Best time to visit Montreal

+150
Montreal

Best time of year to visit Montreal

A period from April to September is the best time to visit Montreal. A little bit chilly spring starts with its famous Montreal Nuit Blanche; the temperatures rise and the room rates drop. The tourist season kicks off in warm June and runs till August. Summer is packed with unforgettable festivals like Montreal Cirque Festival, Osheaga Music Festival and, of course, famous Montreal Pride. The air gets chillier after dark, so pack a warm sweater just in case. September usually holds summer temperature, and you are at odds to find nice rooms during autumn. December–February is a rather cold and snowy time in the city, but keep in mind the Underground City beneath the downtown Montreal.

9 THINGS TO DO IN MONTREAL (JULY 04 - JULY 13)

Montreal Cirque Festival

Montreal Cirque Festival

July 4-14, 2024 • event

The best circus performers from all around the globe perform right in streets of this city

Pow Wow

Pow Wow

May–August • event

See the unique annual celebration of the First Nations dedicated to the awakening of nature

Just for Laughs Comedy Festival

Just for Laughs Comedy Festival

unconfirmedJuly 12–28, 2024 • event

Meet your favorite comedians and sitcom stars around Montreal during the summer

Festival International de Jazz de Montréal

Festival International de Jazz de Montréal

June 27–July 6, 2024 • event

Visit the world's largest jazz festival listed in the Guinness Book of World Records

Carifiesta Montreal

Carifiesta Montreal

unconfirmedearlyJuly 2024 • event

Become a part of the Caribbean festival in the heart of Montreal

Snow Crab

Snow Crab

April–August • food

With a beginning of the snow crab season, the seafood restaurants of Quebec become very popular

Montréal Comic Con

Montréal Comic Con

July 5-7, 2024 • event

A paradise for the fans of comics, costuming, gaming, and modern pop culture overall

Canada & New England Cruises

Canada & New England Cruises

May–October • activity

Discover the amazing North Atlantic Coast with its history, national parks, and natural wonders

River Surfing in Montréal

River Surfing in Montréal

June–August • activity

Montréal is famous for its perpetual waves on the St. Lawrence River

33 THINGS TO DO OUT OF SELECTED DATE RANGE

New Year's Eve

New Year's Eve

out of rangeDecember 31  • event

Celebrate the night away in the largest city of Canada's Québec province!

Rogers Cup (Canadian Open)

Rogers Cup (Canadian Open)

out of rangeAugust 4-12, 2024 • event

The third-oldest tennis tournament in the world

Fête des Neiges de Montréal

Fête des Neiges de Montréal

overthe event is over • event

Experience a winter wonderland on two islands in the middle of the city

Montréal Pride (Fierté Montréal)

Montréal Pride (Fierté Montréal)

out of rangeAugust 1-11, 2024 • event

Join this stylish, sexy and hot summer event

Montréal en Lumière

Montréal en Lumière

out of rangeFebruary 29–March 10, 2024 • event

One of the largest and most beautiful winter festivals in the world

St. Patrick's Parade

St. Patrick's Parade

out of rangeMarch 17, 2024 • event

One of the oldest and most popular spring events in Montréal

Tour de l’Île de Montréal

Tour de l’Île de Montréal

out of rangeJune 2, 2024 • event

The most important cycling event of the city

Montreal Nuit Blanche

Montreal Nuit Blanche

out of rangeMarch 2, 2024 • event

Among other beautiful nights in Montreal, there is one that will definitely be remembered

Christmas Markets in Montréal

Christmas Markets in Montréal

out of rangelate November–late December  • event

Explore charming holiday fairs reflecting rich European Christmas traditions

Snow Geese Spring Migration

Snow Geese Spring Migration

out of rangelate March–mid-May • nature

This show is perfectly suitable for amateur birdwatchers, as it will let you see birds in their natural habitat and in a very convenient way

