this. A few other spots to visit while you are here in the summer include the Hurricane Deck, the Niagara Scenic Trolley, and the Niagara SkyWheel. Additionally, you can cap off the day with the fireworks that go off at 10 pm.
Last but not least, you can attend the following events during the summer:
- Niagara Falls Comic Con (June)
- Niagara Folk Arts Festival (June)
- Royal Canadian Henley Regatta (August)
Fall (September, October, November)
As things begin to cool down at the end of summer, early autumn is also one of the best times to visit Niagara Falls. The weather is fine at this time of the season and you won’t find too much crowd during this time. If you are visiting in the Fall, you can enjoy a bunch of festivals:
- Niagara County Peach Festival (September)
- Niagara Falls Blues Festival (September)
- Niagara Grape and Wine Festival (September)
- Niagara Falls International Marathon (October)
- Niagara Falls Christmas Market (November-December)
You can hop over to the Canadian side and visit the vineyards. Canada is holding some of the best wine festivals there. It is a fun place to go with friends.
Winter (December, January, February)
At the end of the year, we arrive in winter, which might not be the best time to visit Niagara Falls. The temperature is really low; it is just too cold to creep around. Naturally, there is little to no crowds at this time of the season. However, everything is dirt cheap because of the fact there is no crowd.
You may not be able to enjoy the Maid of the Mist tour, but you can check out the Niagara Parks and have some fun at the Butterfly Conservatory, use the Zipline, visit the Fallsview Casino, or walk through the Aquarium.
You can also get the chance to attend the following winter festivals:
- Niagara Falls Christmas Market (November-December)
- Winter Festival of Lights (November-February)
- Festival of Slice (December)
- Niagara Icewine Festival (January)
- Birds on the Niagara (February)
When is the best time to visit Niagara Falls?
If we look at the numbers, it is reported that Summer is the busiest time of the year, with eight million people coming to visit. In contrast, there are only one million visitors during the winter season. Based on the numbers, Fall is the next best time to visit, with three million people visiting. This is followed up by the two million people coming to Niagara Falls in Spring.
The ranking looks something like this:
- Summer (June, July, August)
- Fall (September, October, November)
- Spring (March, April, May)
- Winter (December, January, February)
While the best time to visit Niagara Falls is summer, you would also find things at a sky-high cost. The hotels, the activities, the festivals, and everything else are expensive. While going to Niagara Falls in winter is a cheaper alternative option, it isn’t the best time to visit. If you need budgeting tips for visiting, consider going during either Spring or Fall. Between the two, we recommend Fall because you get to enjoy more events, and you might even get the opportunity to take the Maid of the Mist tour. Plan ahead of time to get the best out of your trip.
Here, you’ll discover serene swimming holes and rejuvenating hot springs, providing the perfect conclusion to your journey.
Niagara Falls State Park
If you are visiting Niagara Falls, New York, you should definitely check out the Niagara Falls State Park. This was created in 1885 to look after this natural wonder of the world. Aside from all the great things you can see thanks to Mother Nature, you can also stay at a local hotel and check out activities in your free time. The Niagara Falls State Park also maintains the iconic Maid of the Mist boat tour. You can also check out their food carts and restaurants where visitors can grab and go or sit and eat.
There are a few trails that you can enjoy going on, too. This will give you the chance to experience nature and explore all the exotic plants and animals that are found here. Interestingly, you will find various beautiful bird species here, such as the eastern bluebird.
It is important to note that some activities are only available during a specific season. There are a few places in the Niagara Falls State Park that operate around the year. We have discussed quite a few of them above.
Conclusion
There are numerous tourist attractions in New York, such as the Brooklyn Bridge and spots to watch the NYC marathon, but Niagara Falls stands out as a top choice. Visiting this famous landmark is an experience you won’t regret.
While navigating the bustling streets of the Big Apple, Niagara Falls remains a must-visit destination. Take advantage of this budget tip and venture into nature with your family.
From the towering skyscrapers to the awe-inspiring Niagara Falls, New York offers some of the most captivating sights to explore. Before concluding your trip, consider indulging in luxury glamping upstate or exploring family-friendly campgrounds.
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to shop at some of New York’s best shopping destinations. If you’re on the lookout for unique souvenirs to bring back from New York, consider browsing the shops along the way to Niagara Falls.
Even if you’re not visiting Niagara Falls during its peak season, remember that any time is the best time to visit New York. And who knows, you might even have a chance encounter with a NYC influencer or a renowned resident of the city during your stay.
What’s the best month to go to Niagara Falls?
We have had a comprehensive discussion on the best season to go to Niagara Falls. Keeping this in mind, we can confirm that the best season to visit is Summer. As such, the best months to go are May, June, or July, depending on your schedule.
How many days do you need in Niagara Falls, NY?
It depends on how much of Niagara Falls you would like to explore. If you want to just take a glimpse of the place, a day is more than enough. However, if you want to get the entire rundown of the place, it normally takes two days to explore the entire Niagara Falls.
Is the New York side of Niagara Falls worth it?
Niagara Falls is shared by the United States and Canada. Some people claim that the Canadian side of things is worthwhile, but it would be a mistake to miss out on the New York side of Niagara Falls. You should check them both out to judge for yourself.
