Don’t let the cold weather scare you away from visiting Niagara Falls in winter. With proper planning you can experience less crowds and a unique way to see the Falls. In this post I am sharing how to plan a great Niagara Falls USA winter visit.
The first things you need to do when planning a visit to Niagara Falls in the winter is to decide whether you will stay overnight or is this a quick day trip.
If you are staying overnight I suggest staying on the Canadian side and doing a combination of Niagara Falls USA and Niagara Falls Canada.
Read this post for full itinerary details: Niagara Falls USA and Canada itinerary. This is a good starting point to plan your visit, keep in mind all attractions are not open year round.
If you are not staying overnight and only plan to visit Niagara Falls USA I am sharing how we planned our visit. This itinerary can be used for either type of trip.
Niagara Falls USA in Winter
A winter visit is a great time to visit if you can get over the cold! It is way less crowds and you will experience the falls in a way that most guests don’t get to see.
There are a few things you should know before you arrive. Planning for the weather, what there is to do, and how much time you will spend at the Falls are important to figure out before you leave home.
The winter weather in Niagara Falls USA will be cold. It is often colder as you get closer to the falls due to winds and the mist.
Dress in layers with hats and gloves to stay warm. The average winter temperatures are lows in the teens and highs in the 30s. (Fahrenheit)
If you live close enough for a day trip, keep an eye on the weather. We visited on a January day that was in the 50s. It was sunny and made for an easy day to walk around.
Tips for Visiting Niagara Falls USA in Winter
Viewing Niagara Falls in the winter is such a unique experience and it is beautiful, even when it is freezing out!
Winter can actually be the best time to visit Niagara Falls because you will have way less crowds then during the summer months. It is a unique experience that not many people get to do.
Prepare yourself for the winter weather and you will be fine. Some of the best things to do in the Niagara region are listed below to help plan your visit.
- Dress for the weather. Niagara Falls in the winter is cold and the mist from the falls can make it seem colder. Lots of layers.
- Keep your children close and explain the importance of staying on the paths.
- It is easy to get around Niagara Falls by car. There are parking locations throughout the state park and you can walk most of the stops if you would like.
Niagara Falls USA Winter Itinerary
Depending on the weather you want to plan indoor and outdoor activities to balance out the day.
Start the day with a visit to Niagara Falls State Parks. There are hiking trails and observation points to view the falls. You also want to check out Three Sisters Islands on Goat Island to view the Canadian Rapids.
After the outdoor time you might want to warm about at the Aquarium of Niagara or the Niagara Power Vista. Both are good attractions that will take 1-2 hours exploring.
If you are dressed for the elements consider doing Cave of the Winds. They offer hours almost year round. Check Cave of the Winds availability.
We took our time enjoying Three Sisters Island and exploring Niagara Falls State Park. The newly opened Ralph J Wilson Welcome Center is a good spot to warm up and get more information about what attractions are open during your winter visit.
Final Thoughts
If you are not flexible with your dates do not worry too much, just dress for the weather. If you want to see the falls frozen the best time to do that is usually February, but December 2025 ended up having some gorgeous frozen views.
We live close enough to plan a last minute visit but if you don’t planning in January or February is your best option to see snow around the falls. This isn’t an exact science and depends on the type of winter weather for the year, but it is the best time to see an iced over falls.
Overall visiting Niagara Falls USA in the winter can be a unique and fun activity for families looking for a day trip or visitors wanting less crowds when visiting the falls.
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Leah has been traveling with her family of 5 since 2012 and sharing her expertise on planning family vacations and visiting theme parks since 2016. Leah has been featured in Visit Rochester, Undercover Tourist, and Home Publications. She has worked with brands like Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, Hersheypark, Toyota, and various Tourism boards and destinations. Leah creates family travel itineraries based on real trip experiences with her family. Her guides and tips help others plan great family vacations. Learn more about Leah and Five for the Road.