Cherry Blossom

Cherry Blossom

out of rangeearly to late May • nature

Spring blooms dress Montreal in stunning pink

Fall Foliage

Fall Foliage

out of rangelate September–early November (best in mid-October) • nature

See gorgeous fall vibes in Montreal, which is the last to change colors in the province of Quebec

Piknic Électronik Montréal

Piknic Électronik Montréal

out of rangeMay 21–October 1, 2023 • event

Summertime open-air music and dancing in the park

Christmas Parades & Events

Christmas Parades & Events

out of rangelate November–late December • event

Noël is a special and magical time in the largest city of Québec

Snow Geese Fall Migration

Snow Geese Fall Migration

out of rangelate September–late October • nature

Hundreds of thousands of snow geese cover the skies in Quebec, and you should see this phenomenon at least once in a lifetime

Dîner en Blanc Montréal

Dîner en Blanc Montréal

out of rangeAugust 18, 2023 • event

When thousands of people have a chic dinner all together

Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year

out of rangeFebruary 3, 2024 • event

Lion dances and traditional food to ring in the Lunar New Year in Montreal Chinatown

Igloofest

Igloofest

out of rangeJanuary 18–February 10, 2024 • event

The festival that brings best DJs together to warm up cold Montreal winter

Northern Lights

Northern Lights

out of rangeOctober–March • nature

The hunt for elusive aurora borealis starts north of Montreal

Osheaga Music Festival

Osheaga Music Festival

out of rangeAugust 2-4, 2024 • event

The world's seventh top grossing festival draws over 130,000 devoted fans from all over North America and Europe

St. Jean Baptiste Day

St. Jean Baptiste Day

out of rangeJune 24 • event

Quebec's national holiday celebrates the longest day of the year

Maple Taffy

Maple Taffy

out of rangeMarch–April • food

Real Quebecois make maple syrup lollipops with snow

Halloween

Halloween

out of rangelate September–October • event

All the spooky, scary and terrifying things to do in October in Montreal

Grands Prix Cyclistes

Grands Prix Cyclistes

out of range September 12, 2023 • event

Since 2010 this race in Montréal and Québec City has become one of the major sports events in the region

Dog Sledding

Dog Sledding

out of rangeDecember–March • activity

As soon as winter begins in Quebec, dog sledding is practiced in every corner of the region

Canadian Grand Prix Montreal

Canadian Grand Prix Montreal

out of rangeJune 9, 2024 • event

Have yourself an excellent trackside experience!

Montreal Rock 'n' Roll Oasis Marathon

Montreal Rock 'n' Roll Oasis Marathon

overSeptember 19–20, 2020 • event

Choose your route and enjoy the run

Je t'Aime en Chocolat

Je t'Aime en Chocolat

unconfirmedNovember 25–26, 2023 • event

Satisfy your sweet tooth and get all of your Valentine's Day gifts at the Montréal chocolate fair

Ice Fishing

Ice Fishing

out of rangeJanuary–February • activity

Pêche blanche—this tradition that comes from the indigenous people is an unusual winter activity

Illumi Laval

Illumi Laval

out of rangeOctober 1–31, 2023 • event

Marvel at 25 million lights and thousands of larger-than-life light structures

Winter Forest Treks

Winter Forest Treks

out of rangeJanuary–February • activity

A great winter activity for nature lovers

Tourtiere

Tourtiere

out of rangelate December • food

This well-known meal is especially delicious in Quebec region as a part of Christmas réveillon

Nordic Spa

Nordic Spa

out of rangeDecember 1–February 28 • activity

When you think of Quebec, does spa come to mind? Try local Nordic baths with breathtaking landscapes all around

Last updated:
Jan
5.7
Feb
5.7
Mar
6.1
Apr
6.7
May
7.9
Jun
8
Jul
7.5
Aug
7.7
Sep
8
Oct
7.3
Nov
6.5
Dec
5.9

