Winter can either be a great time to visit Montreal, or a terrible time… it will all depend on how you’re dressed!
Growing up and living in Montreal my whole life, you’d think I’d be used to the cold winters by now. Well, that isn’t exactly the case, but I do think I’ve figured out how to dress to stay as warm as possible!
What to wear in Montreal in winter is all about layering, finding the proper fabrics, and accessorizing to stay warm. If you’re planning a trip to Montreal in the winter, here’s my guide for what to pack.
Psst! This blog post contains affiliate links in it which sends me a bit of extra money if you use them… at no extra cost to you!
Understanding Winter In Montreal
Whether you’re visiting Montreal for the abundance of winter activities, for one of the many winter festivals, or just to see the city in the snow. The key to visiting Montreal in the winter is packing appropriately for the season.
Winter in Montreal is LONG! It can start as early as November and last until March. And don’t count out that surprise mid-April snowstorm!
There are huge variations in the average temperature and snowfall in the winter, and just know, it’s always feels colder than you think it’ll be.
Another Montreal winter specialty is that the days become extremely short. The sun sets super early (like close to 4:00 P.M. in December), so expect very little daylight during the winter in Montreal.
The Average Temperature In Winter In Montreal
November is when you start seeing the temperature reach 0°C (32°F) and the average high is 6°C (43 °F).
P.S. that doesn’t mean you can’t get a surprise 0°C in October, and definitely expect some temperatures below 0°C as well in November.
“Real” winter in Montreal is only two months, from January to February. This is when you’ll want to dress your warmest.
Outside of those months, it’s typically much more mild and you can get away with wearing lighter clothing.
High (C/F) | Low (C/F) | Snow | |
November | 6°C / 43°F | 0°C/ 32°F | 4″ |
December | -1°C/ 30°F | -8°C/ 18°F | 12″ |
January | -4°C/ 25°F | -12°C/ 10°F | 10.5″ |
February | -3°C/ 27°F | -11°C/ 12°F | 11″ |
March | 2°C/ 36°F | -6°C/ 21°F | 7″ |
Pay More Attention To The “Feels Like”
The average monthly temperatures for winter in Montreal may not look too bad but that’s because they don’t take into account the “feels like”.
The “feels like” is WAY more important to take into consideration.
The “feels like” is exactly what it sounds like. It’s what it actually feels like outside. It takes into account the wind strength, humidity, and air temperature. In fact, knowing the actual temperature doesn’t usually help much at all.
Some days it can be -15°C (5°F) but feel like -25°C (-13°F)… that’s a 10°C swing that can make going outside bearable or not.
On the lesser extreme, it might make -4°C (25°F) feel like -9°C (16°F), but it can still affect what you should wear.
We’ve even seen temperatures in January and February that even feel like -35°C (-31°F), though that’s on the extreme end of things.
Fun Fact: Celsius and Fahrenheit converge at – 40. So -40 °C is -40°F!
How To Dress For Winter In Montreal?
There are a two main rules I follow to survive Montreal winter: layering, and choosing thin but warm fabrics!
Wearing Layers In Montreal In Winter!
The idea behind layering is that you can always take off but you can’t add!
So when you’re leaving for the day, it’s better to dress warmer and have to remove a layer, rather than not dress warm enough and being too cold.
Depending on how cold it is outside, I either either three or four layers.
My three layers will typically be a jacket, sweater, and a T-shirt (or long sleeve shirt). On the really cold days though, I’ll add another thermal layer underneath my top, like this silk tank top.
It isn’t just about layering either, it’s about wearing the right fabrics and materials…
Winter Clothes Montreal All About Wearing Good Fabrics To Stay Warm
To be able to stay warm and dress in layers, you have to wear the right materials like silk, wool, cashmere, and polar fleece.
These are thin, lightweight fabrics that will still keep you warm. Due to their lightweight material, they are not only easier to pack, but more comfortable to layer and wear.
P.S. See my packing tips!
If you wear thicker fabrics, you risk being too tight under your jacket. This creates a lack of mobility and no room to trap warmth so you end up being colder.
For the coldest days, wear a silk tank top, like this one on Amazon, as a base layer. This will hug your body and keep me warm, but won’t add any any bulk – you’ll barely even notice that you’re wearing an extra layer!
On top I wear either a merino wool or cashmere sweater, like this merino wool sweater from Amazon.
And finally, I top it off with my polar fleece from Decathlon.
You might also be interested in…
My digital and printable packing guide on Etsy. Filled with packing planning prompts for your next trip!
