When is The Best Time to Visit Montreal? (Seasonal Guide)
Are you wondering when the best time to visit Montreal is? Here is everything you need to know!
Montreal is one of North America’s most beautiful and interesting cities. But, when is the best time to visit Montreal? The answer to this will really depend on your interests, and the type of experience you’re looking to have.
Having visited Montreal several times, I’ve been fortunate enough to experience the city in different seasons. And, although I think it’s a great place to visit all year round, by now I know what the pros and cons of visiting Montreal at different times are.
And, to help you out with planning your trip, I’ve put together this complete guide on when to visit Montreal, based on my own experience and research. So, if you’re wondering when to visit Montreal, read on for everything you need to know!
Quick Season-by-Season Guide
| Season | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Summer (June to August) | Warm weather, lots of festivals, and a vibrant atmosphere. | Most expensive and busiest time of year. |
| Fall (September to November) | Pleasant weather, spectacular fall colours, and cultural events. | The end of fall can be cold and bleak. |
| Winter (December to February) | Cheap prices, winter festivities, and snowy landscapes. | Cold weather, including ice, snow and wind. |
| Spring (March to May) | Beat the crowds, blooming flowers, and maple syrup season. | Unpredictable and changing weather patterns. |
When is The Best Time to Visit Montreal?
Montreal is a fantastic year-round destination. With plenty of parks, museums and cultural attractions, and an excellent food and entertainment scene, there’s something to do in Montreal no matter the time of year.
Personally, my favourite time to visit Montreal is in the summer, because there are so many festivals to experience and green spaces to explore. But the city also has tons to offer in the spring, fall and winter months. And these times can actually suit many travellers best, thanks to seasonal attractions and events, cheaper prices and fewer crowds.
So, to ensure you choose the time of year that suits your Montreal itinerary best, here is a breakdown of each season and the pros and cons of each.
Summer (June to August)
Summer is the most popular time of year to visit Montreal, largely thanks to the good weather and summer holidays. Plus, it’s the best time to experience Montreal’s vibrant atmosphere. With long days and warm temperatures, the city comes alive with bustling streets, outdoor performances and sidewalk patios.
This is the perfect season to explore Montreal’s diverse neighbourhoods and old town, indulge in delicious street food, and enjoy the city’s many parks. And you can take advantage of outdoor activities like biking along the Lachine Canal, picnicking in Mount Royal Park, and visiting the lively Old Port.
Summer is also a fantastic time for entertainment in Montreal. There are tons of different events throughout the city all summer long. In fact, while exploring on foot it’s likely that you’ll stumble across a free concert or festival in one of the city’s many parks or public squares.
And, Montreal also hosts a number of famous international events each summer, including the Montreal International Jazz Festival, Just for Laughs Comedy Festival (cancelled in 2024), and the Montreal Grand Prix.
Summer Weather in Montreal
Summers in Montreal are typically warm and pleasant, with average daytime temperatures ranging from 24°C to 26°C (75°F to 79°F).
On the downside, the city does experience some rain and occasional storms in summer. In fact, summer is technically the wettest time of year in Montreal, but it’s also the sunniest! And, in my experience, the storms usually pass quickly, allowing for plenty of time outdoors.
Downside to Visiting in Summer
While summer brings the most activities and events, it’s also the busiest time of year. Summer is peak tourist season in Montreal, so popular sights can get crowded, and accommodation prices tend to be higher during this time.
But, if you’re willing to plan ahead and explore beyond the main tourist areas, you will definitely still be able to find quieter spots to enjoy the city’s charm.
If you want to avoid the crowds as much as possible, I would suggest visiting key attractions early in the day, and reserving the afternoons for outdoor activities like biking, hiking and exploring the city’s green spaces. In particular, Parc Jean-Drapeau has over 25 kilometres of trails, beautiful gardens, and various water activities to help you escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
Fall (September to November)
In terms of popularity, fall is a close second to summer in Montreal. The warm weather usually lasts throughout September, followed by crisp autumn air in October, which is more appealing to many than the height of the summer heat. And, with slightly fewer crowds, this is one of the most pleasant times of year to explore the city.
Plus, from late-September to late-October, the city’s foliage transforms into a brilliant display of red, orange and yellow, making it one of the most spectacular times of year in Montreal. In particular, there’s no better time to take in the views from the top of Mount Royal, or to explore the tree-lined streets of some of Montreal’s most vibrant neighbourhoods, like Mile End.
