Québec weather, month by month (with real temperatures)
Updated:
What is the weather like in Québec?
Québec has four distinct seasons: summers around 20-28°C (June-August), brilliant autumns (5-20°C in September-October), cold and snowy winters (-15 to -5°C in December-February), and a variable spring (March-May). Wind chill in winter can push the perceived temperature to -30°C or below.
Understanding Québec’s four seasons
Québec experiences four genuinely distinct seasons — not the Mediterranean definition of “warm” versus “less warm,” but four dramatically different climatic periods that require different gear, different expectations, and entirely different activities.
The figures below are based on historical climate averages for Québec City (QC) and Montréal (MTL). Québec City tends to be colder in winter and slightly cooler in summer; Montréal is on average a few degrees warmer due to its southern position and the urban heat island effect. Both are subject to occasional extreme events — heat waves, blizzards, ice storms — that fall outside the averages.
Note on wind chill: In winter months, wind chill is the operative measure of how cold it feels. A measured temperature of -15°C with moderate wind is perceived as -25°C. Always check both the temperature and the wind chill before heading out in January and February.
Month-by-month temperature and weather data
January
| Metric | Québec City | Montréal |
|---|---|---|
| Average high | -9°C | -7°C |
| Average low | -18°C | -14°C |
| Wind chill (common) | -25 to -35°C | -20 to -30°C |
| Snow days (avg) | 15 | 13 |
| Monthly snowfall | 55 cm | 45 cm |
| Sun hours/day | 3.5 | 3.8 |
What to pack: Heavy insulated jacket, thermal base layers, balaclava, snow boots rated to -30°C, thermal gloves or mittens (not thin gloves — mittens are warmer), waterproof snow pants.
What’s happening: Carnaval de Québec preparations in the last week. Igloofest Montréal (electronic music outdoors). Hôtel de Glace opens. Ski resorts at full operation. Ice fishing huts on frozen lakes.
Insider tip: Indoor spaces in Québec (restaurants, museums, shopping centres) are heated to 20-22°C. You will move between extreme cold and warm interiors constantly. Layers you can add and remove quickly are more practical than one very heavy coat.
February
| Metric | Québec City | Montréal |
|---|---|---|
| Average high | -7°C | -5°C |
| Average low | -17°C | -13°C |
| Wind chill (common) | -20 to -30°C | -18 to -25°C |
| Snow days (avg) | 12 | 11 |
| Monthly snowfall | 50 cm | 40 cm |
| Sun hours/day | 4.5 | 5.0 |
What to pack: Same as January. Sunglasses essential — winter sun on snow is intense.
What’s happening: Carnaval de Québec (runs into mid-February). Ski season peak. Igloofest final weekends. Slightly longer days than January — noticeable increased light by late February.
March
| Metric | Québec City | Montréal |
|---|---|---|
| Average high | -1°C | 2°C |
| Average low | -11°C | -7°C |
| Snow days (avg) | 9 | 8 |
| Monthly snowfall | 45 cm | 35 cm |
| Sun hours/day | 5.5 | 6.0 |
What to pack: Still cold enough for full winter gear in early March. By late March, temperatures occasionally reach +5°C — lighter insulated jacket becomes feasible for daytime. Waterproofs remain essential (snow turns to slush).
What’s happening: Maple syrup season begins mid-March. Cabanes à sucre (sugar shacks) open across Québec, Charlevoix, and Montérégie. Ski season continues with usually good snow conditions. Ice canoe races on the St. Lawrence.
April
| Metric | Québec City | Montréal |
|---|---|---|
| Average high | 8°C | 12°C |
| Average low | -2°C | 2°C |
| Rain days (avg) | 10 | 11 |
| Sun hours/day | 6.5 | 7.0 |
What to pack: Transitional gear. A waterproof jacket over a mid-layer fleece covers most situations. Waterproof footwear — spring melt creates muddy, wet conditions (called “la débâcle” or mud season in rural areas). Pack layers.
What’s happening: Sugar shack season continues until mid-April. Most ski resorts close by mid-month. Bird migration begins. Some trails in national parks are still closed due to conditions. Hotel prices at annual lows.
