Montreal in winter has a reputation: cold, snowy, and not exactly subtle about it. But ask anyone who has spent time here between December and March, and they’ll tell you the city treats winter as a full-time season, not an inconvenience. From lively festivals to cozy food spots and snowy parks that feel almost cinematic, the city knows how to make the most of the cold.

Is It Worth Going to Montreal in Winter?

If you’re willing to embrace the season, yes, Montreal in winter is absolutely worth the trip. Streets stay busy, cafés glow with people warming up over hot chocolate, and festivals like Montréal en Lumière add bursts of color to the darkest months. While January and February can be icy, the upside is lower hotel prices, shorter lines at major attractions, and a different, almost atmospheric version of this Canadian city.

Travelers often worry about the cold. And it’s true, this is not a mild winter destination. But with good layers and realistic expectations, the cold becomes part of the charm. Snow-covered Old Montreal is beautiful, Mount Royal turns into a giant playground, and indoor attractions like museums, food markets, and galleries are ideal for slow-paced days.

If your interests include food, winter sports, culture, or photography, a winter weekend in Montreal, Canada is especially rewarding.

What’s The Weather Like in Montreal During Winter

How cold does Montreal get in winter? The short answer: pretty cold, but manageable if you are prepared. The cold here is often described as “damp,” which can feel bone-chilling if you aren’t wearing the right layers, but the air is also crisp and refreshing.

Snow is a guarantee. Montreal is one of the snowiest major cities in Canada and all of North America. From December through March, the city is typically blanketed in white, adding to its picturesque aesthetic. However, weather can fluctuate; you might get a sunny, crisp -5°C day followed by a heavy snowstorm.

Here is a breakdown of what to expect month-by-month to help you plan:

Month	Avg High (°C / °F)	Avg Low (°C / °F)	Snowfall / Notes
December	-1°C / 30°F	-8°C / 18°F	Festive snow; days are short but bright with holiday lights.
January	-5°C / 23°F	-14°C / 7°F	The coldest month. Heavy snow is common; perfect for winter sports.
February	-3°C / 27°F	-12°C / 10°F	Still very cold, but days start getting longer. Peak festival season.
March	2°C / 36°F	-6°C / 21°F	Transition month. Can be slushy, but warmer days hint at spring in eastern Canada.

Best Things to Do in Montreal in Winter

Here are my top 10 recommendations to embrace the season like a local.

1. Skate under the stars at the Old Port

There is something cinematic about lacing up your skates at the Natrel Skating Rink in the Old Port. Unlike a generic indoor rink, here you are gliding on the frozen Bonsecours Basin with the historic skyline on one side and the St. Lawrence River on the other. In the evenings, the rink is illuminated with colorful lights, and upbeat music pumps through the speakers. It’s romantic, fun, and quintessentially Montreal. If you don’t have skates, don’t worry, rentals are available right on-site.

2. Warm up in the tropical biosphere of the Botanical Garden

When the wind chill hits -20°C, step inside the greenhouses at the Montreal Botanical Garden and instantly transport yourself to the tropics. The “Space for Life” museum complex is a fantastic escape. Walking through the humid, orchid-filled greenhouses while looking out at the snowbanks pressing against the glass is a surreal and comforting experience. It’s a quiet, lush retreat that reminds you that life blooms even in the depths of winter.

3. Conquer Mount Royal (and slide down it!)

You can’t visit Montreal without paying homage to “The Mountain.” In winter, Mount Royal Park becomes the city’s snow-covered living room. You can hike up to the Kondiaronk Belvedere for that famous skyline view, but the real fun is renting a snow tube and flying down the dedicated sliding lanes near Beaver Lake. It’s not just for kids – I’ve seen grown adults screaming with joy (myself included). Afterwards, grab a hot chocolate at the grand chalet to warm your frozen fingers.

4. Immerse yourself in the Aura experience

The Notre-Dame Basilica is stunning on any given day, but the Aura light show takes it to another level. This multimedia experience uses the basilica’s ornate Gothic Revival architecture as a canvas for dynamic light projections and orchestral music. It’s a moving, almost spiritual experience that highlights the beauty of the heritage interior in a modern way. It’s the perfect indoor activity to awe your senses while escaping the cold for an hour.

5. Relax at Bota Bota, spa-sur-l’eau

Imagine sitting in a steaming hot tub on a boat, surrounded by a frozen river, watching snowflakes melt on your skin. Bota Bota is a floating spa moored in the Old Port that offers a “water circuit” of saunas, cold plunges, and relaxation areas. The contrast between the biting cold air and the warmth of the thermal baths is incredibly invigorating. It’s a silence-enforced zone, making it the ultimate recharge spot during a busy trip.

6. Brave the cold for Igloofest

If you are visiting Montreal in January, you have to experience Igloofest, one of the most iconic outdoor winter festivals in Canada. It bills itself as the “coldest music festival in the world,” and they aren’t kidding. Thousands of people gather outdoors at the Old Port, dressed in neon retro ski suits, to dance to electronic music. The energy is electric enough to keep you warm, but the mulled wine and fire pits help too. It’s a defiant, high-energy celebration of winter that proves you don’t need a beach to have a party.

7. Explore the Underground City (RÉSO)

Locals often roll their eyes when tourists ask about the “Underground City,” clarifying that it’s mostly just a connecting network for malls and metros. But when it’s freezing outside, this 32-kilometer network of tunnels is a lifesaver. You can literally walk from your hotel to a museum, a shopping mall, and a metro station without ever putting on a coat. It’s a fascinating feat of urban planning that connects major downtown hubs like the Eaton Centre and Place Ville Marie.

