Weather in Montreal

Stay updated on the latest weather conditions in the city of Montreal. Below you will find current data, forecasts, and useful weather charts to help you plan your day.

Montreal is characterized by a continental climate with four clearly defined seasons. This means visitors should expect significant temperature fluctuations throughout the year: from frosty winters to warm summers.

Winters in Montreal are generally cold and snowy, with average temperatures, especially in January and February, dropping significantly below freezing (average January temperature -8.5°C, February -6.6°C). Summers, conversely, are warm and comfortable, peaking in July (average +22.2°C) and August (+20.8°C), making these months popular for visits. Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) are transitional seasons, offering milder weather and picturesque changes in nature.

Regarding precipitation, it is distributed relatively evenly throughout the year in Montreal. Monthly precipitation amounts are low (averaging 3-4 mm), yet the number of days with precipitation is quite stable, ranging from 9 to 14 days per month. This suggests that precipitation occurs frequently but is usually not too intense. Therefore, regardless of when you travel, it is recommended to carry light protection against rain or snow.

The temperature regime in Montreal demonstrates distinct seasonality with substantial fluctuations throughout the year. The coldest months are January, with an average temperature of -8.5°C (minimum -12.7°C, maximum -4.3°C), and February, where the average temperature is -6.6°C (minimum -11.5°C, maximum -1.8°C). In contrast, the peak warmth occurs in July with an average temperature of +22.2°C (minimum +17.7°C, maximum +26.6°C) and August with an average temperature of +20.8°C (minimum +16.6°C, maximum +25.0°C). Thus, the annual range of average temperatures is quite significant, which is characteristic of a continental climate.

The summer months in Montreal, from June to August, offer pleasantly warm weather. In June, the average temperature is +19.3°C, with daytime highs around +24.1°C and nighttime lows around +14.5°C. July, as the hottest month, delights with average daytime temperatures up to +26.6°C, while nights remain comfortable with readings around +17.7°C. August is slightly cooler than July but still very warm. Diurnal temperature fluctuations in summer are noticeable: the difference between day and night readings is often 8-10°C, providing refreshing coolness in the evenings.

Winter in Montreal is characterized by frosty weather. Starting in December (average temperature -4.0°C, min -7.4°C, max -0.6°C), temperatures steadily drop below freezing. January and February are the harshest winter months, when the thermometer regularly drops significantly below zero. In January, nighttime temperatures can reach -12.7°C, and daytime temperatures rarely rise above -4.3°C. February figures are similar: from -11.5°C at night to -1.8°C during the day. Even in March, the average temperature is still close to freezing (-0.7°C), with nightly frosts down to -4.9°C. The difference between day and night temperatures in winter is also present, averaging 6-9°C.

Precipitation in Montreal is distributed quite evenly throughout the year, without a clearly defined rainy or dry season, judging by the total amount of millimeters. Monthly precipitation ranges from 2 to 4 mm. However, despite the small volumes, the number of days with precipitation is quite significant, varying from 9 to 14 days per month, indicating frequent but usually not too intense precipitation.

The nature of precipitation in Montreal depends heavily on the season. In winter, from December to February, when average temperatures stay steadily below freezing (from -8.5°C in January to -4.0°C in December), precipitation falls predominantly as snow. These months see between 12 and 13 days with precipitation. March, with an average temperature of about -0.7°C and 13 days with precipitation, is a transitional month when both snowfall and rain or wet snow are possible. A similar situation is observed in November (average temperature +2.2°C, 11 days with precipitation), when autumn rains can be replaced by the first snow.

During the warmer period, from April to October, precipitation falls mainly as rain. The highest number of days with precipitation occurs in July and August – 14 days each, while the total precipitation amount is 4 mm, indicating frequent but not heavy summer rains. April, June, and October are also quite wet, with 13, 13, and 12 rainy days respectively. The lowest amount of precipitation (2 mm) and the fewest days with it (9 days) are observed in September, making it relatively the "driest" month of the year, although the probability of rain remains even then.

When planning a trip to Montreal, it is important to consider its distinct seasonality and be prepared for changeable weather. The key principle when packing is layering. This will allow you to easily adapt to temperature changes throughout the day and between different seasons. Regardless of the time of year, comfortable walking shoes will be your best friend, as Montreal is conducive to long walks. Also, considering that precipitation happens here quite often, even if usually not abundant, a compact umbrella or a light waterproof jacket will be very useful.

If your trip falls during the cold months, from late autumn to early spring (roughly November to March), when average temperatures can drop significantly below freezing, especially in January (-8.5°C) and February (-6.6°C), be sure to bring warm winter clothing. This includes an insulated and windproof jacket or coat, sweaters, fleece tops, thermal underwear, a hat, a scarf, and gloves. Don't forget waterproof warm footwear, as it often snows during this time. Even in March and November, the weather can be quite chilly, with precipitation in the form of wet snow or rain.

For a trip during the warm season, from late spring to early autumn (roughly May to September), when the temperature is more comfortable (average July temperature +22.2°C), you will need lighter clothing: T-shirts, shorts, dresses, and light trousers. However, evenings can be cool, especially in May, June, or September, so it is worth bringing a light jacket, cardigan, or sweater. In summer, do not forget sunscreen and a hat, as the sun can be active. Despite the warm weather, the summer months (July, August) are characterized by the highest number of days with precipitation (14 days each), so a light raincoat or umbrella will still come in handy.