Niagara Falls in August

Niagara Falls is a popular travel destination throughout the year, but August is an especially attractive month to go.

With its warm temperatures and low chance of rain, we think it offers an extremely enjoyable experience. In this guide, we will cover the weather and crowd conditions you can expect during your trip to Niagara Falls in August. Additionally, we let you know what to wear and pack, as well as tips for each attraction and the boat tours.

Is August a Good Time?

August is a great time to visit Niagara Falls. It’s one of the best months with pleasant weather and every attraction open to the public. However, it is also the peak tourist month, together with July, so expect to encounter larger crowds.

Temperatures climb to around 81°F (27.2°C) at the falls, making the boat trips a very pleasant experience.

Read more about the weather, crowds, and clothing tips below!

Boat Tours and Attraction Tickets | Book in Advance

As it’s high season, it’s essential that you book your tickets for a boat tour during August in advance.

Tickets Canadian Side Boat Tour | Hornblower
Tickets American Side Boat Tour | Maid of the Mist

Weather 

Niagara Falls experiences a humid continental climate, with warm summers and cold winters. In August, you can expect warm temperatures and relatively low precipitation, making it an ideal time to explore the falls and surrounding attractions.

Temperatures (Morning, Day, Evening, Night)

During August, temperatures in Niagara Falls can vary throughout the day:

  • Morning: 60-65°F (16-18°C)
  • Day: 75-80°F (24-27°C)
  • Evening: 65-70°F (18-21°C)
  • Night: 55-60°F (13-16°C)

The warmest part of the day is usually between 1 PM and 4 PM, with temperatures cooling down in the evening and at night.

The temperature progression for this month (average high temps):

  • Early August: 80°F (27°C)
  • Mid-August: 78°F (25°C)
  • Late August: 76°F (25°C)
Rain

August is typically a relatively dry month, with an average of 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rainfall spread over 9 days. However, it’s always a good idea to bring a light rain jacket or an umbrella in case of unexpected showers.

What to Wear

When visiting Niagara Falls in August, you should pack clothing suitable for warm weather. Here are some suggestions:

  • Light, breathable shirts and blouses
  • Shorts or skirts
  • Comfortable walking shoes or sandals
  • A light jacket for evenings or cooler days
  • A hat to protect yourself from the sun
  • Sunglasses and sunscreen

Don’t forget to pack a rain jacket or umbrella in case of rain, and consider bringing a waterproof bag for your belongings, especially if you plan to take a boat tour near the falls.

Some additional tips for the boat tours:

  • Opt for clothes and footwear that can get wet. The provided poncho won’t fully protect you from the water, particularly your shoes and pants. Be prepared for getting drenched during the boat ride as part of the adventure.
  • Choose shoes with good traction. After the boat ride, there’s an area to explore next to the American Falls. Be prepared for wet stairs to avoid slipping.
  • Pack a waterproof phone case or bring waterproof a camera to capture memorable moments during your Niagara Falls boat trip. Please note: A water-resistant camera won’t do it! It will get drenched and damaged by the water. It’s needs to be fully waterproof like the Olympus TG-6 (via Amazon)
  • Secure your hair in wear sunglasses. The boat ride can get windy, especially near the base of the Horseshoe Falls. This will prevent hair from obstructing your view and help shield your eyes from the sun and mist.
  • Consider bringing a lightweight, foldable rain jacket for added protection against the mist and wind. This extra layer can be easily stowed away when not in use.

How Wet Do You Get in August?

How wet you will get in August, depends on the weather, especially how windy it is on that day.

The mist around The Falls Gorge is always there but it can be better or worse depending on how much wind is blowing and in what direction.

Typically you get wet from your knees down during many attractions, but it depends:

The two biggest soakers are Cave of the Winds, particularly if you go to the Hurricane Deck, and the open-air Jet Boats

Maid of the Mist isn’t too bad. Tip: You’ll be dryer if you stick to the lower deck instead of the upper. It’s even better on the US side, as the Hornblower boat offers enclosed viewing areas, where you won’t get wet at all.

Journey Behind the Falls is totally dry unless you go outside onto the Terrace, which you usually do. There you get right up beside The Falls for the best photo spot and can also see the rainbows, that are only visible from below The Falls.

Which Attractions are Open

August is the peak season for Niagara Falls, meaning all attractions are typically open and operational. Some popular attractions include:

  • Maid of the Mist boat tour
  • Journey Behind the Falls
  • White Water Walk
  • Whirlpool Aero Car
  • Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens
  • Butterfly Conservatory
  • Clifton Hill entertainment district

In addition, there are numerous other activities, such as wine tours, helicopter tours, and hiking trails in the surrounding area.