Montreal’s cultural calendar is also lively throughout the fall, with events like the POP Music Festival, the Festival du Nouveau Cinéma, and the Gardens of Light at the Montreal Botanical Garden.
And, for foodies, this is a great time of year to visit, with plenty of fall harvest activities and seasonal specialties. In particular, make sure to visit Jean-Talon Market and Atwater Market for an abundance of fresh seasonal produce and artisanal goods.
Fall Weather in Montreal
Although Montreal will usually experience lots of warm days in fall, the evenings are generally much cooler, signalling the changing seasons. And the weather changes quite drastically throughout the season, with average daytime temperatures ranging from 21°C (70°F) in September, to just 6°C (43°F) in November.
But, it can also get much colder than this! Therefore, it’s best to be prepared by packing layers, to ensure you’re ready for all different temperatures.
Fortunately, although you can expect some rain (or even snow) in Montreal in the fall, the days are mostly clear. So, this is still a great time to enjoy the city’s many parks and outdoor activities.
Downside to Visiting in Fall
Thanks to the milder weather, fewer crowds and autumn colours, early to mid-fall is actually one of the best times of year to visit Montreal.
The only real downside to visiting in fall is if you’re visiting at the end of the season. In November, temperatures drop significantly, and the city can look quite bleak, since the trees will all have lost their leaves by then. Plus, November is also when the first snowfall usually arrives, which will usually be quite wet and slushy.
It’s also worth keeping in mind that some outdoor attractions may start to wind down as the season progresses. But, luckily there are still plenty of indoor activities to make the most of your time in the city. So, in my opinion, even if you visit in November, you’ll still be able to have a great time!
Winter (December to February)
Although winters in Quebec are very cold, Montreal transforms into a winter wonderland during this time, and it can actually be a great time to visit. Plus, when covered in snow, the city’s European-style old town, tree-lined streets and endless parks look particularly charming.
And Montrealers don’t let the cold stop them from getting outside. Instead, they embrace the winter with plenty of facilities all around the city for skating, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, sledding and tubing.
There are also a lot of festivals and events in Montreal throughout the winter. In December, there’s Christmas in the park, Montreal’s Christmas Village, and The Great Christmas Market. From mid-January to mid-February Igloofest takes place, which is the world’s coldest music festival. And, in February, the city hosts one of the largest winter festivals in the world, Montréal en Lumière.
Or, if you rather avoid the freezing temperatures, Montreal is also well-equipped for the cold with a huge underground pedestrian network. The Underground City links over 33 kilometres (20.5 miles) of shops, services and metro stations, so you can explore the heart of Montreal without going outside!
Winter is also a great time to experience Montreal’s indoor attractions, such as visiting museums, eating at cozy restaurants and cafés, and even attending a hockey game.
Although, the biggest advantage of visiting Montreal in winter is that it’s generally the cheapest time of year to visit. So, if you’re looking to travel on a budget, this may be the best time of year for you.
Winter Weather in Montreal
Montreal is one of North America’s coldest cities in winter. Daytime highs average between -4°C to -1°C (25°F to 30°F), and nighttime averages range from -8°C to -12°C (18°F to 10°F). But, it’s not uncommon for temperatures to be even colder than this, getting as low as -30°C (-22°F) at times.
In addition to the sub-zero temperatures, winter in Montreal also comes with plenty of snow, ice and wind, which often makes it feel much colder than it really is. And there are even occasional snowstorms and blizzards, which can make going outside unsafe at times.
Finally, keep in mind that these conditions can also make roads and sidewalks very icy and slippery. So, it’s important to always exercise caution when navigating the city in winter.
Downside to Visiting in Winter
Although there are plenty of things to do in Montreal in winter, the harsh weather is the big downside to this time of year. This is especially true if you don’t like the cold or aren’t used to these types of conditions.
Luckily there are plenty of indoor activities to do in Montreal, so you definitely won’t get bored visiting in winter. But, you may feel as though you’re missing out if you’re not able to spend much time exploring outdoors, as you won’t get to see as many of the city’s landmarks, parks and neighbourhoods.
Spring (March to May)
Spring is very much a transition season in Montreal, as the city comes back to life following the cold winter. But it’s also a fantastic time to visit, with mild temperatures, sunny days, fewer crowds and reasonable prices.
