Fall in Montreal really sneaks up on you, shifting from those last warm days of summer to downright chilly November nights before you know it. Daytime highs usually start in the low 70s °F in early September, but by late November, you’ll see them drop to the mid-30s °F. Nights cool off even quicker, often flirting with freezing before winter officially arrives.
This steady change impacts everything—what you wear, how you spend your time outside, and even your mood some days.
Clouds roll in more as fall goes on, and rain gradually hands things over to the first snowfalls. Early fall still brings some crisp, sunny days, but by the end, shorter daylight and cold winds make the city feel like another place altogether.
If you know these weather patterns, you’ll have a much easier time enjoying Montreal’s parks, catching fall festivals, or just planning your trip.
Montreal’s fall weather isn’t just about temperatures dropping. The days get shorter, winds pick up, and you start seeing a mix of rain and snow that keeps you on your toes.
With the right expectations, you can really enjoy the season’s beauty—even as Montreal’s wild swings keep you guessing.
Overview of Fall Weather in Montreal
Fall in Montreal comes with fast cooling, shorter days, and a steady move from rain to snow. You’ll notice crisp mornings, earlier sunsets, and more clouds as weeks go by.
Key Fall Weather Characteristics
Temperatures drop fast in Montreal during autumn. In early September, highs often reach the low 70s °F (around 22°C), but by late November, they’re closer to the mid-30s °F (about 2°C).
Nighttime lows drop from the upper 50s °F (14°C) to the mid-20s °F (-4°C).
Rain is pretty common in September and October, with about 2–3 inches each month. By November, snow starts to take over, often adding up to more than 8 inches.
Packing layers is a must, since you might get mild afternoons followed by cold, damp evenings.
Clouds become more frequent as the season goes on. Early fall brings more clear skies, but by late November, overcast days take over more than half the time.
Winds pick up a bit too, averaging 8–10 mph, usually blowing in from the west.
How Fall Differs from Other Seasons
Compared to summer, fall feels way shorter and a lot less predictable. Summer in Montreal is warm, humid, and mostly sunny, but autumn quickly turns cooler, cloudier, and wetter.
You lose more than four hours of daylight between September and November, which is pretty dramatic.
Fall acts as a bridge to winter. You won’t get the deep freeze of January, but you will see the first frosts and maybe even early snowstorms.
By late October, overnight freezes end the growing season.
Spring heads in the opposite direction. Instead of cooling and darkening, you get warmer temps and longer days.
Still, both spring and fall bring a mix of rain and leftover chill, making them more unpredictable than summer or winter.
Historical Trends in Autumn Climate
Montreal’s long-term climate records show fall is always a season of quick change. Average highs and lows drop by more than 30°F from September to November, which is a bigger swing than most other seasons.
Rainfall tends to drop off as fall goes on, while snowfall jumps up sharply in late October and November.
This steady trade-off between rain and snow really defines Montreal’s autumn.
Daylight loss stands out too. The city goes from about 13 hours of daylight in early September to just 9 hours by the end of November.
With more clouds and less sun, things get darker and cooler, setting the stage for winter.
Monthly Breakdown: September, October, and November
Montreal’s fall means quick temperature drops, shorter days, and a slow handoff from rain to early snow. Each month feels a bit different, which changes what you wear, how you get around, and what you might want to do outside.
September Weather Patterns
September still feels pretty mild, with average highs near 21°C (70°F) and lows around 11°C (52°F). Early in the month, you might get some warm afternoons, but evenings start to cool off fast.
By the end of September, you’ll want a jacket.
Rainfall averages about 74 mm (2.9 inches), and there’s about a one-in-three shot of getting a rainy day. Humidity stays comfortable, and those muggy summer days are mostly gone.
Daylight lasts more than 12 hours at the start, but it ticks down steadily. Sunsets move from about 7:30 PM to closer to 6:30 PM by the end of the month.
If you’re thinking about checking out the parks or strolling along the Old Port, September is a great time. You get pleasant daytime temps, but you should be ready for cooler evenings and surprise showers.
October Weather Patterns
October brings a clear shift toward colder conditions. Average highs drop to 13°C (55°F), and lows fall to around 5°C (41°F).
By late October, frost at night is the norm, and you’ll need a heavier coat.
Rainfall holds steady, with about 80 mm (3.1 inches) spread through the month. You might start to see a mix of rain and snow, though it’s rare before the last week.
Daylight drops off fast, from about 11.5 hours at the start to under 10 hours by Halloween. Sunsets come before 6 PM, which can mess with evening plans.
October is also the best month for fall colors. If you want to see the leaves on Mount Royal or in the countryside, aim for mid-October.