Montreal weather in January

5.7/10 score
Acceptable
-9° average
average temperatures
9 mm
precipitation
9h 07m
daylight duration
The culmination of the long winter occurs in January, with the lowest average temperatures. Even though the latitude is not very high, the season is bitterly cold due to the frequent outbreaks of cold air masses from the north and north-east. Frost and snowfall are common, and some years also see real snowstorms. Intense cold waves with the lows plunging to -25/-30 °C (-13/-22 °F) hit Montreal practically every year. At the same time, the weather is unstable, and even in the dead of winter, the mercury might occasionally rise above freezing and cause the snowmelt. The sun is rarely seen in the sky. To feel warm and comfy during the freezing cold, pack warm winter gear, including thermal underwear, a down jacket, warm boots, a woolen hat, scarf, and gloves.

Montreal weather in February

5.7/10 score
Acceptable
-8° average
average temperatures
9 mm
precipitation
10h 19m
daylight duration
One of the coldest months in Montreal with typically freezing temperatures. Snowfall occurs regularly. Some years might also experience real snowstorms. The bitter cold is accompanied by the freezing air masses blowing from the north and north-east. Practically every year has extremely frigid lows that drop to -25/-30 °C (-13/-22 °F). On the other hand, given the constant weather instability, the temperature can rise above the freezing point, which is still rarer. Then one can expect thaw and rain. The sunshine is quite scarce in February. Prepare for the winter by packing thermal underwear, a down jacket, boots, a warm hat, scarf, and gloves.

Montreal weather in March

6.1/10 score
Good
-2° average
average temperatures
9 mm
precipitation
11h 51m
daylight duration
The first half of March is fairly taken as a part of the winter season, while snow may cover the ground well into April. Outbreaks of polar air masses still occur, bringing bitter cold to Montreal. The air conditions advance a little by the end of the month, with frost and snowfall being less frequent. The weather is quite unstable, with frequent temperature swings. The first warm days come bringing rainfall, but then cold weather returns. The sun is still rarely seen in the sky. To feel warm and comfy, bring winter garments such as a down jacket, a hat, gloves, and a scarf, and also pack an umbrella.

Montreal weather in April

6.7/10 score
Good
5° average
average temperatures
11 mm
precipitation
13h 28m
daylight duration
Spring in Montreal is typically quite cold, with the average lows hovering around freezing. Snowfall is still possible, but rain is more natural for the season. Given the weather instability, temperature swings are usual for April. The first warm days alternate with the returns of the cold weather. But severely frigid waves are unlikely to happen. The amount of sunshine is gradually increasing as the month progresses. Winter clothing is still relevant for the cold April days, but milder days also happen. So it's advisable to dress in layers to be able to adjust to the changeable weather. A raincoat or umbrella will be helpful.

Montreal weather in May

7.9/10 score
Very good
13° average
average temperatures
10 mm
precipitation
14h 51m
daylight duration
The month of May brings mild weather to the city. Cold spells and sleet can still occur at the beginning of the month, but the likelihood is minimal. With the onset of warmer days, the thunderstorms begin to develop in the afternoons. The days in late spring are long and boast ample sunshine. Unstable weather and temperature changes are typical for spring. Still, late May is considered the beginning of relatively good weather in Montreal. Pack for both cool and warm days. Dressing in layers is reasonable. A raincoat or umbrella will come of use too.

Montreal weather in June

8/10 score
Excellent
18° average
average temperatures
11 mm
precipitation
15h 36m
daylight duration
June offers mostly mild to warm temperatures. Some days may be a bit cold and cloudy, especially in the beginning of the month. However, the weather is mostly sunny and pleasant. On the fine-weather days, thunderstorms are likely to break out in the afternoon. The periods of hot and humid weather also occur. The muggy conditions are determined by the rivers of Saint Lawrence and Ottawa, which provide additional moisture. Generally, the weather advances towards the end of June. Pack a mix of short- and long-sleeved shirts, a sweatshirt, and a light jacket. Don't forget a raincoat or an umbrella.

