When to Visit
Below gives you information and a rating of the best time of year to visit.
January
Winter grips the city with intensity. Snow piles high, temperatures often plunge well below freezing, and the streets sparkle under crisp skies. But Montréal doesn’t slow down - outdoor ice rinks open in neighbourhood parks, while Igloofest brings electronic music fans out to dance in the snow. Expect daytime highs around -6 to -10°C, with colder spells common.
February
Still deep in winter, the city thrives on its festive spirit. La Poutine Week celebrates Québec’s favourite comfort food, and snowshoeing or cross-country skiing in Parc Jean-Drapeau or Mount Royal adds a playful, active twist to the season. With wind chill, it can feel bitterly cold - often below -15°C - so layering is essential.
March
The thaw begins - slowly. Snow lingers, especially early in the month, but daylight grows longer, and the city starts to feel more alive. The Montréal en Lumière festival offers food, art, and light installations across the city, while sugaring-off season begins in nearby maple groves. Temperatures creep up to just above freezing by month’s end.
April
Unpredictable and transitional. Patches of snow may still appear early on, but by mid-month, trees begin to bud and café terraces cautiously reopen. Rain is frequent, but so are welcome bursts of sunshine. It’s a month of muddy parks, hopeful flowers, and the first hints of spring’s return, with daytime highs around 10-12°C.
May
A welcome transformation. Parks burst into green, blossoms fill the Botanical Garden, and patios come alive with brunches and afternoon drinks. The weather turns reliably mild - highs often reaching 18-20°C - and the city’s outdoor culture springs into motion. It’s ideal for exploring neighbourhoods like Plateau-Mont-Royal or cycling along the Lachine Canal.
June
Early summer is a joy in Montréal. The city hosts an ever-growing roster of festivals, from MURAL to the International Jazz Festival’s opening events. Balmy evenings bring people to the waterfront and picnic spots in Parc Laurier or Mount Royal. Temperatures settle around 24°C, and everything feels vibrant and sociable.
July
Montréal thrives in summer. This is festival season at full tilt - jazz, comedy, fireworks, and countless food and cultural celebrations fill the calendar. Long, warm days are ideal for exploring the Old Port, kayaking on the river, or catching live music in the Quartier des Spectacles. Highs in the upper 20s°C are common, but it rarely feels oppressive.
August
Still warm and lively, with a slightly slower pace than July. Locals take summer holidays, and parks host open-air cinema and music events. It’s a good time to stroll through Jean-Talon or Atwater Market, or venture into Little Italy for casual dining and gelato. Evenings begin to cool slightly, signalling summer’s eventual fade.
September
A golden month. Temperatures remain pleasant - often between 18 and 22°C - but the crowds ease and a mellow atmosphere takes over. Cultural events continue, harvest produce fills the markets, and autumn colours begin to appear in Mount Royal Park. It’s a superb time for walking, cycling, and relaxed urban discovery.
October
Autumn unfolds with colour and charm. The trees blaze red and orange, and the city feels crisp and cinematic. Thanksgiving brings seasonal dishes to restaurant menus, and Halloween transforms neighbourhoods into whimsical displays. Layers are needed as highs hover around 12-14°C, and nights cool down quickly.
November
Grey skies settle in, and the first snows may arrive by mid- to late November. It’s a quieter month, good for museums, warm cafés, and preparing for winter. Markets begin selling festive goods, and Montréalers retreat indoors before the December sparkle begins. Temperatures generally range from 1-5°C, with increasing chances of frost.
December
Montréal dresses up for the season. Christmas markets, light installations, and outdoor skating rinks pop up around the city. Snow blankets rooftops, and the festive mood spills from shop windows to church steps. The Old Port becomes a winter postcard, and warm drinks by a fireplace feel especially inviting. Expect temperatures between -4 and -8°C, often colder.
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