Bring layers—daytime warmth disappears quickly after sunset.
November Weather Patterns
November brings a real chill, with average highs around 6°C (43°F) and lows near -1°C (30°F). Early in November, you might still get some cool, rainy days, but by mid to late month, snow becomes much more common.
Snowfall averages 20 cm (8 inches), and by the end of the month, there’s almost a 10% chance of a snow-only day. Rainfall drops compared to October, but you’ll still see plenty of precipitation.
Daylight shrinks to about 9 hours by late November, and sunsets can be as early as 4:15 PM. The evenings feel longer—and definitely colder.
Expect brisk west winds, icy sidewalks, and the start of winter driving conditions.
By this point, patio season is over, and most people head indoors for museums, markets, and other warm spots.
Temperature Trends During Fall
In Montréal, fall means a steady drop in temperatures, shorter days, and those first hints of winter. September brings mild weather, October turns cooler, and by late November, you’re close to freezing most days.
The shift happens fast, so planning for both crisp afternoons and chilly nights is a good idea.
Average Highs and Lows
September’s highs reach about 74°F (23°C), but by late November, they hover around 36°F (2°C). Lows start near 58°F (14°C) in early fall and sink to about 25°F (-4°C) as winter gets closer.
You might start fall in light layers, but by the end, you’ll need a serious coat. Montreal weather can turn on a dime, so packing for a range of conditions is smart.
By November, daytime highs barely get above freezing, so snow is always possible. Nights are even colder, dipping below freezing, especially after mid-October.
These trends show how Montreal shifts from a comfortable early fall to a much harsher late fall.
Daytime vs. Nighttime Temperatures
The gap between daytime and nighttime temperatures gets bigger as fall goes on. In September, nights are mild, often staying above 50°F (10°C).
By November, nights regularly fall below freezing, even if afternoons warm up for a bit.
This cooling pattern changes how you plan your days. In September, you might skip a jacket at noon, but you’ll want one by evening.
November mornings often bring frost, and icy sidewalks can show up overnight.
The sharper night cooling signals the end of the growing season. Gardens and outdoor plants usually give up by late October, when overnight freezes become the norm.
Record Temperature Extremes
Averages help, but Montréal sometimes throws you a curveball. Warm spells in September can push temps into the low 80s°F (27°C), while November cold snaps have dropped lows into the teens°F (-8°C to -10°C).
These extremes aren’t common, but they remind you just how unpredictable the climate can be.
A sunny September day can feel like summer, while an early November cold front might bring snow flurries.
You just have to be ready for anything—fall in Montréal is all about transition and surprise weather changes.
Rainfall and Precipitation in Autumn
During fall in Montreal, you’ll see both rain and the first snow of the season. Steady moisture sticks around, and October usually stands out as the wettest month.
More clouds show up as it gets colder, making everything feel damper and chillier.
Average Monthly Rainfall
Rainfall changes as fall goes on. September brings about 90–100 mm of precipitation, mostly as rain.
October totals climb to around 110–115 mm, making it the wettest month.
November averages close to 95–100 mm, but by then, you’ll see both rain and snow.
So, you should expect wetter weather in mid to late fall. Rain gear works for September and October, but by November, you’ll want waterproof and warmer clothes.
| Month | Avg. Precipitation (mm) | Main Type |
|---|---|---|
| September | ~95 | Rain |
| October | ~114 | Rain |
| November | ~98 | Rain/Snow |
Long-term data shows fall in Montreal is always wet—there’s really no dry month.
Rainy Days and Wettest Periods
Montreal usually gets 12 to 15 days of measurable precipitation each month in autumn. September has fewer rainy days, but showers can still pop up often.
October brings the highest overall rainfall and the most days with precipitation.
November keeps the number of wet days high, but a lot of that falls as snow or a rain-snow mix.
Late fall feels damp and chilly, even if the totals aren’t much different from earlier months.
If you’re planning outdoor stuff, October is the trickiest. You might get several rainy days in a row.
November doesn’t usually have heavy rain, but slushy, messy conditions are pretty standard.
Humidity and Cloud Cover
Humidity stays on the higher side in fall, averaging 70–80%. That moisture makes cold days feel colder, especially when the wind picks up.
You’ll probably notice a damp chill in late October and November, even when it’s not raining.
Clouds also increase as fall moves on. In September, skies are partly cloudy about half the time.
By November, overcast days take over, and sunny breaks get rare.
You’ll end up with shorter, cloudier days as the season goes on. The combo of high humidity and lots of clouds gives Montreal’s fall its gray, wet vibe.
