When to Go

The region is very much defined by the seasons. Tourism shifts into high gear from June through August, before slowing down in September and October, and slowing considerably thereafter. Active skiing centers, such as Lake Placid and North Creek, have visitors through the winter, and snowmobilers, cross-country skiers, and ice fishermen in the North Country enjoy the cold winter months. With sizable winter populations—from both out-of-town tourists as well as New Yorkers who have second homes here for winter sports fun—cities such as Watertown, Glens Falls, and Plattsburgh remain reasonably active during the off-seasons. Generally speaking, the North Country slows down from November through April. Black-fly season can start as early as late April, and lasts until early July.