Right now, if you step outside in Niagara Falls, it’s about 27°F. Cloudy. Kinda grey. Honestly, it feels more like 18°F because the wind is kicking up from the south at 10 mph. If you’re planning to head down to the brink of the Horseshoe Falls today, Friday, January 16, 2026, you’re looking at a high of 30°F and a low that’ll bottom out at 10°F tonight.
Basically, it's cold. But there's a specific kind of magic here when the temperature drops that most people miss because they're too busy waiting for July.
The Reality of Weather Niagara Falls CA in Winter
Most travelers think the falls "close" in winter. They don’t. But the weather Niagara Falls CA serves up in January is a whole different beast than the postcard summer spray. Today, there's a 46% chance of snow during the day. That jumps around a bit, but by tonight, we're still looking at a 28% chance of flurries.
Humidity is sitting at 69% right now. It sounds high for winter, but near the water, that moisture is constant. Tomorrow, Saturday, January 17, the humidity spikes to 90% with light snow expected. If you're visiting, the "feels like" temperature is your only real metric. With a high of 34°F tomorrow and 15 mph winds, it won’t feel like a thaw. It’ll feel damp and biting.
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Why the Mist Changes Everything
You’ve got to understand the mist. It doesn't care what the forecast says. Even on a "dry" day, the sheer volume of water—about six million cubic feet per minute—creates its own microclimate. In the winter, this mist freezes instantly on everything it touches. Railings, trees, lampposts—they all get coated in "lollypop ice."
It’s beautiful, sure. It’s also incredibly slippery.
If you're looking at the 10-day outlook, Sunday and Monday (January 18-19) are bringing more snow showers. Monday is actually going to be pretty brutal; the wind is expected to crank up to 22 mph from the west. When you combine that with a high of only 21°F and a low of 8°F, you’re looking at wind chills that can drop well into the negatives.
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Season by Season: What’s Actually Happening?
People always ask when the "best" time is. It depends on if you hate crowds or hate being cold. There's no middle ground here.
- The Deep Freeze (December - February): This is for the photographers. The falls rarely freeze solid—the last time was 1848—but the ice bridge that forms below the falls is massive. Expect temperatures to hover around 30°F, but the wind off Lake Erie makes it feel much worse.
- The Thaw (March - May): This is the "messy" season. It can be 60°F one day and snowing the next. In May, things finally stabilize around 67°F. This is when the 500,000 daffodils in Queen Victoria Park start showing up.
- The Peak (June - August): It’s hot. Highs hit 80°F regularly. The humidity makes it feel like a tropical rainforest, especially when you're standing in the mist. It's the only time you'll actually want the falls to soak you.
- The Sweet Spot (September - October): Honestly, this is the pro move. Highs are around 71°F in September. The air is crisper, the "mugginess" of summer is gone, and the foliage against the blue water is unreal.
Survival Gear for the Niagara Microclimate
Don't be the person in a designer wool coat getting soaked by the mist. You’ll be shivering in ten minutes.
If you’re coming this week, you need waterproof outer layers. Not "water-resistant." Waterproof. The snow chances for the next few days—25% on Sunday, 35% on Monday—mean you'll be dealing with a mix of falling snow and rising mist.
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- Footwear: Boots with aggressive tread. The sidewalks near the Table Rock Centre turn into ice rinks.
- Base Layers: Wear thermals. The wind coming off the river is a different kind of cold; it cuts through denim like it’s not even there.
- Electronics Protection: Your phone will die faster in this 27°F weather. Keep it in an inside pocket close to your body heat.
Looking Ahead: The 10-Day Trend
If you can wait until Tuesday, January 20, the sun might actually peek out. It’ll be partly sunny, but don't let that fool you—it’s actually the coldest day of the stretch with a high of 20°F and a low of 7°F.
By next weekend, January 25-26, we're looking at a significant temperature drop. Sunday the 25th has a projected low of -1°F. If you’ve ever wanted to see the falls look like a scene from Narnia, that’s your window. The mist will be heavy, the crowds will be non-existent, and the ice formations will be at their peak.
Actionable Advice for Your Trip
Stop checking the "high" temperature and start checking the wind speed and direction. A south wind (like we have today at 10 mph) blows the mist toward the Canadian side. A west wind (like we'll see Monday at 22 mph) pushes it around even more.
Your next steps: - Check the Niagara Parks website for attraction closures; the Journey Behind the Falls is usually open, but the outdoor observation decks can close if the ice buildup gets too dangerous.
- Pack a spare set of socks in your day bag. If your feet get damp from the mist-snow combo, your day is over.
- Book a hotel with a "Fallsview" for these colder months. You can see the illumination at night without having to stand in the 10°F air.