P.S. Get an additional discount on my Etsy shop with my code ATRLOVE!
Outerwear: What Jacket To Wear For Winter In Montreal?
To survive a winter in Montreal, you MUST invest in a good jacket.
There are two main criteria you should look for: it should be filled with down feathers, and the length should go to around your knees.
My North Face Metropolis Insulated jacket checks both of these boxes and it’s even perfect for travel! It’s filled with down feathers that makes this jacket lightweight and easy to pack, but also incredibly warm.
It also goes down to my knees. Although it does restrict your movement a bit more, it keeps you a lot warmer than if it stopped at your hips. You can even get a jacket that goes below your knees, or all the way down to your feet for the warmest option.
It looks like a longer puffer jacket, in fact, people are shocked that I wear it all winter long (with a few exceptions for those -30°C days).
See similar down-filled jackets from The North Face.
P.S. When looking for a new jacket, I also make sure it always has a good hood. This can make a huge difference with the blistering winter winds that sometimes hit Montreal winters. Make sure it stays on your head but doesn’t shield your view too much.
What To Wear In Montreal In Winter? Let’s Talk Footwear
You can’t travel to Montreal in winter without a good pair of winter boots. Please don’t be that person wearing running shoes in 10 feet of snow, trust me, it isn’t fun!
Depending on when you’re in Montreal in the winter, you can get away with wearing different weight boots based on the temperature and snowfall.
If you’re in Montreal closer to the beginning or the end of the season (November or March), winterized Dr. Martens or winterized Blundstones will suffice.
P.S. I actually have Classic Blundstones that I winterized by spraying with a waterproof spray, and adding a sherpa insole.
But if you find yourself in Montreal in the dead of winter, I recommend investing in a warmer and taller winter boot. These are key to keeping your feet warm and keeping snow out of your boots.
There are three brands I trust for my quality winter boots, Ugg, Pajar, and Sorel.
P.S. when I mention Ugg, it’s not the classic style series, it’s their Adirondack series.
Accessories To Pack For Winter In Montreal
Accessorize, accessorize, accessorize!
I’m not talking about packing jewellery or dainty scarves, you need to wear appropriate winter accessories to stay warm.
Just like dressing in layers, winter accessories keep you warm and can also be easily removed if you need to cool down.
Winter accessories cover everything from hats, gloves, and scarves but also ear muffs, headbands and neck warmers.
What To Pack For Winter In Montreal: The Proper Hat (& More!)
A hat is important to keep your ears warm, but it also keeps in your body heat. You know, because heat escapes from your head!
For me though, it’s all about keeping my ears as warm as possible. My ears are the first to get cold and if I don’t warm them up quickly it will lead to a terrible headache.
You’ll want to look for a thick hat that sits close to your ears. But in the coldest months of winter, and if I’m outside for a long time, a hat alone is actually not enough.
I find the best is to wear a headband, or earmuffs either underneath or above my hat for added warmth . This way my ears stay nice and toasty (and remember, I can always take off but I can’t add!).
Wear A Scarf To Survive Montreal Winters
A scarf is quite a simple addition but can be life changing. Keeping your neck warm is key to surviving Montreal winter.
This is another case where thinner, good quality (warm) fabrics are better than something that’s thick and maybe more stylish.
For me, the warmest scarves are those that fit underneath my jacket and doesn’t add too much bulk.
For thin but warm scarves you’ll want to look for the same fabrics as before: cashmere, wool, silk, or even polar fleece.
Keep in mind that your scarf will most likely be up against your bare skin as well. If it feels a bit scratchy to the touch (which can be the case with wool) this won’t be comfortable underneath your jacket.
If you still find scarves too bulky, or you have a kid, I recommend getting a neck warmer instead. These are like tubes that you put over your head and pull down to rest around your neck to keep it warm. These are also ideal if you’re planning on going skiing. You never want to ski with a scarf in case it gets caught in something.
P.S. If it gets too cold outside, head inside to one of the many indoor activities in Montreal instead!
What To Pack For Winter In Montreal: Mittens, Gloves, Or Both?
Gloves vs. mittens? Which is better to pack for winter in Montreal? There isn’t really a right answer, it’s more up to personal preference.
Gloves separate your fingers. These are more convenient when you need to use your fingers (i.e. use your phone, or camera). BUT! Because your fingers are separated, gloves are not as warm as mittens.
If it’s really cold outside, I find my fingers will get cold after a few minutes in gloves.
