Toronto — Climate Guide
Monthly temperatures, rainfall, humidity and best time to visit Toronto.
Toronto climate at a glance
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | -1°C | -7°C | 62mm | 76% |
| Feb | 0°C | -8°C | 53mm | 74% |
| Mar | 4°C | -3°C | 56mm | 72% |
| Apr | 12°C | 2°C | 67mm | 68% |
| May | 19°C | 8°C | 72mm | 65% |
| Jun | 24°C | 13°C | 72mm | 65% |
| Jul | 27°C | 17°C | 74mm | 68% |
| Aug | 26°C | 17°C | 81mm | 70% |
| Sep | 21°C | 12°C | 71mm | 68% |
| Oct | 14°C | 6°C | 64mm | 70% |
| Nov | 7°C | 1°C | 76mm | 77% |
| Dec | 2°C | -4°C | 68mm | 79% |
Climate overview
Toronto lies on the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario and has a humid continental climate (Dfa): warm, humid summers and cold, snowy winters, with four distinct seasons. The lake has a powerful moderating effect, keeping the city slightly milder in winter and cooler in summer than places further inland.
Average highs range from -1°C in January to 27°C in July. Precipitation is about 830 mm a year, spread fairly evenly across the months, plus around 130 cm of snow. Winters can bring sharp cold snaps from the Arctic, while summers are warm enough for beaches along the lake.
Köppen classification: Dfa — humid continental
Toronto through the seasons
Winter
December – FebruaryWinters are cold, with highs of -1 to 2°C and lows around -7 to -8°C. Snow falls regularly, usually in moderate amounts. Arctic air can push temperatures below -20°C, and wind chill makes it feel much colder, especially near the lake.
Spring
March – MaySpring warms slowly, from 4°C in March to 19°C in May. The lake stays cold, so the waterfront is often several degrees cooler than inland neighbourhoods. Snow is still possible in March and early April.
Summer
June – AugustSummers are warm and humid, with highs of 24–27°C. Heat waves above 30°C occur most years, often with high humidity. Thunderstorms are common. Lakeside parks and the Toronto Islands offer a cooler escape.
Autumn
September – NovemberSeptember is warm at about 21°C, October brings colourful foliage at 14°C, and by November highs drop to around 7°C with the first snow possible.
What makes Toronto's weather distinctive
Lake Ontario shapes Toronto's weather year-round. In spring and early summer, it keeps the waterfront cool, sometimes producing lake breezes and fog. In autumn and early winter, it releases stored heat, keeping temperatures milder. When cold air crosses the open water, it can trigger lake-effect snow, especially east of the city.
Wind chill is a key winter factor. Even at -10°C, strong winds can make it feel like -20°C or below, and Environment Canada issues extreme cold warnings when wind chill is dangerous. Toronto's PATH, an underground walkway network downtown, helps people avoid the cold.
Best time to visit Toronto
June to September is the best time to visit Toronto, with warm weather, festivals and lakeside activities. September and early October are especially pleasant, with comfortable temperatures and autumn colours.
What to pack
- A heavy, windproof winter coat, hat and gloves
- Waterproof, insulated winter boots
- Light clothing for summer and a light jacket for evenings by the lake
- An umbrella for spring and summer storms
- Layers for changeable spring and autumn days
Frequently asked questions
How cold is Toronto in winter?
January averages -1°C by day and -7°C at night. Arctic air and wind chill can make it feel below -20°C.
How much snow does Toronto get?
About 130 cm in an average winter, usually spread over many moderate snowfalls.
What is the warmest month in Toronto?
July, with average highs of 27°C.
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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