Mid-winter · Weather & things to do
Montréal in January
This is the coldest month in Montréal: highs average 21°F (-6°C) and lows 2°F (-16°C), with about 2.8 in (72 mm) of rain or snow.
With a comfort score of 43/100 (10th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by cool days.
- Avg high
- 21°F (-6°C)
- Avg low
- 2°F (-16°C)
- Rain or snow
- 2.8 in (72 mm)
- Humidity
- 92%
- Cloud cover
- 69%
- Daylight
- ~8 h 53 min
- Comfort score
- 43/100 · Tough
What January feels like
It's cold: daytime highs average just 21°F (-6°C), so build the days around warm stops.
Nights drop below freezing, with an average low of 2°F (-16°C), so expect frost and ice.
Expect about 2.8 in (72 mm) of precipitation (rain or snow). Because the average temperature is below freezing, snow is likely on some days.
Only about 8 h 53 min of daylight means early sunsets.
Plan around January
January is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are May and July – September.
- Comfort improves from 38/100 in December to 43/100.
- Our Montréal, Québec City & Charlevoix route recommends Jun – Oct, so January falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for January
- Hat, gloves and thermal base layerslows around 2°F
- Insulated, waterproof bootssnow is likely on some days
- Waterproof outer layerabout 2.8 in of rain or snow
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Montréal in January
With highs near 21°F, these picks lean toward food, drink and places with a roof, with outdoor options when the weather breaks.
Jean-Talon Market
One of North America's largest open-air markets, packed with Québec cheeses, maple and seasonal produce.
Why now An indoor-leaning stop when highs sit around 21°F.
St-Viateur Bagel
Wood-fired, honey-boiled bagels made around the clock since 1957.
Why now A warm sit-down stop when highs sit around 21°F.
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.
Dieu du Ciel!
Pioneering brewpub pouring inventive house beers since 1998.
Why now Somewhere to warm up between colder walks.
Schwartz's Deli
Smoked-meat institution since 1928, serving hand-cut brisket on rye with mustard.
Why now A cozy break on a 21°F day.
Nearby in January
- Mont-Tremblant in January~69 mi · highs 18°F, 3.3 in rain or snow · 2°C (4°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Vermont in January~81 mi · highs 24°F, 2.5 in rain or snow · 2°C (3°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Stowe in January~84 mi · highs 24°F, 2.5 in rain or snow · 2°C (3°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- White Mountains in January~140 mi · highs 5°F, 2.6 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 January: quick answers
Is January a good time to visit Montréal?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 43/100, held back mainly by cool days. The best months are May and July – September. Expect highs of 21°F (-6°C) and 2.8 in (72 mm) of rain or snow. Our Montréal, Québec City & Charlevoix route recommends Jun – Oct, so January is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Montréal in January?
Average highs are 21°F (-6°C) and average lows 2°F (-16°C), making it the coldest month by daytime highs, with nights below freezing on average.
Does it snow a lot in Montréal in January?
Some: about 2.8 in (72 mm) of rain or snow falls across January on average, the 2nd-driest 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 January?
Bring hat, gloves and thermal base layers (lows around 2°F), insulated, waterproof boots (snow is likely on some days), waterproof outer layer (about 2.8 in of rain or snow) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
More on Montréal
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