Weather Comparison
Side-by-side weather comparison for January
| Metric | Montreal | Quebec City | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average HighHigher is warmer | 3°C (37°F)▲ | 2°C (36°F) | Montreal |
| Average LowHigher is milder | -9°C (16°F)▲ | -10°C (14°F) | Montreal |
| Rain DaysFewer is drier | 3 days | 3 days | Tie |
| PrecipitationLess is drier | 33 mm | 33 mm | Tie |
| Sunshine HoursMore is sunnier | 1h/day | 1h/day | Tie |
| HumidityLower is more comfortable | 65% | 65% | Tie |
| UV IndexLower is safer | 1 | 1 | Tie |
| Wind SpeedCalmer is better | 15 km/h | 15 km/h | Tie |
Montreal and Quebec City are closely matched in January. Neither city has a clear advantage across all metrics. Your decision should come down to personal preference, cultural interests, and travel logistics rather than weather alone.
Montreal is on the cooler side at 3°C, requiring warmer clothing. Quebec City is cooler at 2°C.
For travelers who prioritize dry weather, both cities are equally dry in January.
Montreal reaches an average high of 3°C (37°F) and drops to -9°C (16°F) at night during January. The daily temperature range is 12°C, meaning significant temperature swings between day and night.
Quebec City averages 2°C (36°F) for the high and -10°C (14°F) for the low, with a daily range of 12°C. The two cities feel quite similar in terms of temperature.
Both cities are in the Northern Hemisphere, so they share the same seasonal pattern in January.
Montreal receives approximately 33 mm of rainfall across 3 rain days during January. Rain is occasional, so a light rain jacket should suffice.
Quebec City sees 33 mm over 3 rain days. Both cities are equally rainy this month.
Both cities share similar humidity levels at 65%.
Highs of 3°C, lows of -9°C, 3 rain days
Highs of 2°C, lows of -10°C, 3 rain days
Pack for both: heavy winter coat, thermal base layers, warm gloves and hat, insulated boots, a warm scarf. These items are useful in either destination during January.
The table below shows average high temperatures and rain days for every month. January is highlighted for quick reference.
| Month | Montreal | Quebec City | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | Rain | High | Rain | |
| Jan | 3°C | 3d | 2°C | 3d |
| Feb | 7°C | 3d | 6°C | 3d |
| Mar | 12°C | 4d | 12°C | 4d |
| Apr | 18°C | 5d | 18°C | 5d |
| May | 22°C | 6d | 22°C | 6d |
| Jun | 23°C | 6d | 23°C | 6d |
| Jul | 22°C | 6d | 22°C | 6d |
| Aug | 18°C | 5d | 18°C | 5d |
| Sep | 12°C | 4d | 12°C | 4d |
| Oct | 7°C | 3d | 6°C | 3d |
| Nov | 3°C | 3d | 2°C | 3d |
| Dec | 1°C | 3d | 1°C | 3d |
Montreal Weather in January
Full forecast, packing tips, and activities
Quebec City Weather in January
Full forecast, packing tips, and activities