Montreal in December
In December, Montreal averages 0°C (31°F) during the day and -7°C (19°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 16 days of the month see precipitation (91 mm total).
Off-peakConditions are deeply cold — proper winter gear is essential. Expect daily rain or showers, often in heavy bursts.
December is one of the wetter and less comfortable months in Montreal. If your dates are flexible, consider a different time of year.
How December compares to the rest of the year in Montreal
December is one of the coolest months in Montreal (10th of 12) and one of the driest months (11th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 12°C below the annual average (12°C). December runs 6°C cooler than November (6°C) and cools 4°C in January (-5°C).
December sunrise & sunset in Montreal
Times shown for Montreal local time (America/Montreal), calculated for the 15th of December. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Montreal — December
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of December, in Montreal's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Montreal in December
Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on December's tier (Off-peak) and Montreal's popularity.
December in Canada — events that affect travel
Known cultural, religious, or national events that surge prices, fill hotels, or close businesses during this month. Plan around them, or build your itinerary around the ones you'd like to see.
Major travel surge plus widespread Dec 24-26 and Jan 1 business closures.
Plan: Book flights and hotels well ahead; expect many restaurants/shops closed Dec 25 and Jan 1.
Crowds & pricing — December in Montreal
This is off-peak for Montreal — the lowest prices of the year and the fewest crowds, but with real trade-offs: some restaurants, hotels, and beach businesses may close for the season; weather conditions can make outdoor activities unpredictable; and a handful of seasonal sights run reduced hours or close entirely. Great if you prefer a quiet local rhythm and don't mind the climate giving you reasons to choose indoor activities.
Why this tier: challenging tourism weather Christmas / New Year travel surge
Sun & mosquito risk — December in Montreal
UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.
🥶 Bitter cold — Montreal in December
Gear: Snow rare but air is freezing. Insulated coat, hat, and gloves still required — wind chill is the real enemy.
Montreal in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | -5°C / 23°F | -13°C / 8°F | 74 mm | 17 | — |
| February | -3°C / 26°F | -13°C / 9°F | 80 mm | 17 | — |
| March | 2°C / 36°F | -7°C / 20°F | 81 mm | 18 | — |
| April | 11°C / 51°F | 1°C / 33°F | 120 mm | 17 | — |
| May | 19°C / 67°F | 9°C / 47°F | 70 mm | 16 | — |
| June | 24°C / 74°F | 14°C / 58°F | 121 mm | 19 | — |
| July | 26°C / 79°F | 18°C / 64°F | 95 mm | 20 | — |
| August | 25°C / 77°F | 17°C / 63°F | 109 mm | 20 | — |
| September | 21°C / 70°F | 13°C / 55°F | 80 mm | 14 | — |
| October | 14°C / 57°F | 7°C / 44°F | 135 mm | 18 | — |
| November | 6°C / 42°F | -1°C / 30°F | 80 mm | 17 | — |
| December | 0°C / 31°F | -7°C / 19°F | 91 mm | 16 | — |
Other cities with similar December weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Montreal in December →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Montreal in December?
In December, Montreal averages a high of 0°C (31°F) and a low of -7°C (19°F) — generally cold.
Does it rain a lot in Montreal in December?
December is quite rainy in Montreal, with about 16 rainy days on average.
Is December a good time to visit Montreal?
December is cold but on the rainy side. It suits travelers who are comfortable with cold weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for Montreal in December?
Pack heavy winter layers, a coat, hat and gloves, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full December packing list for Montreal for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.