Best Time to Visit Montreal

The best time to visit Montreal is a more complicated question than you may at first think, simply because here in Quebec (and in Canada), we are gifted with four completely different seasons.

The most popular time to visit Montreal is summer, but the best month to visit Montreal depends on your interests and preferences. 

Start planning your trip to Montreal with our comprehensive guides to the best things to do in Montreal and Montreal’s must-visit attractions.

What is the Best Month to Visit Montreal?

You'll want to come in the summer if you’re interested in music festivals.

If you like to play in the snow, then choose winter instead.

Spring is a good time for museums and seeing the trees bloom.

Meanwhile, fall is a colourful season, perfect for nature lovers who want to experience Canada’s fall colours.

This article about the best time to visit Montreal covers what makes each Montreal season unique and different by listing pros and cons, events, and popular activities. That way, you know what to expect when visiting.

Montreal in Winter

Winter is the best time to travel to Montreal to experience snow. January and February are best because December and early March are hit or miss, depending on the year.

The best things to do in Montreal during winter are playing outside, ice skating, getting festive (if visiting during the holidays), cross-country skiing at Beaver Lake, and participating in one of Montreal’s unique winter-only festivals.

It’s common for ski resorts to make artificial snow. Therefore, skiing/snowboarding is possible at many resorts outside the city before Montreal gets covered in snow.

Many ice skating rinks in Montreal are refrigerated, so they’ll be open even when it’s “warm” outside. Top refrigerated rinks include Old Port, Esplanade Tranquille, and Beaver Lake.

Winter Weather in Montreal

Bring all you need to stay warm. Jackets, sweaters, toques (beanies), scarves, gloves/mittens, woollen socks, and boots are necessary items for enjoying winter in Montreal. 

Montreal in Spring

Spring is an excellent time to visit Montreal. Nature revives, it's sugar shack season, and the tourist crowds have yet to arrive. Spring is the best time to visit Montreal to see trees and flowers (particularly tulips) in bloom. The days get longer, and the palpable joy in the air is truly special. 

Spring Weather in Montreal

You never know what weather you’ll get when visiting Montreal in spring. The temperature and weather can vary greatly, even within the space of a single day.

Therefore, I recommend packing warm, light clothes and watching the morning weather report. It’s also not a bad idea to pack an umbrella. 

Montreal in Summer

If you want endless things to do, then the best time of the year to visit Montreal is summer. One of my favourite activities is enjoying the nice weather at a music festival, on a trendy terrace, or both.

Montreal is known for its gigantic parks, so outdoor picnics and long sunny strolls are popular. There are also a ton of food festivals and special international events (like the F1 racing championship). 

Summer is the busiest time for tourism in Montreal and elsewhere in the province. There is a two-week period in July (construction holiday weeks) where I recommend booking your hotel and restaurants well in advance. It seems everyone wants to visit Montreal during the summer months, and I don’t blame them because it’s truly an incredible time. 

Summer Weather in Montreal

Summer is very warm, so I suggest packing a lot of shorts, t-shirts, light socks, and sandals. I also recommend bringing a hat and sunscreen for protection. Some days (especially evenings) can get a little colder, so you can’t go wrong by bringing a sweater and pants. An umbrella isn’t a bad idea, either, as it often rains. 

Montreal in Fall

If you’re travelling to Montreal in the fall, one of the best things to do is see the fall foliage. Depending on the year, early to late October is usually prime time for stunning fall colours. It’s also Halloween season, and the city celebrates with many special events. 

Fall Weather in Montreal

Consider bringing comfy pants and sweaters when visiting Montreal in the fall. A windbreaker and light gloves are also recommended items. While it’s not winter yet, the temperature can still drop, so it’s always better to pack more layers than less.

So, the best time to visit Montreal is purely up to you! Use this helpful guide to plan your trip to Montreal. It might be winter for snowy fun, summer to take advantage of the festivals, or spring to see the tulips in bloom. Whichever season you choose, we hope you have an unforgettable time exploring Montreal.