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Best Time to Visit Montreal

Montreal, Canada is a beautiful city to visit throughout the year. With its vibrant cultural scene, festivals, and charming neighborhoods, there is always something to explore.

 

High Season in Montreal

Montreal's high season is from June to September with pleasant weather and numerous festivals, including the famous International Jazz Festival.

cityscape under blue sky
Michael Descharles @ Unsplash

Shoulder Season in Montreal

The shoulder season in Montreal, from May to October, offers mild weather and fewer crowds. It's an ideal time to enjoy outdoor activities and explore the city at a relaxed pace.

Low Season in Montreal

Montreal's low season is from November to April when the temperatures drop. However, the city transforms into a winter wonderland with festive markets and outdoor ice skating.

 

Annual Average Temperature

* The chart above displays the average yearly 'feels like' temperature in Montreal over the last 5 years.

Seasons

Montreal in Spring

Spring in Montreal is vibrant, with cherry blossoms in bloom and outdoor terraces reopening. Don't miss the Montreal Botanical Garden.

wide-angle photography of buildings during daytime
Matthias Mullie @ Unsplash

Montreal in Summer

Summer is the peak tourist season in Montreal. Enjoy festivals, street performances, and explore Old Montreal's cobblestone streets.

Montreal in Fall

Fall showcases the stunning autumn foliage in Montreal's parks. Take a walk on Mount Royal and indulge in seasonal treats.

Montreal in Winter

Winter in Montreal is magical. Experience Christmas markets, enjoy winter sports, and warm up with comforting cuisine.

Annual Average Precipitation

* The chart above shows the annual average precipitation for Montreal for the past 5 years.

Month-By-Month

Montreal in January

→ -21 to -11 °C (-5 to 12 °F)

Experience Montreal's winter wonderland with outdoor ice skating and enjoy the Montreal en Lumière festival.

Montreal in February

→ -18 to -9 °C (-1 to 17 °F)

Celebrate winter at the Montréal en Lumière festival and participate in winter sports activities.

landscape photography of skyscrapers
Marc-Olivier Jodoin @ Unsplash

Montreal in March

→ -12 to -3 °C (10 to 27 °F)

With the arrival of spring, Montreal starts awakening with St. Patrick's Day celebrations and the Festival TransAmériques.

Montreal in April

→ -5 to 5 °C (23 to 41 °F)

Spring is in full swing, and Montreal hosts the Blue Metropolis Literary Festival and the International Documentary Film Festival.

Montreal in May

→ 4 to 16 °C (40 to 61 °F)

Enjoy the Tulip Festival, Mural Festival, and the first signs of warm weather in Montreal.

Montreal in June

→ 12 to 22 °C (54 to 72 °F)

Montreal welcomes summer with the Grand Prix, Jazz Festival, and outdoor events like the Mural Festival.

Montreal in July

→ 17 to 27 °C (63 to 80 °F)

Experience the lively atmosphere of Montreal during the International Jazz Festival and enjoy outdoor activities with sunny days.

high-rise buildings near river
andrew welch @ Unsplash

Montreal in August

→ 17 to 25 °C (62 to 77 °F)

August is filled with cultural events, including the Just for Laughs Festival and the LGBTQ+ Pride Parade.

Montreal in September

→ 10 to 18 °C (50 to 65 °F)

September brings pleasant weather for exploring Montreal's local markets, the POP Montreal Festival, and the Gardens of Light.

Montreal in October

→ 2 to 10 °C (36 to 50 °F)

Experience the stunning fall foliage in Montreal's parks and enjoy the Festival du Nouveau Cinéma.

Montreal in November

→ -7 to 0 °C (20 to 32 °F)

Montreal embraces the winter spirit with Christmas markets, igloofest, and the Montreal Bach Festival.

Montreal in December

→ -13 to -5 °C (8 to 22 °F)

Celebrate the holiday season with Montreal's Christmas markets, outdoor ice skating, and festive light displays.

Annual Average Humidity

* The chart above shows the annual average humidity percentage for Montreal for the past 5 years.

Accommodation

Montreal offers a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels in the city center to cozy boutique hotels in trendy neighborhoods like Plateau-Mont-Royal or Mile End.

aerial photo of city buildings near bodies of water at daytime
Samuel Charron @ Unsplash

Public Transportation

Montreal has an efficient public transportation system, including buses and a metro network. It's easy to navigate the city using public transport, and the BIXI bike-sharing system is ideal for short trips.

Montreal Airport

Montreal's main airport is Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL). It is well-connected to the city center by shuttle buses and taxis.

Airport to City Center

The cheapest way to get from the airport to downtown is by taking the 747 Express Bus, which operates 24/7. Taxis and car rentals are also available.

Is Montreal Safe?

Montreal is considered a safe city for travelers. However, it's always recommended to take common safety precautions, such as being aware of your surroundings and avoiding isolated areas at night.

According to the Global Peace Index, Canada ranks 11th among all countries in the world in 2023. Canada achieved a score of 1.35 out of 5, based on 23 qualitative and quantitative indicators from highly respected sources.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ideal Time to Visit Montreal

The best time to visit Montreal is during the shoulder seasons of May to October when the weather is mild, and there are fewer crowds.

Best Montreal Visit Length

A 3 to 5-day trip is ideal to explore the main attractions of Montreal and immerse yourself in its vibrant culture.

Must-See Attractions in Montreal

Must-see attractions in Montreal include Old Montreal, Mount Royal Park, Notre-Dame Basilica, and the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts.

Montreal Nightlife: What to Do

At night, explore the vibrant nightlife in the Plateau-Mont-Royal neighborhood or enjoy live music at the jazz clubs in the city.

Getting Around Montreal Efficiently

Montreal's public transportation system is efficient for getting around the city, and walking is a great option in the downtown area. You can also rent a bike to explore the city's bike-friendly streets.

Montreal 3 day Itinerary

Day 1

Start your day by exploring Old Montreal and visiting Notre-Dame Basilica. Enjoy lunch in a local cafe and then head to the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. End the day with a walk along the Old Port and dinner at a waterfront restaurant.

  1. Old Montreal
  2. Notre-Dame Basilica
  3. Montreal Museum of Fine Arts
  4. Old Port of Montreal
trees near city
Jackie Hutchinson @ Unsplash

Day 2

Spend the morning exploring Mount Royal Park and enjoying panoramic views of the city. Afterward, visit the Saint Joseph's Oratory and have lunch in the eclectic Mile End neighborhood. In the evening, catch a show at the Place des Arts.

  1. Mount Royal Park
  2. Saint Joseph's Oratory
  3. Mile End
  4. Place des Arts

Day 3

Start the day with a visit to the Montreal Botanical Garden and explore its stunning flora. Enjoy lunch in the Plateau-Mont-Royal neighborhood and then discover the vibrant street art in the nearby Saint-Laurent Boulevard. End the day by shopping and dining along Saint Catherine Street.

  1. Montreal Botanical Garden
  2. Plateau-Mont-Royal
  3. Saint-Laurent Boulevard
  4. Saint Catherine Street