The climate of Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls, located in the state of
New York, USA, operates under the Köppen climate classification of Dfb. This classification defines a humid continental climate showing no dry season but a warm summer. The terrain's geographical placement also considerably contributes to its unique weather and climate characteristics.
The city experiences varied weather conditions throughout the year, ranging from average high temperatures from 32.1°F (0.1°C) in
January to 81.1°F (27.3°C) in
July, while average low temperatures can fluctuate from 15.4°F (-9.2°C) to 60.8°F (16°C) in the same months. This considerable yearly temperature difference characterizes the fluctuating nature of Niagara Falls' continental climate. Additionally, rainfall is an essential element of this climate, observed throughout the year, with precipitation values ranging from a low 2.2" (56mm) in
February to a high 3.4" (86mm) in
September and
November.
Sunlight hours also vary significantly, lasting from a short 9.1 hours in
December to an ample 15.3 hours in
June. Accompanied by the increase in sunlight, the UV index also amplifies, peaking of 8 during June and July thus representing a pattern of shielding from harsh sunlight necessary during these months. The weather in Niagara Falls indeed reflects a unique pattern across all variables.
The best time to visit Niagara Falls
The most favorable time for a trip to
Niagara Falls would coincide with warmer temperatures and ideal sunlight hours. Keeping these conditions in mind, the best time would fall between
May and
September. During these months, day temperature ranges from 55.7°F (13.2°C) to 79.4°F (26.3°C), proving suitable for outdoor activities. Simultaneously, daylight lasts from 13.4 hours to 15 hours, providing an ample window for tourists to explore the picturesque area.
The worst time to visit Niagara Falls
Visiting
Niagara Falls becomes less preferable during winter months, with inhospitable weather conditions prevailing. From
December to
February, the average high temperature hovers between 32.1°F (0.1°C) and 34.1°F (1.2°C). Additionally, these months record an increased number of snowfall days, from 15 days in December to 11.7 in February and snowfall inches from 18.2" (462mm) in December to 15.2" (386mm) in February.
Spring weather in Niagara Falls
Spring in
Niagara Falls, lasting from
March to
May, brings a sigh of relief from the freezing winter. Temperatures begin to rise, averaging between 42.5°F (5.8°C) and 67.7°F (19.8°C). The rainfall in these months varies from 2.4" (61mm) to 3.1" (79mm). Concurrently, the lengthening daylight hours from 12 hours to 14.7 hours provide a welcoming atmosphere for tourists.
Summer weather in Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls experiences summer from
June to
August, characterized by warmth with temperatures soaring from 76.5°F (24.7°C) to 81.1°F (27.3°C). Interestingly, the rainfall remains consistent, with values ranging from 2.9" (74mm) to 3.2" (81mm). An abundance of sunlight graces the region during summer, with daylight hours extending from 13.9 hours to 15.3 hours.
Autumn weather in Niagara Falls
Autumn, in
Niagara Falls, falls between
September and
November. Temperatures during this season hover in a comfortable range from 72.1°F (22.3°C) to 48.2°F (9°C). Rainfall volume is slightly higher in these months, registering from 2.9" (74mm) to 3.4" (86mm). Daylight hours begin to reduce, from 12.5 hours in September to a short 9.7 hours in November.
Winter weather in Niagara Falls
Winter in
Niagara Falls stretches from
December to
February. During these months, average high temperatures plummet to freezing points of between 32.1°F (0.1°C) and 34.1°F (1.2°C). A substantial increase in snowfall is also noticeable during these months, with the snowfall inches spiking from 18.2" (462mm) to 23.6" (599mm).
Weather in January
January is the start of the year and greets residents of
Niagara Falls,
New York with a chill, consistently claiming the title of the coldest month. The city experiences full-fledged winter conditions, making it integral to bundle up before stepping out.
Weather in January » Weather in February
While still clad in winter attire, for the
Niagara Falls locals,
February shows the first potential signs of the receding winter with a slight elevation in temperature. There is a reduction in both snowfall and rainfall compared to the preceding month.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March witnesses a tantalizing transition from the lasting cold of winter to the warmth of spring. Compared to the below freezing temperatures of
February, a relative thaw can be sensed. Temperatures tend to spike up, hitting the highs of 42.5°F (5.8°C) and not dropping below 23.9°F (-4.5°C).
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April in
Niagara Falls,
New York showcases the business end of spring with milder weather and more rainfall, signaling a transition from the harsh winter. The increase in rainfall isn’t a deterrent, rather it helps in endorsing the city’s vibrant green cover.
Weather in April » Weather in May
The lush green landscapes of
Niagara Falls are now alive with the sounds and sights of spring as
May rolls in. There's an escalation in temperatures from
April, laying the foundation for the warmer months ahead. Highs averaging 67.7°F (19.8°C) and lows of 45.2°F (7.3°C) make the weather pleasant, inviting residents and tourists to explore the city and its surroundings.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June serves as the gateway to summer with significant hikes in mercury levels noticed from the prior months. This is the month where
Niagara Falls exhibits its most explicit escalation in temperatures. The city basks under the sun with highs of around 76.5°F (24.7°C) and lows going not beyond 55.6°F (13.1°C).
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July ushers in the peak of summer and holds the torch as the hottest month. Temperatures seem to hover across the upper limit with a high of 81.1°F (27.3°C) and a low of 60.8°F (16°C). Contrasting the rising heat, rainfall also peaks simultaneously.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August resonates with the remnants of the midsummer magic in
Niagara Falls,
New York. Both daylight hours and temperatures see a marginal dip relative to
July, signaling the incoming autumn. The levels of mercury mostly align between a high of 79.4°F (26.3°C) and a low of 58.9°F (14.9°C), ensuring that the weather doesn’t become a hurdle for travelers and citizens alike.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September makes a smooth transition from summer to fall, with temperatures starting to dwindle. From the torrid summer highs, the month experiences a noticeable decline in temperatures. The city encounters a high of 72.1°F (22.3°C) and a low of 51°F (10.6°C).
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October amplifies the canvas of fall colors across the city. The temperatures continue to slide, bridging the gap between the crisp autumn air and the impending winter chill. The month ushers in the possibility of the first frost, particularly in the early mornings, as temperatures fall between the limits of a high of 60.2°F (15.7°C) and a comforting low of 40.2°F (4.6°C).
Weather in October » Weather in November
November sees the temperature scales plunging further marking a profound change from fall to the early onset of winter. A significant drop in temperatures from
October is noticed with numbers slipping to indicate a high of 48.2°F (9°C) and a low of 31.3°F (-0.4°C).
Weather in November » Weather in December
As the last month of the year,
December in
Niagara Falls,
New York, is dominated by winter. The month is synonymous with the holiday season and witnesses a further decline in temperatures compared to
November, with highs of around 36.8°F (2.7°C) and lows dipping to as low as 21.8°F (-5.7°C).
Weather in December »