When is peak season at Niagara Falls?

Peak season is July and August, plus the first two weeks of October for fall colours. Expect wall-to-wall crowds, high hotel prices (think $300+ a night for a decent room), and 30-minute waits for everything from the Maid of the Mist to a table at a chain restaurant. If you come in July, book everything months in advance or you're stuck in a motel in Buffalo.

If you want to avoid the madness, come in late May or early June—the weather's nice, the falls are roaring from spring melt, and crowds are half the size. Late September is also great, but skip October unless you're obsessed with leaf-peeping and don't mind shoulder-to-shoulder selfie sticks. Honestly, avoid August at all costs unless you love humidity and paying $20 for parking.