Once you’ve planned your vacation — booked your hotel, drafted your itinerary, bought your plane tickets or filled your car’s tank — it seems all that’s left before your trip is to pack. Unfortunately, no matter where you’re headed, this is often the hardest part of the whole journey. How can you possibly pare down your wardrobe into a handful of outfits? What if you forget something absolutely crucial or you just don’t want to wear the shirts you’ve chosen? What is going to be climate-appropriate for your trip?
Without a doubt, you are wondering what to wear in Niagara Falls. We can’t make the packing process go completely smooth, but we can help you on that last point. Here is what to wear and what not to wear to Niagara Falls, so you can get the most out of your Niagara vacation no matter when you visit.
Spring
You might be tempted to go full Spring Break and fill your suitcase with bikinis and flip flops — but in Niagara Falls, you might feel a little exposed. There’s still some snow on the ground in the spring months, which means the sarong you packed might not be enough to keep you warm.
Instead, the temperatures are entirely bearable with the right layering of jackets. You can expect daytime temps between 40 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit and nighttime temps in the 30s, and the weather can be a bit unpredictable. Make sure to bring cold weather clothes, including light jackets, heavy jackets, and warm socks.
Snowfall usually ends before April, but you really shouldn’t plan to do any outdoor camping before May. As an alternative, you can put those swimsuits to good use at one of Niagara’s beloved indoor waterparks. Because the waterpark is in a climate-controlled building with heated pools, it is entirely comfortable to strip to your bikini and splash around on your much-needed spring vacation.
Summer
Summer is high tourist season in Niagara, and it’s no surprise why. Temperatures remain comfortable all day and night, with highs hovering in the 80s and lows only dipping into the 60s Fahrenheit. It probably depends on what kind of weather you’re used to, but most folks feel most comfortable in shorts and T-shirts, especially if they have a bunch of activities planned.
Some kind of rain gear might come in handy if you plan on getting close to the falls. Though popular tour groups often provide plastic ponchos to save the majority of your outfit from the moist onslaught of water, you should still weigh the durability of your bottoms and shoes when choosing your outfits. You don’t want to find yourself sliding around the deck of the Maid of the Mist while your Manolo Blahniks get drenched.
Hiking boots would not be remiss on a Niagara Falls summer trip. All around the Niagara region, there are hiking and walking trails that offer one-of-a-kind sights. However, you should also consider packing one nice outfit in case you want to catch a production at the Shaw Festival, a year-long theater extravaganza hosted in Niagara-on-the-Lake.
Fall
FallUnless you plan to venture outside the relative safety of the Niagara region, you don’t need 10 puffy coats and snow boots to survive autumn in Niagara Falls. The temperatures do dip a little in the fall, but the weather is still manageable for most vacationers. The proximity to several Great Lakes as well as the natural shape of the Niagara Valley keeps the region’s climate mild, especially compared to the extreme cold of Buffalo, New York, Toronto, Ontario, and other nearby destinations.
Plus, the magnificence of the trees’ flaming leaves makes a couple more layers totally worth it. The climate is comparable to that of the spring, but it can get a bit wetter. Because of the gorgeous foliage, you’ll likely venture into some natural areas. Thus, your suitcase should contain layer-able clothing plus some rain jackets and boots in case you get a little wetter than you expected away from the falls.
Winter
If you are looking to see true and unique beauty, you really must-see Niagara Falls in the dead of winter. Though you might miss out on some of the features of the high season, you will get to experience the lakes and rivers when they are completely covered in ice, which is a quiet beauty unlike anything you’ve seen.
If your interest is piqued in a Niagara winter vacation, you’ll need to pack extremely warm. During the day, you’ll be lucky to see highs in the upper 30s, but at night you’ll want to be bundled up warm for temperatures in the negatives — and you will want to venture outside after the sun sets. During the winter months, Niagara Falls dresses up in twinkling lights like you wouldn’t believe. The Winter Festival of Lights is a massive display that draws 1.5 million visitors every year and lasts into January. If you are lucky to visit around New Years, you can enjoy all sorts of NYE bashes, including a massive free concert in Queen Victoria Park. Even with all the dancing you will undoubtedly do, it is smart and safe to pull on your warmest clothes.