More tips for each attraction later.

How Busy/Crowded Is It

August is one of the busiest months at Niagara Falls, so expect larger crowds at popular attractions, restaurants, hotels, and fully booked boat tours on most days. To avoid crowds, consider visiting on weekdays or planning your activities during off-peak hours (book the first boat tour in the early morning).

Is it very busy throughout August? It remains jam-packed until kids return to school towards the end of the month. Hotel prices will stay high until the last week of the month when they will begin to reduce a little.

Be prepared for longer wait times and book accommodations and tickets in advance to ensure availability.

In conclusion, August is a fantastic time to visit Niagara Falls, offering warm weather, plenty of attractions, and a lively atmosphere. However, the popularity of the destination during this month means that you should be prepared for larger crowds and plan your visit accordingly.

Tip: Find out about other great months in our ‘Best Time to Visit Niagara Falls Guide

American vs. Canadian Side?

The Canadian side definitely draws in more tourists in August, offering a better view of all three falls without a tour. Additionally, there is an abundance of attractions for tourists to enjoy, so it is impossible to run out of things to do.

The American side, on the other hand, is less commercialized and tends to give visitors more opportunities to connect with nature. While the views are still breathtaking on the American side of the falls, they still aren’t as big and jow dropping as on the Canadian side.

The boat tours from both sides have the same route, up to the American Falls to the Horseshoe one, and finally, into the mist. The boats however are different. More about that later.

So, which side is better? We always suggest visiting the American and the Canadian side as both are worth your time!

The experience in August on each side of the falls will be unique and enjoyable in its own way and will give you the chance to see the beauty of Niagara Falls from multiple views and angles.

Attractions on the U.S. Side (all explained and rated in the middle of this article):

  • Maid of the Mist Boat Tour
  • Cave of the Winds
  • Observation Tower

Attractions on the Canadian Side (all explained and rated in the middle of this article):

  • Hornblower Boat Tour
  • Journey Behind the Falls
  • Niagara SkyWheel
  • Skylon Tower Observation Deck
  • Helicopter Flight
  • Jet Boat Tour
  • Zipline Experience

Cons: The American side tends to be slightly less crowded in August, however, there aren’t as many options for visitors, especially the number of attractions. Most major attractions and more upscale hotel chains are located across the bridge in Canada.

Maid of the Mist Boat Tour | American Side

Getting close to the falls! The image takes you to the famous Maid of the Mist Tour (US Side). Make your reservation in advance!
  • Operating: Open in August. Otherwise from April or early May to November 8
  • Color (Boat/Ponchos): Blue

This is the oldest boat tour of Niagara Falls and departs from the American side.

It’s one of the most attractive Niagara Falls tours available and tends to land at the top of many ‘must-see’ lists while visiting. They take you down into the falls, up the American side, and up the horseshoe to the Canadian side and back.

The Maid of the Mist Boat Tour is worth it, especially during the warm month of August, and the best way to get up close and personal with the falls is by seeing them from river level. The force of the waves and the breeze and mist from the waters gives you an incredible feeling and leaves you a sense of how small we really are in the world.

Poncho/Water: Each visitor gets their own poncho to wear during the journey. If you are someone who doesn’t want to get wet or gets easily seasick, this may not be the tour for you.

Seating: The boat has no seating areas either on the lower deck or the upper deck. That means everyone is standing during the ride. However, it is wheelchair accessible.

Book the tour in advance for a hassle-free experience (you will get a mobile voucher, which you can also print if you like. Very comfortable):

This could very well be the most popular attraction and tour available in the whole area of Niagra Falls, other than the falls themselves of course.

Cave of the Winds | American Side

The Cave of the Winds is a unique experience at the foot of the falls. Get the EXPRESS PASS here: Cave of the Winds (via GetYourGuide)
  • Open in August

The other main attraction on the American side of Niagara Falls is the Cave of the Winds experience. It’s an incredible experience and definitely worth it as it takes you closer to the falls than you could ever imagine.

First, you go into a small exhibit area and watch a 10-minute movie about the history of this place. Then, you take an elevator down and walk out on the boardwalk. Now you are THERE. You will notice several levels of stairs that go in and out of the falls.

You will only get soaked on one part because a section of the walkway is built so that you actually have to walk through part of the falls. It’s really intriguing, as you get up close and personal with the falls. Everything is self-guided and you can stay as long as you want.

