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Montreal, the largest city in Quebec and the second-largest in Canada, sits on an island where the St. Lawrence and Ottawa rivers meet. Its humid continental climate splits the year into hot, humid summers averaging 26C (79F) in July and cold, snowy winters averaging -14C (7F) at night in January, with about 210cm (83 inches) of snow a season. This Montreal weather and travel guide hub links to seven focused guides covering every season, from the month-by-month climate data to the best hotels and festivals.
Welcome to Montreal
Montreal is a French-speaking island city of 1.8 million people (4.3 million in the metro area) that runs on two languages, four metro lines, and one of the strongest festival calendars on the continent. The mountain at its centre, Mont Royal, gives the city its name and a free skyline lookout, while the cobblestone streets of Old Montreal sit a 20-minute walk from the glass towers of downtown. Knowing the weather here matters because the same city that hosts outdoor jazz in 26C July heat closes parts of itself under a 32km underground network when January drops to -14C.
Montreal Weather at a Glance
Montreal’s climate is humid continental with four clearly defined seasons. July is the warmest month with an average high of 26C (79F) and a low of 17C (63F), while January is the coldest with a high of -5C (23F) and a low of -14C (7F). Annual precipitation is about 1,000mm (39 inches), with roughly 210cm (83 inches) falling as snow between November and April.
The city receives about 2,055 hours of sunshine a year, peaking at roughly 270 hours in July and bottoming out around 80 hours in December. Summer is both the wettest and sunniest season, with afternoon thunderstorms, while winter precipitation comes almost entirely as snow. For the full data table, see the Montreal weather by month guide.
Seasonal Snapshot in Montreal
- Winter (December to February): Cold and snowy, highs -5C to -2C, about 140cm of snow over the season, best for festivals like Igloofest and Montreal en Lumiere.
- Spring (March to May): Slow thaw, March still averages 38cm of snow, May warms to 19C and opens the terraces.
- Summer (June to August): Hot and humid, 24C to 26C highs, the festival peak with Jazz, Just for Laughs, and Osheaga.
- Fall (September to November): Mild September at 20C, foliage peaks mid-October, cooling to 6C and first snow by late November.
Montreal Quick Facts
- Best months to visit: June and September for mild weather and lighter crowds.
- Warmest month: July, average high 26C (79F).
- Coldest month: January, average low -14C (7F).
- Wettest months: August and October, each about 94mm of rain.
- Annual snowfall: About 210cm (83 inches).
- Sunshine: About 2,055 hours per year.
Montreal Travel Guides
These seven guides cover everything you need to plan a trip, from the month-by-month climate to where to sleep. Each one links to the others, so you can start anywhere.
- Montreal weather by month: monthly temperatures, rainfall, and snowfall with a full data table.
- Best time to visit Montreal: the best months for weather, prices, and crowds.
- Things to do in Montreal: named attractions with hours, prices, and locations.
- Montreal events and festivals: the full calendar from Igloofest to the Christmas markets.
- Montreal neighborhoods: where each district sits and who it suits.
- Where to stay in Montreal: three areas with concrete hotel picks by budget.
- Montreal travel tips and FAQ: airports, metro, money, and safety in one place.
Where to Stay in Montreal
Montreal’s three main bases are Old Montreal for history and walkability, downtown for shopping and the underground city, and the Plateau and Village for food and nightlife. Summer is peak season, with rates 30 to 50 percent above the January low, so book early for July. The full area-by-area breakdown with nine hotel picks is in our where to stay in Montreal guide.
Suggested Hotels in Montreal
The Ritz-Carlton Montreal
The city’s landmark luxury hotel on Sherbrooke Street since 1912, with a saltwater indoor pool, heated-floor marble bathrooms, and the Maison Boulud restaurant. Best for luxury travelers and special occasions in the Golden Square Mile. Check rates and availability
Hotel Monville
A contemporary hotel near the Palais des congres with floor-to-ceiling windows, a bright minimalist design, and a 24-hour bar. Best for design-minded travelers who want a modern mid-range stay at the edge of the Quartier Latin. Check rates and availability
M Montreal Hostel
A popular hostel at 1245 Saint-Andre with dorm beds from about $40 CAD, a rooftop terrace with hot tub, and a bar, rated 9.1 for location. Best for backpackers and solo travelers who want to stay in the heart of the Village nightlife. Check rates and availability
