Best Time to Visit
Best Time to Visit Montreal
🇨🇦 Montreal, Canada · North America
Based on 30-year climate data (1991-2020) from Open-Meteo
Recommended Travel Months
Jan
-5°
-14°
Fair
Feb
-3°
-12°
Fair
Mar
3°
-7°
Good
Apr
11°
1°
Great
May
19°
8°
Great
Jun
23°
14°
Great
Jul
26°
17°
Great
Aug
25°
17°
Great
Sep
21°
13°
Great
Oct
13°
6°
Good
Nov
6°
0°
Fair
Dec
-1°
-8°
Poor
Month-by-Month Weather in Montreal
| Month | High | Low | Rain Days | Sunshine | Humidity | UV | Rating | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | -5°C | -14°C | 11 | 6h | 65% | 1 | Fair | View |
| February | -3°C | -12°C | 10 | 7h | 65% | 1 | Fair | View |
| March | 3°C | -7°C | 11 | 8h | 65% | 6 | Good | View |
| AprilRecommended | 11°C | 1°C | 12 | 9h | 65% | 6 | Great | View |
| MayRecommended | 19°C | 8°C | 12 | 10h | 65% | 10 | Great | View |
| JuneRecommended | 23°C | 14°C | 12 | 11h | 65% | 10 | Great | View |
| JulyRecommended | 26°C | 17°C | 13 | 12h | 65% | 10 | Great | View |
| AugustRecommended | 25°C | 17°C | 12 | 11h | 65% | 10 | Great | View |
| SeptemberRecommended | 21°C | 13°C | 10 | 9h | 65% | 6 | Great | View |
| October | 13°C | 6°C | 12 | 7h | 65% | 6 | Good | View |
| November | 6°C | 0°C | 12 | 5h | 65% | 1 | Fair | View |
| December | -1°C | -8°C | 12 | 5h | 65% | 1 | Poor | View |
Data source: Open-Meteo ERA5 reanalysis archive, 30-year historical normals (1991-2020). Temperatures in Celsius. Sunshine hours are daily averages.
Seasonal Guide to Montreal
Spring (March to May)
Avg: 11°C high, 1°C low
Spring in Montreal brings gradually cool temperatures. Daytime highs reach around 11°C (52°F) while nights cool to 1°C (34°F). This is one of the wetter periods, so waterproof gear is recommended.
Summer (June to August)
Avg: 25°C high, 16°C low
Summer is the warmest season in Montreal, with temperatures reaching 25°C (77°F). Comfortable warmth makes this a popular time for tourists, though accommodation prices tend to peak. Long daylight hours and abundant sunshine provide plenty of time to explore.
Fall (September to November)
Avg: 13°C high, 6°C low
Fall in Montreal is one of the best times to visit. Temperatures settle around 13°C (55°F) during the day and 6°C (43°F) at night. Rainfall picks up during this period, so waterproof clothing is advisable.
Winter (December to February)
Avg: -3°C high, -11°C low
Winter in Montreal brings the coldest conditions of the year. Freezing temperatures and short daylight hours limit outdoor activities, but winter markets, indoor attractions, and cozy restaurants offer their own charm.
When to Avoid Montreal
The least favorable time to visit Montreal is December and January. During this period, you can expect freezing temperatures, frequent rain.
December
Challenges: freezing temperatures, frequent rain
January
Challenges: freezing temperatures
February
Challenges: freezing temperatures
Note: visiting during off-peak months often means lower prices, fewer crowds, and a more authentic experience. Consider your priorities when planning your trip.
What to Pack for Montreal
Packing recommendations for visiting Montreal during the best travel months (May, June, August), when temperatures range from 13°C to 22°C:
- +Light layers for warm days and cooler evenings
- +Comfortable walking shoes
- +Waterproof jacket and an umbrella (rain is frequent)
- +Waterproof shoes or boots
- +Sunscreen (SPF 30+), sunglasses, and a wide-brim hat
- +Reusable water bottle
- +Universal power adapter
Montreal Year-Round Climate Overview
Montreal has a continental climate (Koppen classification: Dfb). The warmest month is July with highs of 26°C, while the coldest month is January at just -5°C. Annual rainfall averages 1096mm across approximately 139 rain days.
| Metric | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C | -5 | -3 | 3 | 11 | 19 | 23 | 26 | 25 | 21 | 13 | 6 | -1 |
| Low °C | -14 | -12 | -7 | 1 | 8 | 14 | 17 | 17 | 13 | 6 | 0 | -8 |
| Rain Days | 11 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 12 |
| Rain mm | 74 | 61 | 73 | 101 | 98 | 106 | 101 | 100 | 98 | 112 | 87 | 85 |
| Sun h/day | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 5 |
| Humidity % | 65 | 65 | 65 | 65 | 65 | 65 | 65 | 65 | 65 | 65 | 65 | 65 |
| UV Index | 1 | 1 | 6 | 6 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 6 | 6 | 1 | 1 |
Compare Nearby Destinations
Considering alternatives to Montreal? Compare the best travel months for nearby cities:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best month to visit Montreal?+
The best time to visit Montreal is May, June, August. During these months, temperatures average 22°C (72°F) with 11 hours of daily sunshine and only 12 rain days per month. These conditions offer the most comfortable weather for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
What is the worst time to visit Montreal?+
The least ideal time to visit Montreal is December and January. During this period, you can expect freezing temperatures, frequent rain. While Montreal can still be visited during this time (often with fewer crowds and lower prices), the weather may limit outdoor activities.
Is Montreal good to visit in summer?+
Summer in Montreal (June to August) brings temperatures of 25°C (77°F) highs and 16°C (61°F) lows, with about 11 hours of sunshine and 12 rain days per month. This is generally a good time to visit.
What is the rainy season in Montreal?+
Montreal does not have a distinct rainy season. Rainfall is relatively evenly distributed throughout the year, averaging 12 rain days per month.
What should I pack for Montreal?+
When visiting Montreal during the best travel months (May, June, August), pack light layers for warm days and cooler evenings, comfortable walking shoes, and a light jacket. A waterproof jacket and umbrella are essential. Sunscreen and sunglasses are recommended, especially given the high UV index.
Is May a good time to visit Montreal?+
Yes, May is one of the best months to visit Montreal. Expect average highs of 19°C (66°F), 10 hours of daily sunshine, and only 12 rain days. The weather is ideal for exploring the city, visiting outdoor attractions, and enjoying local activities.
Detailed Monthly Weather for Montreal
For a complete day-by-day weather breakdown including packing lists, activities, and local events, explore each month individually:
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
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