- Peak foliage: mid to late October
- Wine harvest: September and October
- Boat closes November 9, 2026
- Festival of Lights starts November 14, 2026
- Hotel rates 25 to 35 percent below summer peak
Autumn weather month by month
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rain days | Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September | 22 °C | 13 °C | 11 | Wine harvest |
| October | 14 °C | 6 °C | 11 | Foliage peak |
| November | 7 °C | 1 °C | 13 | Festival of Lights |
September: harvest and warm days
September is a sweet spot. Most US schools are back in session, so crowds drop sharply after Labor Day weekend. Daytime temperatures stay in the 20 to 24 °C range. The wine harvest at Niagara-on-the-Lake brings tasting room events, vineyard lunches and grape pressing demos. Boat ride still running every day.
Premium harvest season vineyard lunch.
Check availability →October: foliage peak
The Niagara Glen and the Niagara Parkway turn brilliant red, orange and yellow in mid to late October. The Carolinian forest has more colour variety than the typical northern hardwood forest. Best week is usually October 14 to 24, depending on weather. Bring a light jacket, evenings hit 5 °C.
Last chance for the boat plus Journey combo before winter.
Check availability →November: transition month
The boat closes November 9. The Festival of Lights kicks off November 14 with millions of LED lights along the parkway and daily 9 PM fireworks through January. Cold and damp, plan indoor attractions and the Festival of Lights walks.
Foliage spots ranked
- Niagara Glen Nature Reserve, the best, peak mid October
- Niagara Parkway from Floral Clock to Whirlpool, drive or bike
- Niagara-on-the-Lake vineyards, vines turn deep red in late October
- Queen Victoria Park, easy access foliage near the falls
- Whirlpool Aero Car, aerial view of foliage in the gorge
Verdict
September is the best overall autumn month: warm enough, wine harvest events, manageable crowds. October is best for photographers and foliage chasers. November is for early Festival of Lights visitors.
Internal links
For wine country see 10 best wine tours. For Festival of Lights see Christmas at Niagara.
Questions Frequentes
Mid to late October, typically October 14 to 24, depending on weather. The Niagara Glen Nature Reserve and the Niagara Parkway have the most spectacular displays.
The 2026 Hornblower season ends November 9. After this date the boat does not run again until April 12, 2027.
Yes. October hotel rates are typically 25 to 35 percent below July peak. November is even cheaper, especially before the Festival of Lights begins November 14.
Niagara wine harvest runs late August through October, depending on the grape variety. The peak harvest events at vineyards happen in September and early October.
