Niagara Falls Weather in Winter

In the winter, weather at Niagara Falls transforms the Park into an icy wonderland. Many Park attractions close for the season, but visitors can always see awe-inspiring Niagara Falls flow to the river below as it freezes and a thick layer of ice covers every surface. The temperature usually stays around the freezing point, regularly dipping below 20 degrees. Snowfall accumulations are minimal compared to some areas less than 20 miles away. Dramatic ice accumulations, however, are magnificent, and add to the stunning beauty of the falls during this season.

Special Events at Niagara Falls in Winter

Cascades of Fire International Fireworks Competition

Friday-Sunday, November 9-11 and Friday, November 16-18
All shows start at 9 p.m.

Fireworks will light up the skies over Niagara Falls this November when Niagara Falls, Canada hosts the Cascades of Fire International Fireworks Competition for the first time ever. The competition's shows will all start at 9 p.m. and will be visible from the American side of the Falls.

Cascades of Fire will feature 18-minute pyrotechnic shows synchronized to music, presented by China, Finland, Brazil, Vietnam, Italy, plus a special finale by the host country, Canada. 

Schedule

• Friday, November 9: China
• Saturday, November 10: Finland
• Sunday, November 11: Brazil
• Friday, November 16: Vietnam
• Saturday, November 17: Italy
• Sunday, November 18: Canada

Spectators can listen to the accompanying music for each pyrotechnic show by tuning their radios to Star 102.5.

Teams will be judged by theme, choice of music, creativity, synchronization to the selected music, selection of effects, and crowd reaction. A jury will rate the performances to determine the winner. 

Cave of the Winds Hours of Operation in Winter

Did you know that each fall, the walkways and decks of the Cave of the Winds are removed to be protected from the ice of the harsh Niagara winters? All winter long, crews repaint and waterproof the lumber with Thompson's Water Seal and then each spring, the decks and walkways are rebuilt for another summer of fun.

Hours of Operation

October 22 - November 28: 9 a.m. - 4:15 p.m.

Thanksgiving (November 22): Closed

Maid of the Mist Hours of Operation in Winter

A favorite Niagara Falls State Park attraction for more than 150 years, the Maid of the Mist journey begins at the Observation Tower, where guests are given a souvenir rain poncho to wear and board the double-deck Maid of the Mist tour boat. From there, the boat ferries past the base of the American Falls, and onto the basin of Horseshoe Falls--the dramatic passage leading you through the roiling waterfall whitewater and massive rock formations. The Maid of the Mist returns guests to shore with newfound appreciation of the power and grandeur of Niagara Falls.

Hours of Operation

October 4 – October 31:  9 a.m. - 5 p.m. (Daily)

November 1 – November 4: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. (Daily)

Plan Your Trip

Maximize your experience by planning your Niagara Falls vacation in advance. With so many things to do in Niagara Falls, planning ahead will help to ensure that you get to see--and do--everything on your list. Joining the Niagara Falls Tours, you'll get a discount on admission to popular park attractions, like the Maid of the Mist, Cave of the Winds, and the Aquarium of Niagara. What are you waiting for? Start planning today!

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