Montreal winters get the attention, and they deserve it, with January highs of minus 5°C (41°F) and lows of minus 12°C (54°F). What people miss is how warm it is indoors and underground, so the trick is layers you can strip off fast, not one huge coat.
Montreal weather by month
Daily high and low (°C), and days with rainSee the numbers
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | -5°C23°F | -3°C27°F | 3°C37°F | 11°C52°F | 18°C64°F | 23°C73°F | 26°C79°F | 24°C75°F | 21°C70°F | 14°C57°F | 4°C39°F | -3°C27°F |
| Low | -12°C10°F | -13°C9°F | -6°C21°F | 0°C32°F | 8°C46°F | 14°C57°F | 17°C63°F | 15°C59°F | 12°C54°F | 6°C43°F | -2°C28°F | -10°C14°F |
| Rain days | 13 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 6 | 12 | 12 | 15 |
Season by season
Winter
December–FebruaryHighs sit between minus 5°C (41°F) and minus 3°C (37°F) and lows drop to minus 13°C (55°F) in February, with 11 to 15 days of rain or snow a month. December is the wettest month at 15. Pack a proper insulated coat, a hat, gloves and thermal layers, and plan to use the underground city (RÉSO) and the metro to stay out of the wind.
Spring
March–MayMarch is still cold at 3°C (37°F) with lows of minus 6°C (43°F). April warms to 11°C (52°F) and May to 18°C (64°F), with 12 or 13 wet days a month, and melting snow makes the streets slushy. A waterproof shell over a warm layer covers most of it.
Summer
June–AugustSummer is warm and lively, with highs of 23°C (73°F) to 26°C (79°F) and July the warmest month. Rain shows up on 13 or 14 days a month, often as short storms. Pack light clothes, a light rain jacket and shoes for the climb up Mount Royal.
Fall
September–NovemberSeptember is the best month for a lot of people, at 21°C (70°F) with only 6 rain days. October drops to 14°C (57°F) and November to 4°C (39°F) with lows below freezing. Bring a warm jacket from October on.
What to bring to Montreal
0 of 18 packed- A warm wrapClothing
Montreal is all about going from minus 10°C (50°F) on the street to a hot metro car, and a warm wrap comes off and goes in your bag in seconds.
Spring slush and summer storms both show up on 12 or more days a month, and a shell that packs into its own pocket handles both.
For him, same pick: a waterproof layer that goes over a sweater in April and on its own in July, then squashes into its own pocket.
- Peak Design Everyday Backpack Zip 20LBags & Luggage
A weather-sealed day bag keeps a laptop and layers dry through wet snow, and 20L is enough for the hat and gloves you'll keep taking off.
- Anker Nano Power Bank 5,000mAh (Built-In USB-C)Tech & Power
Phones drain faster in the cold, and this pocket power bank plugs straight in, so you're not hunting for a cable with frozen fingers.
For UK, EU and Australian visitors, this adapter fits Canada's US-style sockets and adds an AC outlet plus USB ports.
Clothing
- Insulated winter parka · 1January lows of minus 12°C
- Thermal base layers · 2 setsDec–Mar
- Warm hat, scarf and gloves · 1 setNov–Mar
- Mid-layer fleece or sweater · 2Strip off fast in warm indoor spaces
- Light tees and shorts · 3Summer highs of 23–26°C
- Wool socks · 4 pairsWinter
Footwear
- Insulated waterproof winter boots · 1 pairDec 15 rain or snow days
- Comfortable sneakers · 1 pairMay–Oct
Gear
- Compact umbrellaRain on 12–14 days most months
Health and toiletries
- Lip balm and rich moisturizerDry, cold winter air
Documents and money
- Passport
- Credit card with no foreign transaction fees
What shoes should you pack for Montreal?
In winter, waterproof insulated boots with real grip, full stop. Sidewalks are icy, the salt and slush ruin suede and knit shoes, and Old Montreal's cobbles get slick. The rest of the year, comfortable walking shoes for the Plateau, Mile End and the Mount Royal trails are enough.
What do people wear in Montreal?
Montrealers dress well, even in winter. Think dark jeans, good boots and a smart coat rather than full ski gear. In summer it's relaxed, and terraces in the Plateau fill up with people in casual city clothes.
What plugs does Montreal use?
Canada uses types A and B at 120V, the same as the US. American travelers don't need an adapter. Visitors from the UK, Europe and Australia do.
Tours and things to do in Montreal
Packed and ready? Browse guided tours, day trips and tickets for Montreal.
What should you leave at home for Montreal?
Leave fashion boots with smooth soles if you're coming in winter; ice and salt will wreck them. Leave the giant suitcase full of sweaters too, since thin layers work better when you're going from minus 10°C (50°F) outside to a heated metro.
Packing for Montreal: questions people ask
What should I wear in Montreal in winter?
An insulated coat, thermal layers, a hat, gloves and waterproof boots with grip. Lows reach minus 12°C (54°F) to minus 13°C (55°F) in January and February.
What should I wear in Montreal in October?
Expect around 14°C (57°F) with lows near 6°C (43°F). Bring a warm jacket, a sweater and a rain layer.
When is the best time to visit Montreal?
September is hard to beat, at 21°C (70°F) with only 6 rain days. June to August is warm and festival-heavy.
Do I need snow boots in Montreal?
Yes, from December through March. Sidewalks get icy and slushy, and road salt ruins regular shoes.
Do I need a plug adapter in Montreal?
Not from the US, since Canada uses types A and B at 120V. UK, European and Australian visitors need an adapter.
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