One of North America’s top cities, Montreal is located in Canada’s Great White North, just above the United States. Each year, millions of tourists are drawn to Canada by its distinctive heritage and history in the hopes of getting an insider’s perspective on the country’s culture.
The best time to visit Montreal is frequently in October if you want to take advantage of everything it has to offer. There are less people there and more festivals, vibrant colors, warm weather, and better prices.
Why You Should Visit Montreal
Winter sports, parks, festivals, underground malls and eateries, racing, historical neighborhoods, and a distinctive heritage that is unmatched anywhere else can be found in Montreal.
There is really never a bad time to visit Montreal because there are always fun seasonal activities to take part in and a jam-packed festival schedule to keep you entertained.
If you want to experience all the festivals, warm weather, and breathtaking scenery to your heart’s content, you can travel to Montreal during the peak summer travel season.
You can choose where you want to go in the city while taking advantage of the pleasant temperatures that are ideal for exploring, from the Formula One Canadian Grand Prix to smaller street festivals.
Later in the summer, it can get hot and muggy, but that’s just part of the appeal; there are lots of cafes and shopping areas you can duck into to cool off. The current season isn’t lacking in festivals and events, and the weather is still ideal.
Fall is one of the best seasons to go because the parks and mountains nearby transform into paintings of fall foliage. It’s the ideal time to visit with fewer tourists than in the summer because it’s ideal for exploring the city and offers the added bonus of beautiful parks and nature.
You might mistakenly believe that the winter in a city this far north has few benefits. Because the winters are so severe here, Montrealers know how to have fun.
To escape the snow, you can travel underground to the vast Underground City, which is home to numerous malls, eateries, and movie theaters.
Alternately, you can go aboveground to take advantage of the weather by skiing, ice skating, visiting sugar shacks (where hot maple syrup is poured onto snow, which you can then roll onto a stick and eat), and much more.
Another fantastic season for travel is spring, especially in the later spring months of April and May. Although there is still a chance of snow, the weather is warmer, there are fewer people around, and the prices are lower.
There are still many festivals to attend, and if you’re interested in bird watching, visit the nearby parks to observe birds of all sizes, colors, and shapes as they migrate north annually.
It is evident that there is never a bad time to travel. With so many entertainment options and festivals to choose from, Montreal is a lovely city well worth exploring.
Overall Best Time to Visit Montreal
The ideal months to travel to Montreal are March through May and September through November, when the weather is milder and hotel vacancies are at an all-time high.
The city of Montreal is conducive to tourist visits throughout the year, depending on the goals and expectations of the visitor. Summertime is the only time of year to visit Montreal under a clear sky and a comfortable temperature. Visitors from all over the world flock to Montreal during the summer months of June through August to take advantage of the weather and enjoy a variety of cultural events like the Nights of Africa, Just for Laughs, and the Montreal International Jazz Festival. Due to rising costs for both lodging and air travel as a result of the busy influx, a higher travel budget is anticipated. Travelers who prefer a temperate climate will choose to visit Montreal in the spring, between mid-March and mid-June. Nothing beats the start of autumn for a gorgeous landscape because the trees in the parks are decked out in colors that are inseparable from the Indian summer. As Halloween and Thanksgiving approaches, the city comes to life. As the holiday season and the new year draw near, visiting Montreal in the dead of winter offers the chance to see a snowy city that shimmers in countless brilliant hues.
Cheapest Time to Visit Montreal
The winter blues start to set in right after the holidays, and tourism reaches its lowest point. This time of year, there is still a lot to see and do. The best months to travel are January and February if you want to get the best deals.
To combat cabin fever, Lac aux Castors offers equipment rentals for sledding, skiing, ice skating, and other winter sports.
When you’ve had your fill of the great outdoors, visit the Underground City, a 30 km network of interconnected tunnels beneath Downtown Montreal. In this hotspot of urban entertainment, you can shop, eat out, and watch movies to your heart’s content.
Although this is the time of year with the fewest visitors, keep in mind that this does not mean you will have the slopes to yourself. To ski the mountains and resorts near Montreal, a large number of skiers turn out in force.
Enjoy Montreal’s ski season with lots of people to meet and party with, or hit the slopes early to catch that fresh powder. This is also true of ice skating and sledding, as a large number of people visit the region to participate in all the winter sports.
You will be rewarded with distinctive Canadian experiences if you choose to brave the above-ground pavement. Taffy rolling is only possible in harsh Canadian winters, warm pubs, and icy landscapes. Roll up to a sugar shack and take part.
Join the enduringly popular Igloofest, where Montrealers team up to construct the coziest igloos they can. Or go when the city comes alive to celebrate a holiday like Family Day.
Typically, it is icy and covered in snow. In Montreal, you don’t get much sun. It is possible to have a great time, though, if you prepare for below-freezing temperatures and six feet of snow. When booking hotels and flights, be flexible.
If you’re interested in the history and culture of the region, you should visit during a different season because much of Old Montreal is closed during this time.
Montreal is without a doubt one of the best places to visit in the winter, with affordable prices, few crowds, and a ton to do. Just bear in mind when making travel plans that the weather can be erratic and cold.