May
| Metric | Québec City | Montréal |
|---|---|---|
| Average high | 17°C | 20°C |
| Average low | 5°C | 9°C |
| Rain days (avg) | 12 | 12 |
| Sun hours/day | 8.0 | 8.5 |
What to pack: Light jacket for evenings, T-shirts and light layers for days, waterproof rain jacket. Comfortable walking shoes rather than heavy boots.
What’s happening: Whale season opens in Tadoussac (blue whales, fin whales, and belugas return). Cycling season begins. Île d’Orléans begins to bloom. National parks fully open. Festival season preview in Montréal.
June
| Metric | Québec City | Montréal |
|---|---|---|
| Average high | 23°C | 26°C |
| Average low | 11°C | 14°C |
| Rain days (avg) | 13 | 13 |
| Sun hours/day | 9.5 | 9.5 |
| Sunset time | ~9:00 pm | ~8:45 pm |
What to pack: Summer clothing, light layers for evenings, rain jacket, sun protection (sunscreen, hat, sunglasses). Mosquitoes begin in late June in forested areas — insect repellent for hiking.
What’s happening: Jazz Festival Montréal (late June). Fête nationale (Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day) June 24 — the biggest celebration of the year province-wide. Long evenings with daylight until 9pm. Hiking at its best. Whale watching in full swing.
July
| Metric | Québec City | Montréal |
|---|---|---|
| Average high | 26°C | 28°C |
| Average low | 14°C | 17°C |
| Rain days (avg) | 12 | 12 |
| Humidex (peak) | 35°C | 38°C |
| Sun hours/day | 9.0 | 9.0 |
What to pack: Light summer clothing. Sunscreen, reusable water bottle. A light rain jacket for afternoon thunderstorms. Comfortable sandals plus walking shoes. Mosquito repellent for forest trails.
What’s happening: Festival d’été de Québec (mid-July, 11 days). Osheaga Festival Montréal (late July or early August). Canada Day (July 1) — fireworks and events. Whale watching at peak. Old Québec and Old Montréal at their most crowded.
Heat advisory: Montréal experiences heat waves (above 30°C for several consecutive days) most summers. Air conditioning is standard in hotels but less universal in older residential buildings. Hydrate constantly during heat waves.
August
| Metric | Québec City | Montréal |
|---|---|---|
| Average high | 24°C | 27°C |
| Average low | 12°C | 16°C |
| Rain days (avg) | 11 | 11 |
| Sun hours/day | 8.5 | 8.5 |
What to pack: Same as July. Evenings begin to cool slightly by late August — a light layer for evening is useful.
What’s happening: Fêtes de la Nouvelle-France (Québec City, early August — historical festival). Osheaga (if not in late July). Whale watching continues. Charlevoix hiking excellent. First signs of foliage at very high elevations (Chic-Chocs, Laurentides summits) in the last week.
September
| Metric | Québec City | Montréal |
|---|---|---|
| Average high | 18°C | 21°C |
| Average low | 7°C | 10°C |
| Rain days (avg) | 11 | 11 |
| Sun hours/day | 7.0 | 7.0 |
What to pack: Layered approach: T-shirt + long-sleeve + light jacket. Evenings can drop to 5-8°C. Waterproof hiking boots for trails. Layers for the unpredictable transition between summer and autumn.
What’s happening: Foliage begins in the Laurentides (~September 21-30 peak). Whale watching continues through the month. Labour Day weekend (first Monday) brings a brief crowd spike. Hiking in national parks excellent.
Foliage tip: Foliage in the Laurentides peaks around the third and fourth week of September. Check real-time foliage maps on the Tourisme Québec website — they update weekly during the season.
October
| Metric | Québec City | Montréal |
|---|---|---|
| Average high | 10°C | 14°C |
| Average low | 2°C | 5°C |
| Rain days (avg) | 12 | 12 |
| First frost | Common | Occasional |
| Sun hours/day | 5.5 | 5.5 |
What to pack: Warm jacket (down or synthetic insulation), mid-layers, waterproofs. Warm hat and gloves for evenings and mornings. Hiking boots with ankle support for wet trails.
