Montréal · Month comparison

December vs July

July ranks #1 overall vs December at #8. The best month — Jazz Fest, Canada Day, Just for Laughs and Osheaga all in one extraordinary month

Montreal Old Montreal in December with Christmas lights and snow

December

#8 of 12 months

Worth considering

Winter Montreal in full effect — Christmas markets, Old Port lights and the city in its most atmospheric winter dress

  • Old Montreal at Christmas with snow on the cobblestones and icicle lights — genuinely magical
  • Christmas markets in Marché Bonsecours and Plateau neighbourhood
Montreal Old Port in summer with festivals and city skyline

July

#1 of 12 months

Best match

The best month — Jazz Fest, Canada Day, Just for Laughs and Osheaga all in one extraordinary month

  • Osheaga Music Festival (Île Sainte-Hélène) — one of North America's premier outdoor music events
  • Canada Day (July 1) celebrations in Old Montreal and across the city
FactorDecemberJuly
Weather score
3
8
Value score
6
4
Crowd score
4
8
Events score
5
9
Atmosphere
6
9
Avg high temp-3°C27°C
Monthly rain73mm91mm
Daily sunshine2.5hrs10hrs

December trade-offs

  • Cold (-10 to -3°C) with heavy snowfall; proper winter equipment essential
  • Christmas week pushes prices up; the city gets busy between Christmas and New Year

July trade-offs

  • Peak accommodation prices and crowds; Montreal receives massive visitor numbers in July
  • Booking Jazz Fest hotel accommodation months ahead is essential
Scores compare months within Montréal. Climate data: Open Meteo ERA5 30-year normals (1991–2020). Methodology →