Fall in Quebec City brings crisp air, colorful foliage, and a real shift in temperature. You’ll notice average daytime highs dropping steadily from the low 70s°F (around 22°C) in early September to almost freezing by late November.
Nights cool off fast, so you’ll want to grab some layers if you’re heading outside.
As fall goes on, the weather grows cloudier and wetter. September and October bring plenty of rain, and November usually delivers the first real snow.
Humidity stays moderate, but the cool air makes everything feel brisk and refreshing.
This mix of chilly weather and changing skies creates a unique travel vibe. You can wander through historic streets, check out seasonal festivals, and take in those fall colors before winter really sets in.
Overview of Fall Weather in Quebec City
Fall in Quebec City brings cooler temperatures, shorter days, and a lot more clouds. Rainfall drops off as the season moves on, but snowfall starts showing up, signaling that winter’s not far away.
Typical Fall Climate Patterns
From September through November, both daytime and nighttime temperatures drop steadily. Average highs start at about 22°C (72°F) in early September and slide down to almost 1°C (33°F) by late November.
Lows go from around 13°C (56°F) to -5°C (23°F).
September usually brings about 3–4 inches of rain, but you’ll see less as fall continues. By November, snow becomes the main story, with some years seeing over 20 cm (8 inches).
Clouds take over the sky more and more, and by late fall, clear or even partly cloudy days are rare. Humidity drops, and muggy days vanish by October.
Winds pick up, mostly from the west, adding a bite to the late fall air.
Transition from Summer to Fall
Quebec City shifts from summer warmth to fall coolness really quickly. Early September still feels pretty mild, with comfy evenings and long days.
By October, daytime highs often stay below 15°C (59°F), and frost starts showing up at night.
Daylight disappears fast, with more than 4 hours lost between early September and late November. Sunsets move from after 7:00 PM to before 4:00 PM by the end of November.
That lack of daylight can make outdoor plans tricky and the city feel colder.
Nearby rivers and lakes cool down a lot too, dropping from the low 60s°F (16–18°C) to close to 40°F (4°C) by late fall. You’ll definitely notice the chill walking near the St. Lawrence River.
Comparison with Other Seasons
Fall in Quebec City feels much cooler than summer, which usually hits highs of 22–25°C (72–77°F) with long, sunny days.
In fall, highs drop off and the growing season wraps up by mid-October.
Compared to winter, fall is a bridge. Winter brings daily highs often below -7°C (20°F) and heavy snow, but fall still has some milder days, especially in September.
Spring’s different too. Temperatures crawl up from freezing in March to something nicer by May.
Fall does the opposite, with warmth and daylight vanishing quickly. Honestly, autumn feels like the biggest seasonal shift in Quebec’s climate.
Average Fall Temperatures and Conditions
Quebec City’s fall features a steady temperature drop, shorter days, and a move from rainy weather to snow by late November.
You’ll notice cooler mornings, more clouds, and early signs of winter as November gets closer.
September Weather Overview
September still feels relatively mild. Highs start near 72°F (22°C) in early September and cool to the low 60s°F (16–18°C) by month’s end.
Nights dip into the 40s°F (7–9°C), so evenings get pretty crisp.
Rain sticks around, with about 3–3.5 inches for the month. Most days bring rain, not snow, and you’ll get partly cloudy skies about half the time.
Humidity lingers early on but drops as things cool.
Daylight shrinks fast, from over 13 hours at the start to about 11.5 hours by the end of September.
You’ll want to dress in layers during the day and bring a jacket for the evenings.
October Weather Overview
October gets noticeably colder. Average highs range from the 50s°F (10–14°C) at the start to the 40s°F (5–8°C) by the end of the month.
Lows often fall into the 30s°F (1–4°C), and frost is pretty common, especially overnight.
Rainfall dips a bit compared to September, but there’s still a 30% chance of wet days. By late October, you might see mixed precipitation, and the first light snows can show up.
Clouds take over, with mostly cloudy or overcast skies more than half the time. Humidity drops, and the air feels drier, especially as west winds pick up.
Daylight keeps shrinking, down to about 10.5 hours by Halloween.
November Weather Overview
November really feels like the start of winter. Highs drop to the 30s°F (1–4°C), and lows often hit the 20s°F (-3 to -6°C).
Most days are freezing, with icy mornings and cold winds.
Snow becomes common, averaging 8–10 inches for the month. Rain doesn’t happen as much, though you might still get some mixed precipitation early in November.
Dry days are less frequent than earlier in fall.