Least Busy Time to Visit Montreal
Although technically the least busy season with the fewest visitors is winter, spring is a great time to visit if you’re just looking for fewer crowds.
Although the weather in March is very similar to that of winter, the months of April and May are ideal for going outside and exploring the city and its parks. Although the weather is still somewhat erratic, fewer people are present.
With periods of rain and sporadic snow, the weather is mostly warm. A dream come true for any bird enthusiast visiting, springtime in Montreal is when birdsong fills the city as the nearby parks serve as popular rest stops along bird migration routes.
Additionally, the return of greenery and the emergence of animals from hibernation make it ideal for nature lovers. Shaking off the snow and ice, the city welcomes the sun with open arms.
Festivals become more frequent throughout the season as Old Montreal reopens and is once again celebrated.
It is best to visit Montreal in April if you want to take advantage of everything it has to offer. Even though the ski season is coming to a close, you can still hit the slopes and look for winter attractions while exploring the city.
In addition, you can visit wintertime attractions like parks, gardens, and the city’s historic district in warmer weather.
Attend a celebration like the St. Patrick’s Day Parade to get into the springtime mood. The Blue Metropolis Montreal International Literary Festival, Festival Vue Sur la Revele, and St. Patrick’s Day Parade are three examples. Easter, one of the most widely observed holidays of the year, is another option.
You’ll find a hidden treasure that you can only enjoy on your own when you visit Montreal in the spring. One of the best times to tour the city, it offers a taste of everything Montreal has to offer.
Worst Time to Visit Montreal
There’s never really a wrong time to visit, as each season has unique charms, events, and weather. Whatever time of year you choose to visit, there is always something happening and something to do.
It doesn’t follow that, though, that each season is without drawbacks. Each season, unfortunately, has both negative and positive aspects. For instance, it’s frequently humid and in the 80s during the summer.
Especially later in the summer, in July and August, it’s not exactly the right temperature for walking. Additionally, a variety of tourists are attracted by the busy festival schedule and pleasant weather.
The most expensive and busy season to travel to Montreal. Even though the weather in the fall is still agreeable, it does get colder, especially as the season draws to a close.
You still have to deal with crowds during this season, but not to the same degree as during the summer because it is the second most popular season after the summer.
The winter months are cold. It frequently drops to 20 below zero. Montreal experienced severe snowstorms, which made it possible for homes and cars to become buried. changes to your travel itinerary and cancellations of flights.
Almost everything is present in spring. A little bit of warmth and a little bit of winter. Additionally, it is unpredictable. Layer your clothing and bring a warm jacket as the weather can change quickly and drastically.
Additionally, while spring offers a small taste of the other seasons, it doesn’t have many interesting things to offer on its own. When deciding on the ideal time to visit Montreal, it all comes down to what you want to see and do as well as what you want to deal with.
The Weather in Montreal
In the summer, Montreal experiences stiflingly warm and muggy conditions. Even though the average temperature in July and August is over 80 degrees Fahrenheit (27 degrees Celsius), the high humidity can make it feel even hotter during the day. Even so, places near water and in the evenings provide some relief from the heat.
As the fall season progresses, the temperature drops significantly, but it’s still warm enough to enjoy time outdoors. 48 degrees Fahrenheit (9 degrees Celsius) is the typical October temperature. The average high temperature in October is 57 degrees Fahrenheit (14 degrees Celsius), and the average low temperature is 39 degrees Fahrenheit (4 degrees Celsius).
Temperatures consistently drop below zero during the winter, making for harsh weather. Take your parka and gloves with you! Snowstorms can be sudden and intense, affecting air travel and traffic, so be ready for delays and even canceled flights. The majority of Montreal’s snowfall occurs from December through March, averaging between 13 and 20 inches per month2. In the city, springtime brings a welcome break from winter as the temperature starts to rise into the 40s. But don’t forget to bring a raincoat—it can suddenly start to rain or even snow.
Popular Events and Festivals
The summertime, when temperatures are more conducive to spending time outdoors, is when many of Montreal’s most well-known events and festivals take place. The Canadian Grand Prix, Mondial de la Bière, and the French music festival Les FrancoFolies are among the most well-known.
The following holidays are also observed in Montreal: Jan. 1), Family Day is observed on the third Monday in February. Good Friday and Easter are observed in March or April. Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day is observed on June 24. Canada Day is observed on July 1. 11), Boxing Day (Dec. 26) and Christmas Day (Dec. 26). When visiting during one of these holidays, be sure to confirm the operating hours of the eateries and entertainment venues you intend to visit.
Peak Season in Montreal
The peak tourist season in this distinctive and old city, which is best explored on foot, is undoubtedly the summer. To avoid crowds and large festivals, try to travel in late spring or June. Unsurprisingly, high costs and limited supply go hand in hand with a product’s ubiquity and demand. Especially for weekend and festival dates, reserve Montreal hotels far in advance for the summer. If you intend to dine at any well-known establishments, make reservations well in advance.