What’s happening: Charlevoix foliage peaks October 1-15. Eastern Townships peaks October 5-20. Thanksgiving (second Monday in October). Whale watching ends mid-month. Halloween events in both cities. Wine harvest in Cantons-de-l’Est.
November
| Metric | Québec City | Montréal |
|---|---|---|
| Average high | 2°C | 5°C |
| Average low | -6°C | -2°C |
| Snow days (avg) | 7 | 5 |
| Sun hours/day | 3.0 | 3.5 |
What to pack: Full winter transition gear. Waterproof jacket, warm layers, hat, gloves. First snow likely — boot waterproofing recommended. Rain/sleet mix common.
What’s happening: Few tourist events. Ski resorts begin snowmaking in mid-to-late November. City life continues in Montréal and Québec City. Darkest month in terms of sun hours.
December
| Metric | Québec City | Montréal |
|---|---|---|
| Average high | -5°C | -2°C |
| Average low | -14°C | -10°C |
| Snow days (avg) | 13 | 11 |
| Monthly snowfall | 45 cm | 35 cm |
| Sun hours/day | 3.0 | 3.0 |
What to pack: Full winter gear (same as January). Layering essential. Warm boots. Christmas market season — time spent outdoors at markets requires proper gear.
What’s happening: Christmas markets in both cities. Ski resorts open by mid-December. New Year’s Eve celebrations. Old Québec at Christmas is genuinely scenic — stone buildings, snow, lantern-lit streets.
Seasonal packing summary
| Season | Key items |
|---|---|
| Winter (Dec-Mar) | Insulated jacket (-30°C rated), thermal base layers, snow boots, balaclava, gloves/mittens, waterproof pants |
| Spring (Apr-May) | Waterproof jacket, mid-layer fleece, waterproof shoes/boots, light layers |
| Summer (Jun-Aug) | Light clothing, sunscreen, rain jacket, mosquito repellent (for forests) |
| Autumn (Sep-Oct) | Warm jacket, waterproofs, hiking boots, hat and gloves for evenings |
Plan your trip
- Best time to visit Québec — full seasonal breakdown with events
- Québec in January — Carnaval and winter activities
- Québec in July — festivals and summer peak
- Québec in October — foliage road trips
- How to rent a car in Québec — winter tyres, driving laws
- Québec with kids: family guide — seasonal family tips
- 7-day Québec fall foliage road trip — October itinerary
- Winter in Québec 7 days — January-February itinerary
Frequently asked questions about Québec weather, month by month (with real temperatures)
How cold does it get in Québec in winter?
January is the coldest month. Average daytime highs in Québec City reach about -9°C; lows drop to -18°C. Wind chill regularly pushes the perceived temperature to -25°C or colder. Montréal is slightly milder: -7°C average high, -15°C average low in January. Snowfall is heavy and persistent from December through March.Does Québec get a lot of snow?
Yes. Québec City receives an average of around 300 cm of snow per year — one of the highest snowfall totals of any major city in the world. Montréal receives approximately 200 cm annually. Snow typically falls from November through April, with the heaviest accumulation in January and February.What is the best weather month in Québec?
June and September offer the best balance of warm temperatures, lower crowd levels, and good visibility for landscapes. July has the warmest temperatures but is also the peak tourist period. Late September offers spectacular fall colours with comfortable hiking weather.Is Québec humid in summer?
Yes. Montréal summers (July-August) can be humid, with humidex (perceived temperature) values reaching 35-40°C on heat wave days. Québec City is less humid but still warm. Thunderstorms are common in July and August, usually clearing quickly.What clothes do I need for a January trip to Québec?
Thermal base layers (merino wool or synthetic), mid-layer fleece, heavy insulated waterproof jacket, insulated waterproof boots rated to -30°C, balaclava, hat, thick gloves or mittens, thermal socks, and waterproof over-trousers. Layering is key — you move between heated interiors and outdoor cold frequently.Does it rain a lot in Québec?
Québec has moderate precipitation year-round. Montréal receives about 1,000 mm annually, spread across the year with wetter periods in May-June and October. Summer rain usually comes as afternoon thunderstorms. A packable rain jacket is useful year-round.