Niagara Falls is one of the biggest waterfalls in North America. It is located on the Niagara River which forms part of the border between Ontario province in Canada and New York State in USA.
This amazing waterfall can be seen from twin cities of the same name located on either side of the Niagara River.
While winter is not the preferred time to tour Niagara Falls due to freezing temperatures, the snow-covered landscape and a partially frozen Niagara Falls provide stunning views.
December, January, and February are the winter months in Canada, though winter weather can start in November and last through late March-early April in Niagara Falls.
Winter in Niagara Falls is freezing cold with temperatures often dipping below 0°C. Temperatures can range from a maximum of 2°C to a minimum of -8°C to -10°C.
Most of the snowfall occurs between December and March, with an average of 52 inches (133 cm) snowfall.
Needless to say you will need warm clothing for your winter visit to Niagara Falls. Below are some tips on what to wear to Niagara Falls in the winter
Clothing for a Winter Trip to Niagara Falls
Make sure that you pack enough warm clothes.
You will need heavy coats or parkas for protection in icy and windy conditions. Snowstorms are a common occurrence in Niagara Falls in winter.
Dressing up in layers is the best way to keep warm in Niagara Falls in winter. Choose the right cold weather fabrics like merino wool, silk, etc. Cotton clothes are not advisable
Your innermost layer of clothing should be thermal innerwear, then your regular clothes, then a sweater and finally an overcoat/jacket.
Wear loose clothes as they insulate better and allow better movement.
The goal is to stay warm but not to be weighed down by bulky clothing. Bring along few but quality winter clothing that will keep you warm when you are out sightseeing.
Your outermost coat should be waterproof to protect against icy winds and snowfall.
Footwear for a Winter Trip
Keep your feet warm with socks and good boots. Sightseeing in Niagara Falls requires a fair bit of walking, so you must bring shoes or boots that are comfortable for walking and will also keep you warm.
Sidewalks can be very icy and slippery in the winter, so proper footwear is recommended.
Water-resistant, insulated boots would be a good choice.
Other Accessories Needed in Winter
- You will definitely need mittens, hats, woollen caps, scarves for your winter trip to Niagara Falls.
- Leather gloves are great for protection of your hands and also give you flexibility.
- Niagara Falls also has many snowstorms in winter. So, come prepared with an umbrella and a weatherproof jacket.
- Skin care is very important in winter. Do not forget to bring along moisturizers and lip balms.
Visiting Niagara Falls in Winter
Though Niagara Falls is not as cold as other parts of Canada in winter, it still gets very cold. Expect sub-zero temperatures and wet, snowy conditions.
Attractions such as the Hornblower Niagara Cruise are closed for the winter as the Niagara River is covered in ice and snow, but wintertime is when you have events like the Winter Festival of Lights, Niagara Icewine Festival and New Year’s Eve Concert.
If you can brave the icy cold weather, winter can be a fun time to visit Niagara Falls, Canada. A snow-covered Niagara Falls and River are spectacular sights. Plus, there are many indoor attractions to keep you entertained.