Winter
Due to the extreme cold, snow, and ice, many tourists are hesitant to visit Montreal in the winter. Additionally, it will be chilly, snowy, and icy. However, you can still have a ton of fun on a cold trip to Montreal and take in the city’s fine cuisine, shopping, and culture. And let’s not forget outdoor pursuits like ice skating, cross-country skiing, or Montreal winter festivals. Compared to Toronto or New York City, Montreal is colder and receives more snow. If you’re not used to cold weather, Montreal’s chill and snow may be unfamiliar to you. Be ready, but don’t be afraid. Your reward for enduring Montreal’s chilly weather Savings on hotels: Winter rates are lower, with the exception of the Family Day weekend in February when demand is higher. However, much of Old Montreal closes down in the winter because of the sharp decline in visitors.
Events to Check Out
- A must-attend event in January is Igloofest’s legendary subzero raves.
- Visit the city’s famous Christmas markets and ice skating rinks during the holiday season.
Spring
In Montreal, spring can be unpredictable. It’s possible for winter weather to persist into April, which would mean very low temperatures. But in general, Montrealers can look forward to longer days, greener gardens, and the return of spring.
Events to Check Out
- The final month to ski the mountains surrounding the city is April.
- Montreal is a big fan of St. Every March, a parade and other events are held in honor of St. Patrick’s Day.
Summer
The busiest months for travel to Montreal are between June and September, especially in July and August when most schools in North America are off for the summer. The festival season in Montreal is in full swing in the months of July and August, when Old Montreal is also bustling. Tens of thousands of people travel to Montreal in the summer to participate in these and other festivals because the weather is warm, sunny, and ideal for strolling the streets. There are plenty of outdoor events, free programs, and neighborhood celebrations—both large-scale and small—to liven up your Montreal stay if you visit during the months of June through September.
Events to Check Out
- Every summer, one of the most well-liked events in the city is the Montreal Jazz Festival.
- Every August, Pride Montreal is a multi-day event honoring the LGBTQ+ community in the city.
Fall
It’s a lovely time of year to visit Montreal in October, especially early October, but be aware of the Thanksgiving holiday. The weather is cold, the fall foliage is at its peak or just past it, and there is no gloom or muck in the air. Mount Royal Park, the Montreal Botanical Garden, the Morgan Arboretum, the nearly 400-acre Bois-de-Liesse Park, Parc Jean-Drapeau, Bois de l’Île Bizard, and Parc Angrignon are a few of the best locations in the city to see the colorful leaves. Old Montreal shops are still open, and you can still leisurely meander the cobblestone streets.
Events to Check Out
- Every October, the Montreal Botanical Garden holds its annual Gardens of Light festival, which features Chinese lanterns and light shows.
- The start of the holiday season in Montreal coincides with November’s Montreal Santa Claus Parade, which is also the city’s most well-known parade of the year.
Things to Consider
You can choose the best time to travel to Montreal now that you know what each season is like. Nevertheless, regardless of the time of year, there are a few things to keep in mind when visiting Montreal.
- Dress in layers
- Book well ahead of time
- Bring footwear for slippery surfaces (unless you’re visiting in summer)
- Do your research before the festival (entry fees, age restrictions, etc.).)
- In case of unforeseen weather conditions, flight delays, etc., be adaptable in your planning.)
Conclusion: What’s the Best Time to Visit Montreal?
Visits to Montreal are always enjoyable. There is constantly activity, and each season offers a different perspective on the city.
There are fewer visitors, lovely foliage, and good weather in the fall; there are fewer visitors, cheaper rates, and winter sports in the winter; there are fewer visitors, beautiful scenery, and better weather in the spring; and there is warmer weather in the summer.
Every season has its highs and lows, but whenever you visit, you’re guaranteed to have a blast exploring this famous Canadian city.
Frequently Asked Questions
As a warm, heartfelt, and culturally diverse Canadian city, Montreal is well known. Montreal should be on everyone’s travel wish list due to the welcoming locals, world-class attractions, and fascinating history. Some of the most frequent queries about Montreal are listed below.
How Many Days Do You Need in Montreal?
It takes more than ten days to see everything there is to see and do in the city. However, other planned activities, such as winter sports or festivals, also have a significant impact on this. Two weeks is the ideal amount of time to spend exploring the city and engaging in your favorite activities at a leisurely pace, taking into account the fact that you also need rest days.
Is Montreal Or Quebec City Better to Visit?
Depending on what you want, they are both excellent. Compared to Quebec City, Montreal has a more urban vibe and offers more places to explore, whereas the attractions in Quebec City are more condensed and have a stronger old-town feel.
Is Montreal a Walkable City?
The city center and other popular tourist destinations are. Because of the Underground City, it is possible to walk in Montreal even in the winter because you can get from one location to another quickly.
Is English Spoken in Montreal?
Yes, English is widely spoken, especially if you don’t look Canadian. While having a working knowledge of French is helpful in this situation, it is not necessary.
Is Montreal Safe?
Yes, Montreal consistently ranks among Canada’s safest cities. There are fewer homicides there than anywhere else in the nation. It still has some minor crime, so be careful and watch your belongings.