From April onwards the weather is generally pleasant and ideal for exploring on foot. And, colour returns to the city as the trees blossom, making this one of the best times of year to visit Montreal’s various parks, including the Montreal Botanical Garden. In particular, in May you can see the pink hues of cherry blossom, magnolia and crabapple trees across the city.
Spring is also maple syrup season, so this is the best time of year to visit Montreal for maple-inspired dishes and sweet treats, or to experience a traditional sugar shack.
And, at the end of May and beginning of June, the Montreal Fringe Festival takes place, with over 800 theatre, music, dance, comedy and drag performances held at more than 20 venues in Plateau-Mont-Royal.
Spring Weather in Montreal
The temperatures in Montreal change quite drastically throughout spring, as the weather transitions from winter to summer. Daytime averages are as low as 2°C (36°F) in March, up to 17°C (63°F) in May, with lows between -6°C to 8°C (21°F to 46°F) throughout the season.
And, at the beginning of spring, the weather can be very unpredictable, with everything from warm, sunny days, to spring showers and even late-season snowstorms. But, by the end of May, days are generally warm, sunny, and ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
Downside to Visiting in Spring
The main downside to visiting Montreal in spring is the variability of weather, with fluctuating temperatures and unpredictable conditions for much of March and April. So, if you’re visiting in spring, make sure to bring layers and be prepared for all different types of weather!
FAQs
What is the best month to visit Montreal?
The best month to visit Montreal really depends on your preferences. The summer months (June to August) are generally the most popular, due to the warm weather, lively events calendar, and North American school holidays.
But, visiting in early-fall (September to October), can actually be a better time thanks to milder temperatures, fewer crowds and the beautiful fall foliage.
How many days do you need in Montreal?
Depending on your interests, you could easily fill a week or more exploring all that Montreal has to offer. Although, to get a good feel for the city’s key attractions and experiences, you will ideally need at least 3 days in Montreal.
What is the rainy season in Montreal?
The rainy season in Montreal is during the summer months, from June to August. However, this is also Montreal’s sunniest season, and the rain usually comes and goes quickly.
What is the hottest month in Montreal?
The hottest month in Montreal is typically July, with average daytime temperatures around 26°C to 27°C (79°F to 81°F).
Can you do a day trip to Quebec City from Montreal?
Yes, it’s definitely possible to do a day trip to Quebec City from Montreal! These cities are approximately 3 hours apart by car or train, so you can get there and back with enough time to see the sights in just one day.
However, if you’re looking to do this, I would recommend taking a Quebec City day tour from Montreal, to ensure you get to see and do as much as possible.
Is Montreal expensive to visit?
Visiting Montreal will vary in cost depending on your travel style and what you’re looking to do there. But, generally, it’s considered to be more affordable than many other major North American cities, like New York or Toronto.
From my experience, I usually find accommodation in Montreal to be reasonably priced. And, entertainment, attractions, eating out and other activities are relatively similarly priced to other large cities in Canada.
What is the cheapest month to visit Montreal?
The cheapest month to visit is typically during winter, particularly January and February. This is the least popular time to visit Montreal so accommodation prices tend to be lower, and you may even come across some great package deals.
Should I go to Montreal if I don’t speak French?
Absolutely! You don’t have to speak French to visit Montreal, as it’s actually a very bilingual city. In particular, most locals who work in the tourism and service industries will speak at least some English. So, you will be able to get by.
Is Montreal pretty in the fall?
Yes, Montreal is exceptionally beautiful in the fall. The city lights up in vibrant shades of red, orange and yellow as the leaves change colour. And there are plenty of parks and outdoor spaces where you can admire the stunning fall foliage across the city.
When is high season in Montreal?
Montreal’s high season is during the summer months from June to August. This is thanks to lots of festivals and events, warm weather, and the fact that it’s during the North American school holidays.
Although summer is one of the best times to visit Montreal, as it’s the high season you should expect popular attractions to be more crowded and prices to be higher during this time.
Final Thoughts – Best Time to Visit Montreal
So, when is the best time to visit Montreal? This will really depend on you, as Montreal is one of Canada’s best year-round destinations!
Although, to ensure you have the best possible time, make sure to consider your budget, which attractions are of interest, and what type of experience you’re looking to have when planning your trip.
Hopefully this post has answered most of your questions about when to visit Montreal. But, if you’re still unsure, check out some of my other Canada content to learn more about visiting Montreal and other parts of Canada.
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