Mittens, on the other hand, keep all your fingers together except for your thumb. This keeps them A LOT warmer than in gloves.
The downside is that you have less movement capability with your fingers, for obvious reasons!
So my go-to are convertible mittens, like these on Amazon. You get the warmth of gloves, but the usability of mittens. They also let me cool down my hands quickly without taking off my whole glove (and risk losing them!).
What About Keeping Your Legs Warm in Montreal Winters
Now that your head, body, and hands are covered (literally!), what about keeping your legs warm in Montreal Winters?
As I mentioned, you can get a jacket that goes all the way down to your feet… but I find that’s a bit excessive.
If you want to stay warm during winter in Montreal, my go-to winter pants are corduroys.
Now I know they’re not the most fashionable style, but they are warm!
Simons does sell some stylish corduroys, and it’s my go-to shop for cords. You can find them in the same styles as you would jeans so they’re just as cute, and you can hardly tell they’re corduroy!
Step It Up! Wear Leg Warmers (or Long Johns)!
To top it all off for even more warmth, I also wear leg warmers, like these on Amazon.
These are perfect if you don’t have a jacket that goes all the way down to your feet, now you’re shins and calves will stay warm.
Another option is to pack thin long johns, like these, to wear under your pants so no one will know!.
What I love about leg warmers though over long johns is that I can roll them down, pull them up, or completely take them off if I need to.
Do You Have To Pack Snow Pants For Winters In Montreal?
If you’re planning on staying in the city, then you don’t need snow pants.
If, however, your plan is to do some outdoor winter activities, like skiing, then snow pants may be a good thing to pack.
Snow pants can be quite bulky to pack as well, but an alternative is to buy waterproof rain pants. These will not keep you warm, though they will help keep you dry.
Extras To Keep You Warm & Safe
Depending on what you’re doing in Montreal, you may want to get a few extra items to stay warm outside.
If you’re planning on either standing outside for a few hours, or doing any winter outdoor activity get yourself some Hot Hands. These are little packets that you can add to your gloves or boots to keep your hands and feet warm.
If your feet tend to get cold in boots, I also recommend getting some thin wool socks.
If you’re doing a lot of walking, on the other hand, you may want to invest in crampons. They easily attach onto your boots and act like “claws”, adding extra traction to prevent you from falling on ice (black ice is a thing in Montreal, you can’t see it on the sidewalks!). These are also a good idea to get if you want to do a bit of winter hiking.
It’s also important to stay warm and cozy inside. I have slipper socks that take up zero room in my suitcase and keep my feet warm in every hotel (perfect to cozy up in Montreal winters!).
What To Do In Winter In Montreal
What you wear in Montreal in winter ultimately depends on when you’re in the city, and what you’re doing.
If you’re touring the city and staying indoors, you can get away with wearing a lot less than if you’re planning on staying outside for several hours at a time (ex. enjoying Montreal festivals, skating, skiing…etc.).
Montreal actually has a lot of indoor activities to explore, check out my top 30 suggestions !
The Best Montreal Winter Festivals
Now that you’re properly dressed, you can enjoy some of THE BEST Montreal winter festivals!
My all-time favourite is Nuit Blanche, when the STM (Montreal’s public transport system) stays open ALL NIGHT LONG.
But it’s actually a part of a larger festival, Montreal en Lumiere. Nuit Blanche is usually the last weekend in February/ first weekend of March. And even though it takes place the first weekend of March we’ve had some of the coldest weather for Nuit Blanche.
Igloofest is another popular Montreal winter festival. Over the course of two months, different DJ’s are invited to perform every weekend. Did I mention, it’s all outside… so be sure to dress properly!
Montreal Winter Activities To Enjoy
There’s no shortage of classic winter activities to enjoy in and around Montreal. First, there are tons of skating rinks (free and paid), like in the Old Port or Beaver Lake!
If you want to venture outside the city, you can go skiing (downhill and cross-country), snow-shoeing, tubing, and even dog sledding!
My favourite all-around park is La Parc Nature Les Forestiers-de-Saint-Lazare. This has it all! You can go skiing, snow shoeing, skating, AND even tubing! You can also rent equipment here if you need.
Montreal Organized Winter Tours
Explore the best of Montreal in the winter with organized tours from Viator!
Head out on a Christmas walking tour →
Experience biking in Montreal in the winter in Mount Royal →
See more Montreal tours on Viator.