8. Get lit at Montréal en Lumière

Taking place in late February, this Montreal winter festival is one of the largest of its kind. The Quartier des Spectacles lights up with interactive art installations, outdoor slides, and gourmet food kiosks. The highlight is Nuit Blanche, an all-nighter where museums, galleries, and metro lines stay open until the early morning hours. It’s a cultural marathon that showcases the city’s creativity and stamina.

9. Eat your weight in Smoked Meat and Bagels

Winter demands comfort food, and Montreal delivers. No trip is complete without visiting Schwartz’s Deli for a smoked meat sandwich stacked impossibly high. But the real winter fuel is the Montreal bagel. Head to the Mile End neighborhood and visit either St-Viateur or Fairmount Bagel. Buy a dozen hot, sesame-seed-crusted bagels straight from the wood-fired oven. Eating a steaming bagel on a snowy sidewalk is a rite of passage here.

10. Wander the cobblestones of Old Montreal

While this is a year-round activity, Old Montreal in winter feels like a Charles Dickens novel. The historic buildings are often dusted with snow, and the warm glow of gas-lamp-style streetlights creates a cozy atmosphere. Rue Saint-Paul is lined with art galleries and souvenir shops perfect for ducking into. Just be careful with your footing, those historic cobblestones can get slippery, so walk like a penguin!

How to Spend a Winter Weekend in Montreal

A winter weekend in Montreal works best when you combine outdoor time, warm indoor stops, and a few good meals. The key is pacing, no rushing between attractions, and choosing activities near one another to minimize long walks in extreme cold. Layer your days with one big outdoor activity, one cultural stop, and lots of breaks.

Below are two itinerary examples to help you make the most of your time.

Montreal 2-day winter itinerary

Day 1

Morning: Start with brunch in Old Montreal. Wander the snowy streets of Rue Saint-Paul and visit the Notre-Dame Basilica.

Afternoon: Head to the Old Port for a ride on La Grande Roue (Ferris wheel) for heated views of the city, followed by an hour of skating at the Natrel Rink.

Evening: Warm up with a dinner of French onion soup or fondue at a cozy bistro in the Old Port. End the night with the Aura light show or a walk through the Place Jacques-Cartier.

Day 2

Morning: Utilize the Underground City (RÉSO) to shop and explore downtown without a coat. Pop up to visit the Museum of Fine Arts on Sherbrooke Street.

Afternoon: Head to Mount Royal Park. Hike or bus up to the Chalet for the view, then rent a tube and slide down the hill.

Evening: Enjoy diverse dinner downtown or in Chinatown. If it’s January, head to Igloofest; otherwise, grab a cocktail at a speakeasy like The Coldroom.

Montreal 3-day winter itinerary

Day 3

Morning: Take an Uber or metro to the Plateau/Mile End. Start with a coffee at a hipster cafe, then grab a hot bagel from St-Viateur.

Afternoon: Walk off the carbs by exploring the murals along Saint-Laurent Boulevard. Stop at vintage shops and boutiques. If you are freezing, duck into the Rialto Theatre or a local bookstore.

Late Afternoon: Indulge in the ultimate Canadian winter dish: Poutine. La Banquise is the classic spot, open 24/7 with dozens of varieties.

Evening: Relax your muscles at Bota Bota spa in the Old Port. Watching the city lights from a hot tub is the perfect way to end your trip.

How to Survive Montreal in Winter

Winter in Montreal is manageable – even enjoyable – with the right preparation.

Clothing & gear

• Dress in layers: base layer, fleece or sweater, insulated jacket
• Waterproof boots with good traction
• A warm hat that covers your ears
• Gloves or mittens (consider touchscreen-friendly ones)
• A scarf or neck warmer
• Socks meant for cold weather

Getting around

The metro is efficient, reliable, and warmer than buses. Taxis and rideshares operate normally even in heavy snow. Walking is still common in winter – sidewalks are salted daily – but expect patches of ice.

Food & drinks

Hearty meals help you stay warm. Montréal’s restaurants serve comfort dishes like soups, stews, pasta, and classic Québec comfort food. Cafés are everywhere and ideal for warming up between activities.

Skating & outdoor sports

If you’re new to winter sports, start with skating. Most rinks offer rentals, and staff are used to beginners. For snowshoeing or cross-country skiing, parks like Mount Royal provide easy groomed trails.

Spas & indoor breaks

Plan one indoor experience every few hours – cafés, markets, museums, or shops. This pacing helps you avoid the “cold fatigue” travelers sometimes feel.

FAQ

Is it safe to drive in Montreal in winter?

It can be challenging if you aren’t used to snow. Montreal requires winter tires by law for locally registered cars. If you rent a car, ensure it has winter tires. However, the Metro and underground city make a car largely unnecessary for tourists.

What is the best month to visit Montreal in winter?

February is ideal for festivals and consistent snow, while December has the best holiday atmosphere.

Does Montreal get lots of snow?

Yes. Montreal receives an average of over 200 cm (about 82 inches) of snow each winter. It is very likely you will see snow on the ground from late December through March.

What is the “Underground City”?

It is not a literal city of people living underground! It is a series of interconnected shopping malls, office towers, hotels, and metro stations linked by tunnels. It’s great for getting from point A to B downtown without stepping outside.

What to do in Montreal in winter if I don’t ski?

So much! You can visit world-class museums, enjoy the spa circuit, go dog sledding (nearby), eat your way through food tours, or enjoy the festivals like Montréal en Lumière which focuses on light art and gastronomy, not just sports.

Do I need to speak French?

While Montreal is a French-speaking city, most people in the tourist areas (Old Montreal, Downtown) speak fluent English.

Is Montreal expensive in winter?

Generally, winter is the off-peak season (except during major holidays), so you can often find great deals on hotels. Food and drink prices remain standard, but many outdoor activities like skating or viewing lights are low-cost or free.