Montreal weather in July

7.5/10 score
Very good
21° average
average temperatures
10 mm
precipitation
15h 18m
daylight duration
Montreal people favor July more than any other month in the year. Ironically they say there are only two seasons in the city: winter and the month of July. Clearly, this is an exaggeration, but July indeed is the warmest and sunniest month of the year. Cooler or partly cloudy days can occur but rarely. Hot and muggy days are more likely to happen in August, with the highs exceeding 30°C (86 °F). Afternoon thunderstorms are also typical. For a visit in August, bring light summer clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen, some long-sleeved shirt or a light jacket for a chance of cooler day or night, and at last, a raincoat or an umbrella.

Montreal weather in August

7.7/10 score
Very good
20° average
average temperatures
10 mm
precipitation
14h 07m
daylight duration
The weather in early August has much in common with July. Hot and humid days are prevalent. The periods of fine weather are typically disturbed by afternoon thunderstorms. The days of intense heat alter with cooler and cloudy ones. The peak of summer is gone by mid-August, and the month is prone to have more cooler days and slightly less sunshine closer to the end of the season. Anyways, it's a lovely time to visit Montreal. Pack light summer clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen. A light jacket or a sweatshirt will be appropriate for the cooler days and evenings. A raincoat or an umbrella is reasonable for the rainy afternoons.

Montreal weather in September

8/10 score
Excellent
15° average
average temperatures
10 mm
precipitation
12h 36m
daylight duration
September is mostly loved for mild weather, autumn foliage, and the Indian summer period characterized by summer-like warmth. These are usually the last warm days in the year before the rapid drop of temperatures that might occur already in late September. The amount of sunshine is not high already in early autumn. The sky is often overcast or partly covered by clouds. It rains more often than in the summer, yet the rainfalls come in fewer amounts—the season of afternoon thunderstorms is over by the end of summer. Pack a raincoat and an umbrella, a mix of short- and long-sleeved shirts for the changeable weather, a sweatshirt, and a jacket.

Montreal weather in October

7.3/10 score
Very good
9° average
average temperatures
11 mm
precipitation
11h 00m
daylight duration
Depending on the year, October could boast warm, temperate, or cold weather. In some years, the Indian summer season extends into early to mid-October. In others, the month could experience really cold days with the first snowfalls. Generally, the weather worsens as the month progresses—the precipitation consistently increases, the rainfalls get more abundant, the temperatures decrease, the sunshine becomes rarer, and the days get shorter. On the upside, seasonal foliage is splendid in October. Check the weather forecast before packing your luggage, as it's quite changeable. Bring layers anyways to be ready for any type of weather. A warm jacket is usually essential in the second half of the month. An umbrella is a must.

Montreal weather in November

6.5/10 score
Good
2° average
average temperatures
10 mm
precipitation
9h 34m
daylight duration
If the first cold days can occur or not in October, this inevitably happens in November. Early November is roughly classified as the fall season, while late November is recognized as the beginning of an extended Montreal winter. Initially, the weather is moderately cold, while it gets progressively colder towards the end of November. Precipitation is high—rainy weather is prevailing, but the first frosts are typical in late November. The days in November are short, and the sun appears in the sky very seldom. For November, you'll need to pack warm clothes, such as a coat, or possibly a down jacket. An umbrella will come in handy too.

Montreal weather in December

5.9/10 score
Acceptable
-6° average
average temperatures
9 mm
precipitation
8h 47m
daylight duration
Winter weather is scaling up in December. The temperatures decrease progressively. Snowfall is regular, and frosts are common, with the average highs hovering below freezing point. Also, during a cold wave, the mercury can dip to -25/-30 °C (-13/-22 °F). The polar air masses increase the feeling of bitter cold. At the same time, the temperature can occasionally rise above freezing and cause the thaw. But usually, snow covers the ground for most of the month. December has some of the shortest days in the year, and the amount of sunshine is quite scarce. For a visit in the cold season, bring your warm attire—a down jacket, a warm hat, scarf, and gloves, winter boots, and possibly also thermal underwear.