Cloud cover is heavy, with overcast skies about 60% of the time. Daylight falls below 9 hours by month’s end, and sunsets come before 4:00 PM.
You’ll definitely need warm clothes for anything outside.
Precipitation and Humidity Trends During Fall
Fall in Quebec City shifts from mild, rainy days in September to colder, snowier weather by late November.
Rainfall tapers off, humidity levels drop, and frosts usually end the growing season. Early snow shows up more and more as fall wraps up.
Rainfall Patterns
Quebec City sees less rain as fall goes on. In early September, you might get about 3 to 3.5 inches of rain in a typical 31-day stretch.
By late November, that average drops to around 2 inches.
The odds of a rainy day also go down, starting at about one in three days in September and slipping to one in four days by November.
So as autumn moves forward, you’ll notice fewer wet days.
Rain usually falls steadily and moderately, not in wild downpours. As the air gets colder, mixed precipitation becomes more common, especially in October.
By November, some rain turns into sleet or snow.
| Month | Avg. Rainfall (inches) | Chance of Rainy Day |
|---|---|---|
| September | ~3.4 | ~34% |
| October | ~2.7 | ~32% |
| November | ~1.9 | ~30% |
Humidity Levels
Humidity changes a lot through fall. Early September can feel a little sticky, but by October, the air dries out.
Muggy days drop from about 7% in early fall to nearly 0% by late October.
Average relative humidity hovers between 60% and 70%, but lower dew points make the air feel much crisper.
This drier air is great for outdoor activities, especially compared to summer’s humidity.
By November, the air feels colder and sharper, even if it’s not technically freezing outside.
Lower humidity makes you feel the chill more.
First Frost and Early Snow
Quebec City usually gets its first frost by mid to late October. That’s the end of the local growing season, which runs from late April to mid-October.
After that, overnight lows dip below 32°F (0°C) more often.
Snow starts to replace rain near the end of fall. September almost never sees snow, but October can bring flurries, and November brings real accumulation.
On average, late November brings about 9 inches of snow in a 31-day period.
Mixed precipitation days pick up as well. Rain and snow can fall together, especially during those in-between weeks.
The city moves quickly from a damp autumn to winter conditions.
Outdoor Activities and Seasonal Attractions
Quebec City offers a blend of natural beauty, cultural events, and historic sites that really shine during the fall season.
You can enjoy vibrant landscapes, seasonal festivals, and outdoor spaces that show off both the city’s history and its wild surroundings.
Fall Foliage and Scenic Spots
Fall colors in Quebec City usually peak from late September to mid-October. You’ll see reds, oranges, and yellows all over the city and nearby areas.
The Plains of Abraham is one of the best places to catch the foliage—a huge historic park just a short walk from Old Quebec.
Inside the park, the Joan of Arc Garden looks especially beautiful, with flower beds framed by autumn leaves.
For bigger views, try Cap Diamond near La Citadelle or hop on the ferry across the St. Lawrence River to Lévis.
That view of Old Quebec against a backdrop of fall colors? It’s one of the region’s classic sights.
If you’d rather get outside the city, Canyon Sainte-Anne and Montmorency Falls give you dramatic nature scenes.
Montmorency Falls is even taller than Niagara, and you get trails, a suspension bridge, and a cable car for different perspectives.
Popular Autumn Events
Fall in Quebec City brings events that mix history, culture, and food. In October, Place d’Youville often hosts outdoor activities tied to Halloween and early winter celebrations.
The square buzzes with performances and markets.
You can join themed walking tours in Old Quebec, including ghost walks that dig into the city’s spookier history.
Around Halloween, the Plains of Abraham transforms into a “haunted park” with family-friendly fun.
While the Festival d’été de Québec happens in summer, autumn still has its own highlights.
The German Christmas Market kicks off in late November, filling Old Town with wooden stalls, lights, and festive treats.
Curious about local food? Some sugar shacks near the city reopen in fall to serve maple-based meals.
They’re not as common as in spring, but a few spots offer special menus that celebrate Quebec’s culinary traditions.
Nature Reserves and Parks
The area around Quebec City has several protected spaces that are perfect for fall outings.
Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Area, about 50 km northeast of the city, becomes a hotspot in autumn.
Thousands of migrating snow geese stop in the wetlands every year.
Closer to town, the Plains of Abraham offers both history and open space for walking or cycling.
The park played a big role in Canada’s colonial past, but now it’s also a green escape with awesome fall scenery.
If you want to hike and see the foliage, head to Parc de la Chute-Montmorency.
Trails around the falls give you different views of both the waterfall and the changing forest.
