You’ve seen the photos of the "frozen" falls, right? Those viral shots where the world's most famous waterfall looks like a giant popsicle. Honestly, most of those are a bit of a lie—the water almost never actually stops moving—but if you’re heading to Niagara Falls, Ontario, this particular weekend in mid-January 2026, you’re going to get as close to that Narnia vibe as humanly possible.
The Niagara Falls Canada weather this weekend is basically a masterclass in Canadian winter. After a massive storm dumped 20 to 40 cm of snow across southern Ontario earlier this week, the region is still very much "digging out." If you're coming for the views, you'll get them, but you're also going to get a face full of Arctic air and a decent amount of fresh powder.
The Real Deal on the Saturday Forecast
Saturday, January 17, is looking like the "warmer" of the two days, if you can even call it that. We’re looking at a high of 34°F (around 1°C). That might sound manageable, but the wind is the real story here. With southwest winds hitting 15 mph and gusting much higher, that "feels like" temperature is going to hover way down in the low 20s.
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Expect light snow throughout the day. It’s not going to be a total whiteout like we saw on Thursday, but with a 27% chance of precipitation during the day and snow showers likely in the evening, the ground is going to stay messy. If you're driving in from Toronto or Hamilton, be careful. The Town of Lincoln and parts of the Niagara region are still under "Significant Weather Event" declarations because the sheer volume of snow from the previous days has made it hard for crews to keep up.
Basically, Saturday is for the hardy souls.
Sunday: When the Arctic Air Actually Hits
If you thought Saturday was chilly, Sunday is going to be a reality check. The temperature is expected to drop and stay there, with a high of only 23°F and a low of 20°F.
The humidity is sitting high at 78%, which means that cold is going to feel "wet"—the kind of cold that sinks into your bones regardless of how many layers you have on. We’re looking at a 25% chance of snow showers during the day, jumping up to 40% by Sunday night.
- Saturday High: 34°F with light snow.
- Sunday High: 23°F with persistent snow showers.
- The Wind Factor: Constant southwest winds making it feel significantly colder.
Why People Still Flock Here in the Cold
You might wonder why anyone would voluntarily stand next to a giant mist-producing machine when it's below freezing. Well, it's Icewine season. The Niagara Icewine Festival is in full swing this weekend (Jan 17-18).
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There’s a new pop-up called the Frozen Falls Icewine Bar right at the brink of the Horseshoe Falls (at Table Rock). They’ve got a custom-carved ice bar and they're serving VQA Icewine paired with things like Icewine French onion soup. It’s open from 11:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. both days.
Also, the Winter Festival of Lights is still technicality "on," though the major fireworks displays ended earlier in the month. You can still see the three million lights along the Niagara Parkway from 5:00 p.m. to midnight. The mist from the falls freezes on the trees and lampposts, creating these weird, beautiful ice sculptures that you just don't see in the summer.
Survival Tips for the Niagara Mist
The Niagara Falls Canada weather this weekend isn't just about the temperature; it's about the spray. When the wind blows off the falls, it carries a fine mist that freezes instantly on your jacket.
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- Wear a Waterproof Outer Layer: A regular wool coat will get damp and then freeze solid. You want Gore-Tex or something similar.
- Footwear is Non-Negotiable: The sidewalks near Table Rock and Clifton Hill are going to be icy. Wear boots with actual grip.
- Check Road Closures: Since the Niagara Region declared a significant weather event recently, some side roads might still be narrow due to snow banks.
Practical Next Steps for Your Trip
Check the Niagara Parks website before you head out to ensure the Table Rock bistro hasn't adjusted hours due to the blowing snow. If you're driving, fill up your washer fluid—the salt spray on the QEW is brutal after a storm like the one we just had.
Lastly, if you're planning on the Icewine Festival, grab a Discovery Pass. It lets you hit multiple wineries across the Benchlands and Niagara-on-the-Lake, which is a great way to escape the wind for an hour or two while still enjoying the winter atmosphere.