Other Fall Weather Conditions
In fall, Montreal changes in more ways than just temperature. Wind, sunlight, and even visibility shift too, which affects how you plan your days and what you wear.
Wind Speed and Direction
Winds get stronger as fall goes on in Montreal. Average speeds go from about 8 mph in early September to nearly 9.5 mph by late November.
It doesn’t sound dramatic, but as temps drop, you really feel those gusts.
The wind mostly comes from the west, especially in November, when almost half the hours have westerly winds.
That brings in even cooler air and can make it feel colder than what the thermometer says.
Open spots near the St. Lawrence River get the strongest winds, while city streets offer some shelter.
A wind-resistant jacket can make a big difference outdoors.
Sunshine Hours and Daylight
Daylight drops fast through the season. In early September, you get about 13 hours of daylight, but by late November, you’re down to just 9 hours.
Losing over 4 hours changes your whole routine, especially if you like being outside.
Sunrise shifts from around 6:15 AM in early September to after 7:30 AM in November. Sunsets move from 7:30 PM to just after 4:00 PM.
Earlier sunsets mean evening outdoor plans get trickier, so it’s better to do things earlier in the day.
Solar energy plummets too. Average daily sunlight drops from about 5.2 kWh to 1.4 kWh.
You’ll see fewer bright days and rely more on indoor lighting. If photography is your thing, you’ll notice softer light and longer shadows—pretty typical in late fall.
Fog and Visibility
Fog pops up in Montreal a lot when warm air gives way to cold. You’ll notice it most in the early morning, especially around rivers and spots that sit lower than the rest.
Usually, the fog stays light, but it still cuts down visibility for drivers and can slow the morning commute. It’s not that common to get thick, long-lasting fog, but you’ll definitely run into short bursts of reduced visibility often enough.
These foggy patches show up more on cool, calm mornings after it’s rained. If you’re driving outside the city, especially in the suburbs or countryside, give yourself a little extra time.
Downtown Montreal clears up pretty quickly once the sun comes up, so delays aren’t as big of a deal there.
What to Expect and How to Prepare for Fall in Montreal
Montreal’s temperatures drop fast, going from mild in September to almost freezing by November. You’ll see the weather swing from crisp, sunny days to chilly evenings and even early snow, so it’s smart to plan for all kinds of conditions.
Typical Fall Clothing and Gear
Pack layers—seriously, fall in Montreal can mean warm afternoons and then cold nights. September calls for light jackets and sweaters.
By October, you’ll want a heavier coat. November? Bring gloves, scarves, and a warm hat, because it can get downright cold.
Since rain is common and wet leaves make the sidewalks slick, waterproof shoes are a must. A small umbrella or water-resistant jacket will save you from surprise showers.
Here’s a quick clothing guide:
| Month | Daytime High | Suggested Clothing |
|---|---|---|
| September | ~21°C | Light jacket, sweater, jeans |
| October | ~14°C | Medium coat, boots, scarf |
| November | ~6°C | Heavy coat, gloves, warm hat |
Wearing layers helps you handle the jump between chilly walks outside and toasty indoor spaces.
Impact on Outdoor Activities
The cooler weather really changes how you enjoy Montreal’s outdoor spots. Early fall feels perfect for hiking Mount Royal or wandering through Old Montreal, with comfy temperatures and colorful foliage.
By late October, cold winds and shorter days make long outings a bit rougher unless you dress warmly. Rain picks up in October and November, so parks and trails can get muddy.
If you’re planning to bike or hike, grab waterproof gear and sturdy shoes. Snow sometimes shows up by late October, but it usually doesn’t stick around until December.
You might catch a bit of light snow on late fall visits. It can mess with outdoor plans, honestly, but it also gives the city a little extra charm.
Travel Tips for Autumn Visitors
Try booking your accommodations near downtown or Old Montreal. That way, you’ll spend less time getting around in the chilly weather.
If you stay close to restaurants, museums, and transit, you’ll stay warmer and avoid long walks when it gets cold.
Public transit usually works well, but wet weather sometimes slows things down. Maybe give yourself a little extra time just in case.
Bring a reusable water bottle and toss a snack or two in your bag. Outdoor food markets tend to close earlier during autumn, and you might get hungry wandering around.
Planning a day trip to places like Mont Tremblant for fall foliage? Check the latest conditions before heading out. Peak colors typically show up from late September to mid-October, but honestly, it changes every year depending on how much it’s rained and how warm it’s been.
You’ll likely run into fewer crowds than in summer. It’s a great chance to see popular spots like the Notre-Dame Basilica or the Botanical Garden without standing in line forever.