Montreal FAQs

Find out all you need to know about visiting Montreal.

When is the best time to visit Montreal?

The best time to visit Montreal is May-September with the best weather and the most events. Summer (June-August) is sunnier with averages of 18-24°C, while spring (April-May) begins cold and becomes mild in May. Autumn (September-October) can be very warm in September before cooling markedly in October. The long winter (November-March) is very cold with a lot of snowfall December-February. Rainfall is quite constant throughout the year with more thunderstorms in summer.

What is the time difference between the UK and Montreal?

Montreal is in Eastern Standard Time GMT – 5 hours, with Daylight Saving Time (+ 1 hour) March to November.

What places combine well with Montreal?

Montreal is easily combined with Ottawa in Ontario to the west (2 hours’ drive). Quebec City is 2.5 hours’ drive to the north-east. Mont Tremblant is 1.5 hour’s drive north-west and Mauricie is two hours north-east.

What are the main cultural events in Montreal?

January to February – Fête de Neiges (Snow Festival) – four weekends of shows and winter activities.
February to March – Montreal en Lumière – light shows, art and fine dining.
June – Mural Festival – a celebration of street art.
June – Canadian Grand Prix
June to July – International Jazz Festival
July – Montreal Complètement Cirque– circus festival.
July – L’International des Feux Loto-Québec – fireworks competition.
July – Just for Laughs, the Montreal Comedy Festival, has been running for over 40 years and attracts many of the world’s best established and upcoming comedians.
August – Osheaga Music and Arts Festival – pop, rock and electronic music in Parc Jean-Drapeau.
September to October – Autumn of Lights – illuminations in the Botanical Garden.