Winter Essentials To Pack For Montreal In Winter
Winter Clothing To Pack
- Down Jacket
- Thermal Layer: Polar Fleece, Cashmere, or Wool Sweater
- Optional Thermal Layer: Silk Tank Top
- Corduroy or Fleece Lined Pants
- Long Johns or Leg Warmers
- Winter Boots
Winter Accessories To Pack
- Hat
- Optional: Ear Muffs or Headband
- Scarf or Neck Warmer
- Gloves or Mittens
- Optional: Hot Hands
- Optional: Wool Socks
- Optional: Crampons
- Optional: Slipper Socks
Don’t forget a thing when packing for winter in Montreal, use my packing planner and checklist on Etsy.
Need help packing all these winter essentials? Check out my guide for packing tips!
Shop My Montreal Winter Essentials on Amazon
P.S. Need A Place To Stay In Montreal? Hotel Recommendations
I love going on staycations at Hotel Nelligan in the Old Port of Montreal. It’s in a great location, walking distance to everywhere you need to be. When you stay there you can’t miss out on their unique roof top terrace above the hotel. See room rates & availability.
I’ve also stayed at the newly built Homewood Suites in Montreal Midtown (west of the city) and I’d highly recommend it if you’re looking for a hotel that isn’t in the city centre. But they also have a branch downtown as well. It has a little kitchenette in every room and breakfast is included. Even though it isn’t downtown, you aren’t far from it. It’s walking distance to the Namur metro station, which will get you downtown in less than 20 minutes. See room rates & availability.
Here are some other alternatives I’ve heard about if you’re looking to stay in Downtown Montreal;
If you’re looking to stay in the heart of Downtown Montreal check out Auberge Les Bons Matins. This is a one of a kind stay perfect for a romantic getaway in Montreal. In this charming inn in Montreal, you’ll get a taste of local life. See room rates & availability.
You can also stay Le Square Phillips Hôtel & Suites if an auberge isn’t your style. Le Square Phillips Hôtel & Suites is in a supreme location in between the orange and the green metro line that get you anywhere else in the city. Breakfast is also included with your stay! See room rates & availability
For more accommodation options in Montreal, see Booking.com.
Winter Bucket List (Printable)
Don’t let the winter cold get to you this year, get out and try new winter experiences with my downloadable Winter Bucket List.
I’ve put together a list of fun winter activities perfect to stay busy this winter. Plus if there’s anything extra you think of, there are two blank winter checklists for you to fill out with your own ideas!
Related Travel Guides
- Top 10 Montreal Winter Festivals
- How To Pack Your Suitcase Like A Pro
- The Full Guide To Ottawa In Winter: Is The Cold Worth It?
- Quebec City In Winter: 11 Unspoken Realities To Know
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Last update on 2024-11-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Katy
Saturday 13th of March 2021
These are some great tips! I've never been to Montreal before but it's definitely on my bucket list. I have no clue what to wear so this is super helpful.
Meghan
Sunday 14th of March 2021
Dressing for Montreal is definitely a challenge with our crazy weather! I swear we had clear skies, rain, and snow all in the span of a few hours! But nevertheless worth a visit just be prepared!
Alanna Koritzke
Saturday 13th of March 2021
As a Los Angeles girl I am totally clueless as to what to wear in a real winter. This is so helpful!
Meghan
Sunday 14th of March 2021
Can't get more real than Montreal winter :P
Neha
Saturday 13th of March 2021
What a great and detailed guide. This is so helpful. I remember living in Philly for couple of years and facing some cold winters, although nothing compared to Montreal. So true, I loved my North Face jacket. It kept me warm and the best part is it is so light.
Meghan
Sunday 14th of March 2021
I cannot stress how much I LOVE my North face! I feel like Philly winters are a breeze compared to Montreal, I'd love to visit one day! Hopefully you'll be more prepared in MTL!
Lisa
Saturday 13th of March 2021
As someone who literally freezes when the wind blows, I love this informative post on clothing suggestions in the wintertime, especially from a local!
Meghan
Sunday 14th of March 2021
The wind is the legit the silent killer! It can be the nicest, sunniest day outside but when the cold wind blows, it can chill you down to your bones if you aren't dressed properly!
Kelly
Saturday 13th of March 2021
Great post. So important to dress warmly and pay attention to what the temp actually feels like. Would love to go back to Montreal.
Meghan
Sunday 14th of March 2021
Yes without checking the the feels like you might as well not even check the weather! It can be SO different! Now you're prepared for when you make it back here!