Early winter · Weather & things to do
Montréal in December
Montréal cools off: highs slip to 28°F (-2°C), from 42°F in November, with lows of 13°F (-11°C) and about 3.9 in (98 mm) of rain or snow.
With a comfort score of 38/100 (12th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by cool days.
- Avg high
- 28°F (-2°C)
- Avg low
- 13°F (-11°C)
- Rain or snow
- 3.9 in (98 mm)
- Humidity
- 91%
- Cloud cover
- 76%
- Daylight
- ~8 h 32 min
- Comfort score
- 38/100 · Tough
What December feels like
Real cold sets in, with afternoon highs around 28°F (-2°C).
Average lows of 13°F (-11°C) mean frosty nights and icy mornings.
About 3.9 in (98 mm) of rain or snow falls in the month, and with temperatures averaging below freezing, much of it may come as snow.
Skies are often grey, with average cloud cover around 76%.
Daylight is short, roughly 8 h 32 min mid-month, so start sightseeing early.
Plan around December
December is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are May and July – September.
- Shortest days of the year, about 8 h 32 min of daylight.
- Comfort slips from 43/100 in November to 38/100.
- Our Montréal, Québec City & Charlevoix route recommends Jun – Oct, so December falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for December
- Hat, gloves and thermal base layerslows around 13°F
- Insulated, waterproof bootssnow is likely on some days
- Waterproof outer layerabout 3.9 in of rain or snow
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Montréal in December
Cold days call for a roof: these picks favor sit-down and indoor stops, plus a few for drier spells.
Joe Beef
Little Burgundy bistro known for rich market cooking, oysters and a deep wine list.
Why now A warm sit-down stop when highs sit around 28°F.
Dieu du Ciel!
Pioneering brewpub pouring inventive house beers since 1998.
Why now Somewhere to warm up between colder walks.
Notre-Dame Basilica
Gothic Revival basilica with a deep-blue, gold-starred interior and carved wood altarpiece.
Why now An indoor-leaning stop when highs sit around 28°F.
St-Viateur Bagel
Wood-fired, honey-boiled bagels made around the clock since 1957.
Why now A cozy break on a 28°F day.
Montréal Museum of Fine Arts
Five pavilions spanning Québec and Indigenous art to European masters on Sherbrooke Street.
Why now A way to spend part of a cold day out of the wind.
Nearby in December
- Mont-Tremblant in December~69 mi · highs 24°F, 4.1 in rain or snow · 2°C (3°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Vermont in December~81 mi · highs 30°F, 3.7 in rain or snow · 1°C (2°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Stowe in December~84 mi · highs 30°F, 3.7 in rain or snow · 1°C (2°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- White Mountains in December~140 mi · highs 11°F, 4.1 in rain or snow · 9°C (17°F) cooler by day, about as wet
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid. Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Montréal in December: quick answers
Is December a good time to visit Montréal?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 38/100, held back mainly by cool days. The best months are May and July – September. Expect highs of 28°F (-2°C) and 3.9 in (98 mm) of rain or snow. Our Montréal, Québec City & Charlevoix route recommends Jun – Oct, so December is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Montréal in December?
Average highs are 28°F (-2°C) and average lows 13°F (-11°C), making it the 3rd-coldest month by daytime highs, with nights below freezing on average.
Does it snow a lot in Montréal in December?
Some: about 3.9 in (98 mm) of rain or snow falls across December on average, the 4th-wettest month of the year. With temperatures this low, much of it may fall as snow. The annual total is about 42.8 in (1087 mm).
What should I pack for Montréal in December?
Bring hat, gloves and thermal base layers (lows around 13°F), insulated, waterproof boots (snow is likely on some days), waterproof outer layer (about 3.9 in of rain or snow) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on Montréal
Planning Montréal in December?
Share this December plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.