Best time to visit Toronto

In Toronto, January is freezing and gloomy. The title of the coldest month justifies itself—the day temperature rarely rises above -3°C (27°F), and at night, drops to -8°C (18°F). Generally, the weather conditions are somewhat harsh as the temperature may fall below -25°C (-13°F), and snowstorms are rather probable. It may snow for several days in a row, covering entire Toronto and putting the city life on hold. Besides, the so-called ice storm may also occur. This is when it rains and, as the temperature is freezing, everything around gets covered in ice. January is the time when the surface of Lake Ontario freezes. Though there are not that many sunny days in Toronto, in times when the sky is bright, the image of the icy lake is stunning. Another positive side is that January is suitable for winter sports.

Compared to January, February is equally cold but slightly snowier. Most of the time, the sky is grey, and Toronto enjoys only 4 hours of sunshine daily. The night temperature quickly lowers to -10°C (14°F), and not always rises noticeably during the day. Even though the thermometer may show you higher figures, it seems to be colder due to blizzard, a robust and freezing wind. The long walks and sightseeing are not the best activities in Toronto in February. But if you feel courageous enough to go out, put on the warmest clothes and shoes, and do not neglect a hat and gloves.

Technically, the calendar winter is over, and the spring should have come, but there are only little signs of weather improvement. Though it gets slightly warmer, the evenings are fresh, and the temperature falls below freezing. The cold is more bearable than in January or February as the wind is not that chilly. The state of the sky remains the same, and the sun is a rare guest in Toronto. The clouds above promise you expected and prolonged snowfalls and frosty days ahead. Closer to the end of March, snowfalls are less frequent, and the temperature rises a bit.

In April, the weather becomes more spring-like yet unstable. You should be ready for the conditions changing frequently. A sunny and warm day could quickly turn into a gloomy, snowy evening. In general, snowfalls are unlikely but possible until mid-April. As the temperatures are no longer freezing, snow melts rapidly and leaves sleet and mud all over Toronto. Besides, the chances of rain increase, so you should grab an umbrella or a raincoat. The thermometer is likely to show some 10-15°C (50-59°F) during the day. The wind blowing from Lake Ontario is still robust, but not that sneaking and cold. You can already hide your warm jacket and change it for a lighter one.

After a long winter and two fickle spring months, May finally brings relief. At the snap of a finger, the weather becomes perfect. The mornings are somewhat cold, but during the day, the temperature rises to 18°C (64°F). It gets much sunnier outside, and the grey sky is no longer an issue. However, the idyllic scene might be interrupted by an unexpected thunderstorm. In May, rain occurs from time to time, but it comes in the form of a rapid and intensive shower that ends as suddenly as it started. Pleasantly warm and relatively dry weather is a favorable combination for exploring Toronto. The heat won’t tire you during walking city tours, and the warmth is sufficient for spending a day by the lake.

The weather conditions in June are similar to those in May. The only difference is that the days become longer, warmer, and sunnier. On average, the thermometer points to 20°C (68°F) or a few degrees above. Mornings and evenings are relatively fresh, so you’d better carry a sweater or a jacket if you go for a late-night walk. Warm clothes will be especially suitable if you plan to spend time by Lake Ontario. The breeze from the lake is fresh as the water is considerably cooler than the air. This freshness spreads around the city, and the warmth is less perceptible. Rains are not that frequent in June, but if you wake up and see grey, cloudy sky, the chances for a sudden downpour rise. Leaving aside occasional rains, June is an excellent time to visit Toronto.

It gets warmer in Toronto by mid-summer. The temperature may peak to 30°C (86°F), in extreme cases to 35°C (95°F). Such heat episodes occur rarely and don’t last long. In July, it’s sunny most of the time, and the number of sunshine hours reaches 14 per day. In the afternoon, a short rain might burst in, but it’s never continuous and dense. Cold throughout the year, Lake Ontario warms up in July. If the water of 19°C (66°F) is comfortable for you, you can give it a shot and spend a day swimming and sunbathing. At the same time, the proximity of Lake Ontario makes the humidity increase in Toronto. In its turn, the humidity makes the heat more perceptible.

Together with July, August shares the title of the warmest month. They are almost identical when it comes to temperatures and general weather conditions. The beginning of the month is exceptionally favorable. Relatively dry and sunny, it’s a good time for diverse outdoor activities, from sightseeing to sunbathing. The water in Lake Ontario warms up a bit and becomes more comfortable for swimming. In the afternoon, be ready to hide from a sudden thunderstorm. For August, they are a common phenomenon. However, T-storms do not spoil generally good weather conditions that last for the entire month. By the end of August, the first signs of forthcoming autumn emerge. Evenings get chillier, and clouds cover the sky more frequently.

September initiates the transition from warm summer to winter. The beginning of the month is more summer-like, with a temperature of over 20°C (68°F). The sun is back to the sky, and together with a pleasant warmth, it brings a so-called Indian summer to Toronto. This period is perfect for stopping by the city as the day heat is gone, yet the gloomy and fresh autumn isn’t there. An Indian summer may last from a few days to several weeks, but each year the duration is different. You’ll notice its end by the sudden change in the weather: the temperature will drop rapidly, and the rains will become more frequent and substantial.

At the beginning of October, there are chances for Indian summer to continue. They are low, but a few warm, sunny days may occur. Immediately after, the temperature falls rapidly. On average, the air doesn’t warm up more than 10-15°C (50-59°F). Nights get cold, and mornings are fresh enough to put on a jacket. Humidity increases, meanwhile the proximity of Lake Ontario brings fog to the city. It may cover Toronto until noon or even longer. Also, it gets windier, and the wind is cold and sneaking. The sky is grey and cloudy, promising frequent, prolonged rains. You might even notice snow falling, but the temperature is still above freezing, and the snow melts.

In November, the weather conditions deteriorate. Every day, the temperature drops, making the night air as cold as 0°C (32°F). Mornings and days are wet and foggy. Moreover, high humidity makes the cold more perceptible. Frequent, prolonged, yet light rains often turn into a snowfall. Depending on the temperature, Toronto could get either muddy or snowy. In worst cases, the wet snow freezes during the night, and the entire city turns into an ice rink. By noon, it’s usually gone as the temperature rises, and the ice melts. By the end of November, the temperature gets stably low and freezing. More frequent snowfalls cover Toronto with snow and indulge the lovers of winter sports. If you are one of those, you may go skating and skiing.

The weather keeps on worsening. On average, the temperature lies in the range from -1°C to -4°C (25-30°F), but occasionally it drops to -20°C (-4°F). The wind is strong and freezing, making the cold hard to tolerate. The snowfalls are frequent and heavy, sometimes turning into prolonged snowstorms. The worst combination is the snow mixed with ice and rain. On such days, it might be better to stay indoors. December enjoys the least number of sunshine hours, only up to 2 hours per day. The sky is grey and cloudy, making the atmosphere somewhat gloomy. However, when the sun breaks through the clouds, it’s an excellent time to spend a day snowboarding, sledding, or doing other winter activities.