Destination
Montreal is a bilingual city of festivals, restaurants and old stone streets, with four very different seasons. Summer is warm and packed with events, autumn brings colour on Mount Royal, and winter is cold and snowy, softened by the Underground City. The Canadian Grand Prix now falls in May. Here is how all twelve months compare for weather, crowds, prices and events.
By Daan · Last reviewed October 2026
My recommendation
September
September offers warm days, cool evenings and the first autumn colour, with fewer crowds and lower prices than the July festival peak. Terraces and parks are still at their best.
Best weather
June & September
Warm, bright and comfortable.
Best for festivals
June–July
The Jazz Festival and a full open-air calendar.
Best for fall colours
Late September–October
Peak foliage on Mount Royal.
Best for winter
February
Montréal en Lumière and winter sports.
September scores
Plan around
May
Late June to early July
January–February
Montreal travel tip
Use the metro and the BIXI bike-share in warmer months, and the Underground City when it is freezing. Book restaurants ahead on festival weekends, and climb Mount Royal for the best skyline view at sunset.
Founder note
“The Kondiaronk Belvedere on Mount Royal is my favourite Montreal view. Go near sunset and the whole downtown skyline glows above the St. Lawrence.”
Experience Montreal
Travel around
The metro covers most of the city, BIXI bikes are available in the warmer months, and the Underground City links downtown buildings so you can stay out of the cold.
Best period
Year-round
BIXI is seasonal; check when stations are open.
CFV founder tip
Walk up Mount Royal near sunset and stop at the Kondiaronk Belvedere. The skyline and the river glow, and the stroll down through the park is easy.
Month by month
Tap any month for full scores, temperatures and planning notes.
Dress in proper layers and use the underground network between stops.
Book popular restaurants ahead during the festival and bring warm boots.
Book a sugar shack day trip ahead; weather swings from freezing to mild.
Pack layers and a waterproof jacket.
Check the Grand Prix weekend before you book; rates rise for the whole city.
Book accommodation early around the Jazz Festival.
Book hotels months ahead and use BIXI bikes or the metro rather than driving.
Escape the heat in the Underground City or on Mount Royal.
Plan a day on Mount Royal for the first colour.
Visit Mount Royal on a weekday morning for the best light.
Keep museums and the Underground City on your list for rainy days.
Book hotels and restaurants early for the holiday weeks.
Climate
| Month | High | Low | Precipitation | Wet days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | -5°C / 23°F | -12°C / 10°F | 74 mm | 16 |
| February | -4°C / 25°F | -11°C / 12°F | 71 mm | 13 |
| March | 2°C / 36°F | -5°C / 23°F | 80 mm | 14 |
| April | 11°C / 52°F | 3°C / 37°F | 77 mm | 13 |
| May | 19°C / 66°F | 10°C / 50°F | 86 mm | 13 |
| June | 24°C / 75°F | 15°C / 59°F | 88 mm | 14 |
| July | 27°C / 81°F | 18°C / 64°F | 106 mm | 12 |
| August | 25°C / 77°F | 17°C / 63°F | 101 mm | 13 |
| September | 19°C / 66°F | 12°C / 54°F | 101 mm | 13 |
| October | 12°C / 54°F | 6°C / 43°F | 84 mm | 13 |
| November | 5°C / 41°F | 0°C / 32°F | 94 mm | 15 |
| December | -2°C / 28°F | -9°C / 16°F | 102 mm | 16 |
Climate data: Environment and Climate Change Canada. Temperatures are averages of daily highs and lows.
Keep exploring
Other places I’d time carefully — and when I’d go.
If you want…
…terraces and festivals
Go in June or July.
…autumn colours
Go in late September or October.
…cheap and cosy
Go in November.
FAQ
September is a strong choice, with warm weather, autumn colour and fewer crowds.
It moved from June to May from 2026. Check the official calendar for the exact weekend.
Yes, for festivals, food and skating, if you dress warmly.
