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Montreal sits on an island at the meeting point of the St. Lawrence and Ottawa rivers, and its humid continental climate produces two extreme halves of the year. Winters run cold and snowy for roughly five months, while summers turn hot and humid enough to feel almost tropical. This Montreal weather by month guide gives you the actual numbers, from January lows of -14C (7F) to July highs of 26C (79F), so you can pack for the city in any season. For help picking when to go, see our best time to visit Montreal breakdown. Return to our Montreal guide for the full city overview.
Montreal Weather by Month: Key Data at a Glance
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rain (mm) | Snow (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | -5C (23F) | -14C (7F) | 28 | 52 |
| February | -4C (25F) | -13C (9F) | 25 | 42 |
| March | 2C (36F) | -7C (19F) | 37 | 38 |
| April | 11C (52F) | 1C (34F) | 71 | 12 |
| May | 19C (66F) | 8C (46F) | 81 | 1 |
| June | 24C (75F) | 14C (57F) | 87 | 0 |
| July | 26C (79F) | 17C (63F) | 89 | 0 |
| August | 25C (77F) | 16C (61F) | 94 | 0 |
| September | 20C (68F) | 11C (52F) | 89 | 0 |
| October | 13C (55F) | 4C (39F) | 94 | 3 |
| November | 6C (43F) | -2C (28F) | 73 | 18 |
| December | -2C (28F) | -10C (14F) | 40 | 46 |
Montreal Weather by Month: Winter (December to February)
January is the coldest month, averaging -5C (23F) by day and -14C (7F) at night, but cold snaps routinely push below -25C (-13F) with wind chill. The city receives about 210cm (83 inches) of snow each winter, and the ground stays snow-covered from mid-December into March. Streets stay open because Montreal clears snow with a fleet of graders and dump trucks, but a snowfall of 15cm or more can still delay buses and flights. Dress in layers, wear insulated waterproof boots, and check the Montreal travel tips page for how the underground city keeps you warm in January.
Montreal Weather by Month: Spring (March to May)
Spring is slow to arrive. March still averages 38cm of snow and a high of only 2C (36F), and a late-season storm in early April is common. Real thaw comes in late April, when daytime highs climb to 11C (52F) and the first patio terraces open. May is the turning point, averaging 19C (66F) with 81mm of rain spread across about 12 wet days, so bring a light rain jacket and expect rapid swings between warm afternoons and cool evenings. April and May are ideal for walking the Montreal neighborhoods before summer crowds arrive.
Montreal Weather by Month: Summer (June to August)
Summer is warm, humid, and occasionally stormy. July averages 26C (79F) with a low of 17C (63F), and heat waves push highs past 32C (90F) with humidex readings above 38C (100F). This is the wettest season statistically, with 87 to 94mm of rain per month falling mostly as short afternoon thunderstorms, yet it is also the sunniest, with about 270 hours of sunshine in July. Montreal has no sea to moderate the humidity, so most locals escape to parks and public pools. Pack for heat plus a light layer for air-conditioned metro cars and restaurants.
Montreal Weather by Month: Fall (September to November)
September and October are the most comfortable months, with September averaging 20C (68F) and October 13C (55F), and the foliage on Mount Royal peaks in early to mid-October. October is also one of the wettest months at 94mm, so carry an umbrella. By November the high drops to 6C (43F) and the first 18cm of snow usually arrives before the month ends. The city shifts back to indoor life, and the Montreal events calendar moves into theatres and rinks.
For a fuller picture of when each season is worth the trip, read our best time to visit Montreal guide, and browse things to do in Montreal to plan around the weather. For a base near the action, see our where to stay in Montreal guide.