The suspension bridge above the falls is a favorite for photos during peak color.
For something quieter, smaller city parks and riverside paths let you soak up the crisp weather without leaving town.
They’re easy to reach on foot and give you a relaxed way to enjoy the season.
Travel Tips for Visiting Quebec City in Fall
Quebec City offers crisp weather, colorful foliage, and unique cultural events in autumn.
If you prepare for the cooler temperatures, plan your trip around seasonal highlights, and get familiar with local traditions, you’ll get the most out of your visit.
What to Pack
Temperatures in Quebec City swing quickly from September through November.
September can bring mild afternoons, but by November, freezing temperatures are normal.
Packing layers is a must.
Bring a warm jacket, sweaters, and long-sleeve shirts. If you’re coming later in the season, add hats, gloves, and scarves.
Comfortable waterproof shoes help a lot since rain is common and streets can get slippery.
A small daypack lets you carry extra layers as temperatures shift from day to night.
If you plan to explore parks or Montmorency Falls, sturdy walking shoes will be way more practical than casual ones.
Best Times to Visit
You’ll find the most comfortable stretch to visit Quebec City in fall is late September to early October. That’s when the leaves really pop with color, and daytime highs usually hang around 10–15°C (50–59°F).
Summer crowds thin out by then, but the city still feels energetic.
If you want even fewer tourists, try early November. The streets quiet down and hotels drop their rates. Temperatures, though, can get close to freezing, and you might catch the season’s first snow.
Love festive markets? Late November brings the German Christmas Market to Old Quebec.
September stays warmer, with highs near 20°C (68°F), but you’ll mostly see the first hints of fall colors.
Each month has its own vibe, so it really depends on whether you’re after foliage, festivals, or just a bit of peace and quiet.
Local Customs and Experiences
Autumn in Quebec City mixes seasonal traditions with a good dose of old-world charm. In October, Old Quebec’s streets fill with pumpkins, gourds, and lanterns.
You can hop on a ghost tour, join a haunted walk, or wander the Plains of Abraham, which hosts Halloween events that families love.
By November, the city starts easing into winter celebrations. The German Christmas Market and Salon des Artisans show off local crafts, food, and music.
Admission won’t cost you anything, so everyone can join in.
Locals love the outdoors, and you’ll see plenty of people strolling through parks like the Joan of Arc Garden or catching the ferry to Lévis for those classic skyline views.
These simple outings really show off Quebec’s culture and natural beauty in the fall.
Impact of Fall Weather on Local Life and Culture
Cooler temperatures and shorter days change how folks in Quebec City eat, celebrate, and get ready for winter. The shift from mild September afternoons to chilly November nights shapes both traditions and daily routines.
Seasonal Foods and Traditions
As the air turns crisp, local menus get heartier. You’ll spot dishes like tourtière (meat pie), rich soups, and maple-flavored desserts popping up everywhere.
Farmers’ markets brim with apples, squash, and pumpkins, and you’ll find those in home cooking or just as festive decorations.
Fall’s also when sugar shacks start thinking ahead to winter. Peak maple syrup season waits for spring, but many shacks open in autumn to serve up traditional meals—ham, beans, and maple taffy.
These gatherings really highlight Quebec’s food culture.
Festivities shift with the weather, too. In October, you’ll see pumpkins and gourds scattered around Old Quebec, and ghost tours or haunted parks keep the Halloween spirit alive.
By late November, the city starts glowing for the holidays. The German Christmas Market opens, and Old Town fills with wooden stalls, mulled drinks, and handmade crafts.
All these traditions show how fall weather sets the mood for cozy meals and the kind of cultural events that bring people together before winter settles in.
Preparation for Winter
The quick drop in temperature really forces you to plan ahead. By November, average lows dip below freezing, so locals grab heavier coats, hats, and gloves.
A lot of households start sealing windows and stash away outdoor furniture. It’s almost a little ritual, getting things ready before the deep cold settles in.
Businesses and the city shift gears, too. Streets fill up with early holiday lights, which brighten up those shorter days and set the mood for the Winter Carnival in January.
Shops start bringing in more winter gear. Public works crews get their snow removal equipment ready, just in case the first storm hits early.
Transportation changes along with the weather. By mid-November, many residents swap out regular tires for winter tires, since icy roads can show up out of nowhere.
People stop biking so much and start walking or taking public transit instead.
This kind of preparation feels both practical and cultural, honestly. The community leans into the rhythm of the seasons, always anticipating cold months but squeezing in whatever’s left of autumn’s milder days.