Good to know: Ponchos and a pair of strap-on sandals are provided. When we went in August, they gave visitors a plastic bag to keep their belongings and shoes dry. However, other visitors report that they didn’t get the bag. Bring one to be on the safe side.

From our first visit: What a sight! It is impressive to see the power of the falls as well as the views from the bottom looking up. There are quite a few steps to get on the Hurricane Deck. However, even for people in their mid-60s, that wasn’t an issue.

We recommend booking a Maid of the Mist Tour, which includes Cave of the Winds after the boat tour: Niagara Falls American Tour. That way, you can experience both stunning tours and don’t have to pay twice. Another advantage: The poncho from Maid of the Mist is better than the one you’ll be provided at Cave of the Winds. So, save the poncho from the boat tour for later.

Don’t go if you don’t like getting wet at all. In that case, Cave of the Winds might not be for you. As the boardwalks take you directly behind the falls, you will get very wet, especially if you walk to the upper deck. However, you are still wearing a poncho and won’t get soaked through!

Observation Tower | American Side

  • Open in August

The deck of the Observation Tower extends out over the Niagara Gorge. This is the only location on the US side to view both the American and Horseshoe Falls at the same time, so it’s definitely worth it. The small fee of 1.25 USD is also waived if you have a boat tour ticket.

You also start your Maid of the Mist Boat tour here, as you ride down the elevator to board the boat.

Hornblower Boat Tour | Canadian Side

The image takes you to a selection of the best tours (Niagara Hornblower: Voyage to the Falls).
  • Operating: Open in August. Otherwise from April or early May to late November
  • Color (Boat/Ponchos): Red

The Hornblower Boat Tour (also called ‘Voyage to the Falls) is essentially the same concept and journey as the Maid of the Mist Boat Tour, rather this tour departs from the Canadian side. This tour is rather new, operating since only 2014, but gives the famous Maid of the Mist tour a run for its money.

The boat departs from the Canadian side of the falls, taking you down the Horseshoe and over to the American side and back. Just like Maid of the Mist. Those who take part in this tour have the opportunity to feel the mist and breeze from the falls, allowing visitors of only the Canadian side to get a chance to experience the falls in a closer location.

Personal Experience:

We did the Hornblower (‘Voyage to the Falls’) boat tour before and this was the third time. It was as stunning as our previous experiences, especially in August. The roar and splash from the falls, combined with the thrill of being so close to the falls, make the Hornblower tour a spectacular and unique experience. It is so amazing to be that close to the water crashing down.

The Hornblower Boat Tour is pricey and popular, and the catamaran-style boat holds up to 700 passengers. The tour itself only lasts about 25 minutes, and usually takes longer to get on and off the boat, rather than the tour itself. Like with the Maid of the Mist tour, they provide you with a poncho:

Seating: The Hornblower boats have seating, bathrooms, and enclosed viewing areas on the lower deck. That means you can choose not to get wet. However, the upper deck offers a better viewing experience. The boat is wheelchair accessible.

So, is the Hornblower tour worth it? If you have already been on the Maid of the Mist, probably not. However, if you are only getting the chance to visit the Canadian side of the falls, it must be on your bucket list.

Journey Behind the Falls | Canadian Side

  • Open in August

The Journey Behind the Falls is very similar to the Cave of the Winds tour, but not as big and on the Canadian side. The tour takes visitors behind the falls of the horseshoe, starting with an elevator ride, and through a series of tunnels. The experience itself is definitely amazing overall.

While both tours are very similar, the Journey Behind the Falls tour allows you to get up close and personal, with so much of you getting wet. Ponchos are provided, and there are two observation decks beside the foot of horseshoe falls, while the tunnels have portals to the backside of the falls.

Is Journey Behind the Falls really worth it? We recommend doing both Journey of the Falls and Cave of the Winds tour if possible, if not, do the one on whichever side of the falls you are staying on. The two experiences sound similar but are very unique in their own way.

Opinion/Personal Experience:

We loved the experience behind the Falls during our August visit. The proximity to the falls and the vantage point are both unique when taking the ‘Journey Behind the Falls’. The portals are not gigantic, but it was still a fantastic adventure.

On the decks, the proximity to Horseshoe Falls was similar to what we experienced on the Hornblower Boat tour. However, this attraction was slightly less exciting, I would say. The advantage is that you don’t get as wet as on the boat.

Avoiding Crowds: It can get quite crowded in August. Be there as soon as they open (usually 10 AM) if possible for a less busy experience. Online tickets here:

Personally, we liked Cave of the Winds a little more but would recommend JBtF every time!

 

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