- Boat ride reopens April 12, 2026
- Fireworks restart May 18, 2026
- Hotel rates rise sharply in May
- May is best month: full attractions, smaller crowds
- Bring layers, mornings are 5 to 10 °C cooler than afternoons
Spring weather month by month
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rain days | Boat? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| March | 4 °C | -5 °C | 11 | No |
| April | 11 °C | 2 °C | 11 | From Apr 12 |
| May | 19 °C | 9 °C | 11 | Yes |
Highlights of spring at the falls
- Boat ride reopens April 12, with smaller crowds than summer
- Cherry blossoms in Niagara-on-the-Lake, late April to early May
- Spring tulip displays at the Floral Showhouse, March and April
- Niagara Glen wildflowers, trillium and bloodroot bloom in late April and May
- Bird migration through the gorge, peak in April and early May
What to wear
Layers are essential. Mornings 4 to 10 °C, afternoons 11 to 22 °C. Pack a light waterproof jacket (rain plus boat spray), a fleece, long pants and a t shirt for warm afternoons. Closed walking shoes mandatory, the Niagara Parkway can be muddy after spring rain.
Recommended tour for spring
Spring perfect: walking tour plus boat ride.
Check availability →Sunrise tour, perfect spring light.
Check availability →What to skip in spring
- Late March, attractions still on winter schedule, boat closed
- Spring break weekend (US college students), mid March can get crowded with student groups
- Outdoor wine tour without rain plan, spring rain is unpredictable
Verdict
May is the best spring month and arguably one of the best months overall: full attractions, mild weather, lower prices than summer. April is a close second once the boat reopens. March is for budget travelers who do not mind missing the boat.
Internal links
For overall best month see best month to visit. For summer see summer guide.
Preguntas frecuentes
Yes, especially May once the boat ride reopens. May has full attractions running, mild weather (15 to 22 °C) and 30 to 40 percent fewer crowds than July. April is also excellent value once the boat opens April 12.
The 2026 Hornblower season starts April 12 and runs through November 9, 2026. The Maid of the Mist on the US side opens later, May 8.
Layers. Light waterproof jacket, fleece, long pants and a t shirt for warm afternoons. Closed walking shoes. Spring rain is unpredictable so always pack waterproof.
Yes. March hotel rates are typically 50 percent below July peak. April rises to about 30 percent below. May rises to 15 to 20 percent below July, still a meaningful saving.
