Montreal
City in Canada
Montreal is a city in Canada with a population of about 1.9 million people in 2024. Located 165 km from Ottawa, the city draws visitors to its historic architecture, religious sites, and prominent landmarks like the Olympic Stadium and the Montreal Biosphere.
What to see
The city features several significant landmarks. Old Montreal offers a look at the historic heart of the area, while architectural interests include the modernist Habitat 67 and the Olympic Stadium. Religious sites are prominent as well, featuring the Notre-Dame Basilica, Saint Joseph's Oratory, and the Mary, Queen of the World Cathedral. The Montreal Biosphere also serves as a notable sight.
When to go
Montreal experiences distinct seasonal shifts. Summer, spanning June through August, offers the warmest weather with daily highs between 23 °C and 25 °C, though these months also see frequent rain. Winters are cold, with January and February seeing daily highs between -5 °C and -3 °C and lows reaching -14 °C. Travelers preferring milder conditions might consider May or September, when daily highs range from 18 °C to 20 °C.
Getting there
The city is served by Montreal / Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport, which is located 13 km from the city. It is 165 km from Ottawa.
Top sights in Montreal
Weather by month
The warmest month is July, with an average high of 25 °C. Rain is spread fairly evenly through the year.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average high, °C | -5 | -3 | 3 | 11 | 18 | 23 | 25 | 24 | 20 | 12 | 6 | -1 |
| Average low, °C | -14 | -12 | -6 | 1 | 8 | 14 | 17 | 16 | 12 | 6 | 0 | -9 |
| Rainfall, mm | 85 | 73 | 75 | 96 | 100 | 111 | 111 | 114 | 105 | 109 | 109 | 100 |
| Rainy days | 14 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 16 | 15 | 15 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 14 |
Temperatures and rainfall: 1981–2010 averages for Montreal (4 km grid), from CHELSA. Rainy days: 2015–2024, NASA POWER.
Also worth a look
- Montreal Botanical Garden
- Montreal Museum of Fine Arts
- Musée d'art contemporain de Montréal
- Outremont, Quebec