Montreal, Quebec, Canada: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to Montreal, Quebec, Canada? If you're planning to go to Montreal, I've got some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Montreal
- Important essentials for Montreal
- Activities for Montreal
- Montreal in January: weather and what to pack
- Montreal in February: weather and what to pack
- Montreal in March: weather and what to pack
- Montreal in April: weather and what to pack
- Montreal in May: weather and what to pack
- Montreal in June: weather and what to pack
- Montreal in July: weather and what to pack
- Montreal in August: weather and what to pack
- Montreal in September: weather and what to pack
- Montreal in October: weather and what to pack
- Montreal in November: weather and what to pack
- Montreal in December: weather and what to pack
About your travel guide
Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.
When to go to Montreal, Quebec, Canada
There are many events and festivals held throughout the year in Montreal. In our opinion, July is the best time to go, as you may get to attend both the Just for Laughs comedy festival and the Jazz Festival.
August is also a good time to go to Montreal if you're looking for the best weather.
One great thing about Montreal is the underground city, which allows you to tour the city even in the bitter cold. See below for details.
Important essentials for Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Montreal, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
IMPORTANT COVID-19 ESSENTIALS
-
N95 masks
These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID protection you can have.
-
Proof of COVID-19 vaccination/negative test
-
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards can get worn. An unreadable card can have severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps avoid that.
-
Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks aren't sold for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
-
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
-
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is a good plane-friendly choice.
-
Touchless thermometer
A touchless thermometer is important to have.
Other health necessities
Don't forget these
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Luggage protection
Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.
-
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. This one is sufficent for most areas, but you should check with your hotel.
-
Airplane or car necessities
-
For families with young children
-
Photography accessories
- cell phone photography gimbal
- camera drone for outdoor shots
- extra batteries
- extra memory cards
-
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Montreal. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.
-
Money/passport pouch
Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.
-
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
Activities for Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for Montreal.
Foodie tour
If you're a foodie, check out this tour. You will get to try some of Montreal's best bakeries and eateries, while seeing the city.
Brewery tour of Montreal
This is one of our favorite things to do in Montreal -- you get to try plenty of locally made beers while learning about them from a knowledgeable guide.
Toronto & Niagara Falls tour
If you don't have separate plans to see Niagara Falls, this is a nice option, with all of the scheduling done for you.
What to wear/what to pack for Montreal, Quebec, Canada by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
Traveling to Montreal in January, you will notice that it can be dangerously cold. Daytime temperatures are in the 20s F (single digits below 0 C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Insulated boots
The best value
-
Fleece for under jacket
-
Night cap
It's suggested to wear a cap at night here like this
-
Extreme cold weather gear
-
Neck gaiter/ski mask
-
Lip balm
Our pick: this one
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are an excellent value:
-
Coveralls
We like:
-
Goggles for eye protection
-
Thick pajamas
-
Heated gloves
-
Thermal undergarments
We suggest:
-
Heated socks.
We've found
these to be the best
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite:
-
Ski accessories
Montreal has some good cross-country skiing. If you plan to ski, we would recommend:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
February
February in Montreal can be bitter cold. The snow can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 20s F (single digits below 0 C), although night temperatures can dip into the single digits F (10+ below zero C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Heavy sweaters
-
Thermal undergarments
We love:
-
Very heavy heated socks
Like these
-
Fleece inner layer
-
Extreme cold weather gloves
-
Scarf/neck warmer
-
Coveralls/snow pants
Here are some of the best choices:
-
Insulated ice boots
We use:
-
Pajamas
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are a great value:
-
Lip balm
The best option: here
-
Ski accessories
Montreal has some good cross-country skiing. If you plan to ski, we would recommend:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
March
If you go to Montreal in March, you will notice that it is frosty. Daytime temperatures are in the high 30s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
April
If you go to Montreal in April, you will notice that it is pretty cool. Daytime temperatures are in the low 50s F (low 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
May
Traveling to Montreal in May, you will notice that it is balmy. Daytime temperatures are in the 60s F (high 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
June
June in Montreal is warm. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 60s F (high 10s C) to 70s F (mid 20s C). You may get a chance to attend the Francophile festival or the Jazz festival, as these often occur in June. The beer festival also occurs in early June.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Extra socks
-
Sandals
-
Light skirts
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Bug repellent
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
-
Rain poncho
A durable rain poncho to wear over your jacket saves you time and money by protecting your nice coat. We like this one.
-
The stormy weather makes rubber rain boots a necessity. These boots are well-suited for stormy weather:
-
An umbrella
This excellent one is made for storms.
-
Waterproof luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. The most durable luggage can let rain in. We suggest:
-
Rain pants
These will be vital in heavy rain.
July
July is pretty consistently hot. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day. July is known in Montreal for having the Just for Laughs comedy festival, which is the largest event held in the city. Depending on the year, the Jazz festival and the fireworks festival may also take place in July.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Bug repellent
-
Light skirts
-
Extra socks
-
Sandals
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
-
Rain poncho
A good rain poncho to wear over your coat can be a lifesaver by protecting your coat. We like this one.
-
The stormy weather makes rubber rain boots a necessity. These boots are great for stormy weather:
-
An umbrella
This excellent one is designed for stormy weather.
-
Waterproof luggage cover
So your stuff stay dry. The best suitcases can let rain in. We recommend:
-
Rain pants
These are vital in heavy rain.
August
August is a perfect temperature. Temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light skirts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Bug repellent
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Sandals
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Extra socks
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
-
Rain poncho
A good rain poncho to wear over your jacket can be a lifesaver by protecting your coat. We like this one.
-
Stormy weather makes rubber rain boots a must. These boots work well for stormy weather:
-
An umbrella
This excellent one is built for bad weather.
-
Waterproof luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. The most durable luggage can let water in. We like:
-
Rain pants
These will be a lifesaver in heavy rain.
September
Traveling to Montreal in September, you will notice that it is mild. Daytime temperatures are in the high 60s F (low 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
October
October in Montreal is cool. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 40s F (single digits C). But the colder weather doesn't bring low humidity, which is in the 60% to 70% range on average.
What to wear/what to pack:
November
If you go to Montreal in November, you will notice that it is brisk. Daytime temperatures are in the low 40s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
December
December in Montreal is very cold. Temperatures average in the high 20s F (single digits below 0 C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are a great value:
-
Extreme cold weather gloves
-
Lip balm
The best choice: this
-
Pajamas
-
Coveralls/snow pants
Here are some of the best choices:
-
Heavy sweaters
-
Scarf/neck warmer
-
Insulated ice boots
We use:
-
Very heavy heated socks
Like these
-
Thermal undergarments
Our choice is:
-
Fleece inner layer
-
Ski accessories
Montreal has some good cross-country skiing. If you plan to ski, we would recommend:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
Check out our guides for these other locations: Government Camp, Oregon, United States of America, Walpole, Massachusetts, United States of America, Sangay National Park, Ecuador, Cuckmere Haven, England, United Kingdom, East Hampton, New York, United States of America, La Digue, Seychelles, West Bay, England, United Kingdom, Sisophon, Cambodia, Shiretoko National Park, Japan, Sedona, Arizona, United States of America, and Żywiec, Poland.