Montreal in March
In March, Montreal averages 2°C (36°F) during the day and -7°C (20°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 18 days of the month see precipitation (81 mm total).
Off-peakConditions are cold — pack winter layers. Expect daily rain or showers, often in heavy bursts.
March is one of the wetter and less comfortable months in Montreal. If your dates are flexible, consider a different time of year.
How March compares to the rest of the year in Montreal
March is in the middle of the year for warmth in Montreal (9th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (4th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 9°C below the annual average (12°C). March runs 6°C warmer than February (-3°C) and warms a further 8°C into April (11°C).
March sunrise & sunset in Montreal
Times shown for Montreal local time (America/Montreal), calculated for the 15th of March. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Montreal — March
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of March, in Montreal's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Montreal in March
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 March's tier (Off-peak) and Montreal's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — March 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
Sun & mosquito risk — March 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 March
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 March weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Montreal in March →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Montreal in March?
In March, Montreal averages a high of 2°C (36°F) and a low of -7°C (20°F) — generally cold.
Does it rain a lot in Montreal in March?
March is quite rainy in Montreal, with about 18 rainy days on average.
Is March a good time to visit Montreal?
March 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 March?
Pack heavy winter layers, a coat, hat and gloves, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full March packing list for Montreal for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.