Early winter · Weather & things to do
Niagara Falls & Niagara-on-the-Lake in December
Niagara Falls & Niagara-on-the-Lake cools off: highs slip to 37°F (3°C), from 48°F in November, with lows of 29°F (-2°C) and about 2.8 in (70 mm) of rain.
With a comfort score of 39/100 (12th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by cool days.
- Avg high
- 37°F (3°C)
- Avg low
- 29°F (-2°C)
- Rain
- 2.8 in (70 mm)
- Humidity
- 85%
- Cloud cover
- 81%
- Daylight
- ~8 h 49 min
- Comfort score
- 39/100 · Tough
What December feels like
It's cold: daytime highs average just 37°F (3°C), so build the days around warm stops.
Nights drop below freezing, with an average low of 29°F (-2°C), so expect frost and ice.
Showers are part of the month, adding up to about 2.8 in (70 mm).
Expect plenty of overcast days, with cloud cover near 81%.
Daylight is short, roughly 8 h 49 min mid-month, so start sightseeing early.
Plan around December
December is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are May – September.
- Freezing nights return: average lows drop to 29°F.
- Shortest days of the year, about 8 h 49 min of daylight.
- Comfort slips from 54/100 in November to 39/100.
- Our Toronto, Niagara & Prince Edward County route recommends May – Oct, so December falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for December
- Hat, gloves and thermal base layerslows around 29°F
- Shoes with gripfrost and ice are possible
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaa shower or two is likely
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Niagara Falls & Niagara-on-the-Lake in December
Cold days call for a roof: these picks favor sit-down and indoor stops, plus a few for drier spells.
Horseshoe Falls
The largest of the three falls, best seen from Table Rock on the Canadian side.
Journey Behind the Falls
Tunnels and portals cut into rock behind the falls with a lower observation deck.
Niagara City Cruises
Boat ride into the spray at the foot of Horseshoe Falls; ponchos supplied.
Fort George National Historic Site
Rebuilt War of 1812 fort with musket demonstrations in summer.
Ravine Vineyard Estate Winery
Organic farm winery in St. Davids with a casual restaurant and deli.
Why now A warm sit-down stop when highs sit around 37°F.
Nearby in December
- Toronto in December~36 mi · highs 37°F, 2.5 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Keuka Lake in December~107 mi · highs 35°F, 2.9 in rain or snow · 1°C (2°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Seneca Lake in December~109 mi · highs 36°F, 3.3 in rain or snow · 1°C (2°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Prince Edward County in December~109 mi · highs 35°F, 3.0 in rain or snow · 1°C (2°F) cooler by day, about as wet
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid. Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Niagara Falls & Niagara-on-the-Lake in December: quick answers
Is December a good time to visit Niagara Falls & Niagara-on-the-Lake?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 39/100, held back mainly by cool days. The best months are May – September. Expect highs of 37°F (3°C) and 2.8 in (70 mm) of rain. Our Toronto, Niagara & Prince Edward County route recommends May – Oct, so December is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Niagara Falls & Niagara-on-the-Lake in December?
Average highs are 37°F (3°C) and average lows 29°F (-2°C), making it the 3rd-coldest month by daytime highs, with nights below freezing on average.
Does it rain a lot in Niagara Falls & Niagara-on-the-Lake in December?
Some: about 2.8 in (70 mm) of rain falls across December on average, the 4th-driest month of the year. The annual total is about 34.3 in (871 mm).
What should I pack for Niagara Falls & Niagara-on-the-Lake in December?
Bring hat, gloves and thermal base layers (lows around 29°F), shoes with grip (frost and ice are possible), packable rain jacket or umbrella (a shower or two is likely) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
More on Niagara Falls & Niagara-on-the-Lake
Planning Niagara Falls & Niagara-on-the-Lake in December?
Share this December plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.