Old Quebec is built on a cliff, with steep streets and stairways between Upper and Lower Town. In winter those slopes ice over, and the cold runs to -15°C (5°F). Your footwear decides how much of the city you'll actually see, so pack shoes before outfits.
Quebec City 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 | -4°C25°F | 2°C36°F | 10°C50°F | 18°C64°F | 22°C72°F | 25°C77°F | 23°C73°F | 21°C70°F | 14°C57°F | 4°C39°F | -3°C27°F |
| Low | -14°C7°F | -15°C5°F | -7°C19°F | -1°C30°F | 7°C45°F | 12°C54°F | 16°C61°F | 13°C55°F | 11°C52°F | 5°C41°F | -3°C27°F | -12°C10°F |
| Rain days | 13 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 12 | 13 | 17 | 14 | 6 | 10 | 14 | 13 |
Season by season
Winter
December–FebruaryHighs of -5°C (23°F) to -3°C (27°F) and lows of -15°C (5°F) to -12°C (10°F), with 13 rain or snow days a month. This is Winter Carnival season in February, and it's beautiful, but you need a real parka, insulated waterproof boots, a hat, gloves and a scarf. Wind on Dufferin Terrace makes it feel colder still.
Spring
March–MayHighs rise through 2–18°C (36–64°F) from March to May, while lows go from -7°C (19°F) to 7°C (45°F). Snow melts into slush through April, so waterproof shoes matter more than a heavy coat. Rain or snow falls on 12 to 14 days a month.
Summer
June–AugustHighs of 22–25°C (72–77°F) and lows of 12–16°C (54–61°F). July is the wettest month at 17 rain days, so a rain shell belongs in the bag. Evenings by the river and up on the Plains of Abraham get cool, so bring a light sweater.
Fall
September–NovemberSeptember is lovely at 21°C (70°F) and just 6 rain days, the driest month of the year. By November highs are 4°C (39°F) and lows dip to -3°C (27°F), so the coat comes back. Late September and early October usually bring peak color on day trips to Montmorency Falls and Île d'Orléans.
What to bring to Quebec City
0 of 22 packedJuly in Quebec City has 17 rain days, and this light shell packs small between showers on the Plains of Abraham.
A light waterproof layer that packs down small is what you want for wet spring days and summer storms in the Old Town.
- A warm wrapClothing
A wool or cashmere wrap doubles as a scarf against the wind on Dufferin Terrace and a blanket on the flight in.
- Boot Bananas Original Shoe DeodorizersFootwear & Shoe Care
Winter boots come back soaked from slush and salt, and these help absorb moisture and odor overnight before the next day.
- Anker Nano Power Bank 5,000mAh (Built-In USB-C)Tech & Power
Cold drains phone batteries fast, and this little bank plugs straight in so you're not stuck with a dead map in -10°C (14°F).
- Peak Design Everyday Backpack Zip 20LBags & Luggage
Helps keep your camera and layers dry when snow or rain catches you halfway down the Breakneck Stairs.
Canada uses the same US plugs, so visitors from Europe, the UK or Australia need one adapter, and this one has an AC outlet plus five USB ports.
Clothing
- Insulated winter parka · 1Cold runs to -15°C in February
- Thermal base layers · 2 setsDec–Mar
- Warm hat, scarf and insulated gloves · 1 setNov–Mar
- Fleece or sweater · 2
- T-shirts and light shirts · 4July highs of 25°C
- Long trousers · 2
Footwear
- Insulated waterproof boots with grippy soles · 1 pairSlopes and stairways ice over in winter
- Wool socks · 4 pairsWinter
- Walking shoes · 1 pairSteep streets between Upper and Lower Town, summer
- Ice cleats · 1 pairIcy stairways, Dec–Mar
Health and toiletries
- Lip balm and moisturizerCold, dry winter air
- Hand warmersDec–Mar
- Sunscreen · 1Summer
Documents and money
- Passport
- Credit card
What shoes should you pack for Quebec City?
Comfortable walking shoes with grip, for cobbles and the Breakneck Stairs between Upper and Lower Town. In winter, swap them for insulated, waterproof boots with a good tread. The funicular saves your legs on the climb, but you'll still walk a lot of hills.
What do people wear in Quebec City?
Practical and put-together. In winter everyone wears a long parka, boots and a toque, and nobody expects you to look fancy. In summer it's jeans, light jackets and sneakers, with something a little smarter for dinner in the Old Town.
What plugs does Quebec City use?
Canada uses type A and B sockets at 120V, the same as the US. Visitors from Europe, the UK or Australia need an adapter, and anything not rated 100-240V needs a converter.
Tours and things to do in Quebec City
Packed and ready? Browse guided tours, day trips and tickets for Quebec City.
What should you leave at home for Quebec City?
Fashion boots with smooth soles in winter. They're dangerous on icy slopes. Skip a rolling suitcase if you can, too. Dragging wheels over cobbles and up the hills of Old Quebec gets old fast.
Packing for Quebec City: questions people ask
What should I wear in Quebec City in winter?
A long insulated parka, waterproof boots with grip, a hat, gloves and a scarf. January and February lows are around -14°C (7°F) to -15°C (5°F).
What should I wear in Quebec City in October?
Layers and a warm jacket. October highs are about 14°C (57°F) with lows near 5°C (41°F), and rain falls on about 10 days.
What shoes are best for Old Quebec?
Sneakers or walking shoes with good tread in summer, and insulated waterproof boots in winter. The streets are steep, with stairs and cobbles.
Does it rain much in Quebec City in summer?
Yes. July is the wettest month of the year with 17 rain days, so pack a light rain jacket.
When is the Quebec Winter Carnival?
It's held each year from late January into February. Plan for highs below freezing and dress for hours outdoors.
Prices change often — the price on the retailer’s page is the one you pay.