When to Visit
Below gives you information and a rating of the best time of year to visit.
January
Ontario experiences winter in full swing with chilly temperatures and plenty of snow. In Toronto, daytime temperatures average -3°C, but can dip lower at night, especially in northern regions like Sudbury and Thunder Bay, where temperatures can reach -15°C. Skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating are popular in places like Blue Mountain and Ottawa’s Rideau Canal, the world’s largest outdoor skating rink.
February
February remains cold, with temperatures in Toronto hovering around -5°C during the day and dropping even lower at night. Northern Ontario can see temperatures as low as -20°C or colder. It’s an ideal time for winter sports in Algonquin Park and the Ottawa Winterlude Festival, where visitors can enjoy ice sculptures, snow slides, and outdoor concerts.
March
March signals the gradual transition from winter to spring, though it can still be quite cold, especially in the early part of the month. Temperatures in Toronto average 0°C to 5°C, with a chance of late-season snowfalls. Skiing remains popular in Collingwood, and Niagara Falls offers stunning winter views with the mist from the falls creating beautiful ice formations. March break draws visitors to family-friendly destinations like The Royal Ontario Museum and Toronto’s Ontario Science Centre.
April
By April, the weather in Ontario begins to warm up. Toronto sees average temperatures of 8-9°C, with some occasional rainfall. This is the perfect time for early outdoor activities like hiking in High Park or enjoying the vibrant cherry blossoms at Trinity Bellwoods Park. Spring festivals, including the Toronto’s Annual Orchid Show at the Toronto Botanical Gardens, attract crowds.
May
May is a beautiful month in Ontario, with temperatures in Toronto reaching an average of 15°C. It’s a great time for outdoor exploration, with lush gardens and parks starting to bloom. The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) is just around the corner, and visitors can also enjoy early-season boating on Lake Ontario. For nature enthusiasts, Bruce Peninsula National Park offers hiking trails with breathtaking views as the landscape comes alive with spring colour.
June
June brings warmer weather, with Toronto reaching average temperatures around 20°C. It’s the start of festival season, with events like the Toronto Jazz Festival and Toronto Pride Week kicking off. The Royal Ontario Museum and Art Gallery of Ontario are perfect spots for cultural immersion. Nature lovers can head to Niagara-on-the-Lake for wine tours, as the weather is ideal for vineyard visits.
July
July is full-blown summer in Ontario, with temperatures reaching 25°C or higher in Toronto. It’s one of the best months for outdoor activities, whether you're visiting Wasaga Beach for swimming, hiking in Algonquin Park, or enjoying the attractions in Niagara Falls. The Toronto Caribbean Carnival (Caribana) takes place, attracting thousands with its vibrant parades and celebrations.
August
August continues the summer warmth, with Toronto averaging mid-20s. The month is packed with outdoor festivals, including Ontario Place’s Concert Series and Ottawa’s Summer Fest. It’s also a prime month for enjoying Ontario’s beautiful beaches along Lake Ontario and Lake Erie, as well as taking advantage of the cooler evening temperatures in Algonquin Park for camping and stargazing.
September
September is a delightful month in Ontario, with temperatures in Toronto averaging 20°C. The days are still warm, but the nights are cooler. Fall festivals and harvest celebrations begin, particularly in the Niagara region, famous for its vineyards. It’s a perfect time for outdoor adventures, including hiking in the Bruce Peninsula or cycling along the Ottawa River Pathway. This is also the time for the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), one of the city’s most exciting cultural events.
October
October in Ontario brings crisp air and stunning fall foliage, with temperatures averaging around 12°C in Toronto. The colours of the autumn leaves peak in places like Algonquin Provincial Park and The Niagara Escarpment, making it a perfect time for scenic drives or hiking. Halloween events in Ottawa and Toronto draw crowds, including haunted houses, pumpkin patches, and themed festivals.
November
November marks the start of the colder months in Ontario, with temperatures dipping to around 5°C in Toronto, and even colder further north. The transition to winter means fewer tourists, making it a great time to explore the city’s indoor attractions, such as The Art Gallery of Ontario or The Royal Ontario Museum. The Toronto Christmas Market starts gearing up, offering early seasonal celebrations and festive lights.
December
By December, winter fully sets in across Ontario, with temperatures around -2°C in Toronto and colder in the north. It’s the start of the holiday season, with Toronto and Ottawa twinkling with Christmas lights. Visitors flock to the Toronto Christmas Market and the Ottawa Christmas Market, both full of festive cheer. Skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts head to Blue Mountain or Glen Eden for some of the best snow sports in the region. Christmas-themed events and winter activities dominate, from ice skating in Nathan Phillips Square to dog sledding in Algonquin Park.
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