Montreal — Climate Guide
Monthly temperatures, rainfall, humidity and best time to visit Montreal.
Montreal climate at a glance
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | -8°C | -16°C | 60mm | 74% |
| Feb | -7°C | -15°C | 54mm | 73% |
| Mar | -1°C | -9°C | 59mm | 72% |
| Apr | 9°C | 1°C | 74mm | 69% |
| May | 18°C | 8°C | 74mm | 66% |
| Jun | 24°C | 14°C | 82mm | 68% |
| Jul | 27°C | 17°C | 90mm | 70% |
| Aug | 26°C | 16°C | 90mm | 71% |
| Sep | 20°C | 10°C | 82mm | 70% |
| Oct | 13°C | 4°C | 78mm | 72% |
| Nov | 4°C | -2°C | 81mm | 78% |
| Dec | -3°C | -9°C | 70mm | 79% |
Climate overview
Montreal is built on an island in the St. Lawrence River and has a humid continental climate (Dfb): warm, humid summers and long, cold, snowy winters. Its temperature range is one of the widest of any major city — from an average January high of -8°C to a July high of 27°C — and it is among the snowiest large cities in the world.
Annual precipitation is about 1,000 mm, spread fairly evenly across the year, plus around 200 cm of snow in a typical winter. Snow cover usually lasts from December into March. Cold air from the Arctic and warm, humid air from the south both reach the city, which makes for dramatic swings in weather.
Köppen classification: Dfb — humid continental
Montreal through the seasons
Winter
December – MarchWinters are long and cold, with January highs of -8°C and lows of -16°C. Arctic outbreaks can bring temperatures below -25°C, and wind chill can make it feel below -35°C. Frequent snowfalls, sometimes heavy, are cleared efficiently by the city. Freezing rain is an occasional hazard.
Spring
April – MaySpring is short but rapid. Snow melts in late March and April, and highs climb from 9°C in April to 18°C in May. The city quickly fills with terraces and outdoor life.
Summer
June – AugustSummers are warm and often humid, with highs of 24–27°C. Heat waves above 30°C occur in some years. Thunderstorms are frequent, making July and August the wettest months at about 90 mm each.
Autumn
September – NovemberSeptember is mild and often sunny at 20°C. In October, at 13°C, the city's maples turn bright red and gold, especially on Mount Royal. November brings cold, grey days and often the first snow.
What makes Montreal's weather distinctive
Montreal is designed for winter. The Underground City (RÉSO), a network of more than 30 km of passages linking metro stations, shopping centres and offices, lets people avoid the cold. Snow-clearing operations after major storms are a well-organised, city-wide event.
Freezing rain is the most dangerous winter phenomenon. The great ice storm of January 1998 coated the region in thick ice, leaving more than a million people in Quebec without power, some for weeks. Smaller freezing-rain events still happen most winters.
Best time to visit Montreal
June to September is the best time to visit Montreal, with warm weather and a packed calendar of outdoor festivals, including the Jazz Festival. Early October is wonderful for autumn colours. Winter suits travellers who enjoy snow, skating and festivals like Igloofest.
What to pack
- A heavy, insulated winter coat, hat, gloves and scarf
- Waterproof, insulated, non-slip boots
- Light clothing and a light jacket for summer evenings
- An umbrella for summer thunderstorms
- Layers for changeable spring and autumn days
Frequently asked questions
How much snow does Montreal get?
About 200 cm in an average winter, usually with lasting snow cover from December to March.
How cold is Montreal in winter?
January averages -8°C by day and -16°C at night, with Arctic outbreaks below -25°C.
When is the best time to visit Montreal?
June to September for warm weather and festivals, or early October for autumn colours.
Related reading
About this data: Monthly figures are rounded long-term averages consistent with published climate normals from national weather services and the World Meteorological Organization. Individual years can differ noticeably, and recent summers in many cities have run warmer than these averages. For current conditions and the next few days, use the live dashboard (data from WeatherAPI.com). Spotted an error? Tell us and we will correct it.
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