If you’re planning a trip to Montreal around Christmas, get ready for real winter conditions. Daytime highs usually hover near freezing, often around -2°C (28°F), while nighttime lows can dip close to -8°C (18°F).
Snow falls often, and December usually brings several days of fresh accumulation, giving the city that classic holiday vibe.
Daylight feels pretty short—you’ll notice the sun sets before 4:30 pm most days, and skies tend to stay overcast. Even with limited sunshine, the snowy streets and festive lights keep Montreal feeling lively.
Cold air, high humidity, and frequent snow showers define the season. If you want to enjoy the outdoors, you’ll definitely want to bundle up.
Montreal’s Christmas weather creates the perfect backdrop for skating rinks, holiday markets, and cozy nights in.
Overview of December Weather in Montreal
December in Montreal really kicks off the coldest stretch of the year. Expect freezing temperatures, regular snowfall, and not much daylight—these all shape how people get around and what they do during the holidays.
Typical Temperature Range
Daytime highs in December usually sit around -1°C to 0°C (30–32°F). Nights drop much lower, often down to -7°C to -9°C (16–19°F).
Sometimes, when Arctic air sweeps in, temperatures can plunge below -10°C (14°F).
You’ll really feel the difference once the sun sets—temperatures fall fast, so you’ll need solid winter layers if you’re out in the evening.
Snow cover sticks around, and icy conditions can develop in a hurry. Wind chill often makes it feel even colder, so don’t skip gloves, hats, and insulated boots.
December Climate Characteristics
December in Montreal brings a cold, snowy, and mostly cloudy climate. Snow falls on about 14–16 days, with totals averaging over 200 mm (8 in) when you count mixed precipitation.
Rain pops up less often, but you might get a brief thaw and see some.
You’ll also see a lot of overcast days. Sunshine is rare, averaging just 2–3 hours per day, so the month only gets about 80 hours in total.
Winds average around 7 m/s (15 mph), and that’s strong enough to make walking tough on open streets. When you add freezing air, it feels a lot harsher than the numbers suggest.
Humidity sits near 70%, making the cold feel heavier. Swimming is definitely off the table with water temps near 11°C (52°F), but indoor activities and winter sports do just fine.
How December Compares to Other Months
December feels way harsher than autumn. In November, highs still reach about 5°C (41°F), but December brings mostly freezing days.
January and February get even colder, with lows often below -10°C (14°F), so December really marks the start of deep winter.
If you compare it to summer, the difference is wild. July brings highs of 25°C (77°F) and long daylight hours, while December offers short, dim days and freezing temps.
Spring warms up gradually, but December is solidly in the cold season. October still has colorful leaves and above-freezing temps, but by December, it feels like a totally different world in Montreal.
Temperature Patterns and Variations
Montreal gets some of its coldest weather in December. Temperatures often hover near or below freezing, and wind and snow can make it feel even colder.
Average Highs and Lows
During Christmas week, highs usually reach about 0°C (32°F). Lows often fall to -7°C to -8°C (19°F to 18°F).
These are averages, but you’ll probably see some colder spells too.
There are stretches where the temperature barely rises above freezing. Snow cover is frequent, and ice patches form on sidewalks and streets.
Here’s a quick look at typical December values:
| Temperature | Average Value |
|---|---|
| High | 0°C (32°F) |
| Low | -7°C (19°F) |
| Extreme Low | -15°C (5°F) |
Warm clothing isn’t optional if you want to be outside for long.
Temperature Fluctuations During December
December weather in Montreal can swing back and forth. Sometimes you get a mild day where highs go just above freezing, but then temps drop sharply again.
Mild days might bring wet snow or even a bit of rain, while the colder ones lock in snow and create ice. This back-and-forth is just part of early winter here.
The coldest times usually hit at night or early morning, especially when skies are clear. Cloudy days sometimes keep temps closer to freezing, but things can still feel damp and raw.
So, you might deal with slush one day and frozen ground the next.
Wind Chill and Perceived Cold
Wind really changes how cold it feels. In December, average wind speeds hit about 7 m/s (15 mph), which can make walking outside pretty unpleasant.
With wind chill, -7°C can feel more like -15°C (5°F). That increases the risk of frostbite if you’re not careful.
You’ll notice the chill most when you cross bridges, walk open plazas, or stroll along the St. Lawrence River. Layering up with windproof gear is your best bet.
Even on calmer days, a light breeze can make the cold sharper, so plan your clothing with wind chill in mind.
Precipitation and Snowfall in December
Montreal gets plenty of wet and snowy days in December, with precipitation coming in both liquid and frozen forms. Snow dominates, but rain and mixed events still show up, especially early in the month when temps hover near freezing.
Rainfall Trends and Wet Days
Rain isn’t as common as snow in December, but it plays a part. Montreal usually records 75–95 mm of total precipitation during the month, counting both rain and melted snow.
You’ll see about 8–10 days with measurable rain, often mixed with snow or freezing drizzle. These happen more in the first half of December, when highs can still hit 0°C.
Rain rarely lasts long. It usually shows up as quick, cold bursts or freezing rain. That makes streets and sidewalks slippery, so waterproof boots with good grip come in handy.
Snow Accumulation and Frequency
Snow really defines December in Montreal. Expect 14–16 days with snow during the month. Average accumulation ranges from 200 to 220 mm (8–9 inches), and the totals pile up fast as the month goes on.
Early December brings lighter snowfalls, but mid to late December can deliver heavier dumps. By New Year’s, the city is usually blanketed in snow that sticks around all winter.
Snowstorms happen, and sometimes several centimeters fall in just a day. Strong winds often blow during storms, causing drifting snow and low visibility. Getting around can get tricky, especially outside downtown.
Mixed Precipitation Events
Because December temperatures often hover near freezing, you’ll run into a lot of mixed precipitation. That could mean rain changing to snow, snow mixing with sleet, or periods of freezing rain.
Freezing rain can be especially nasty—even a thin layer of ice turns walking and driving into a challenge. These events don’t happen as often as snow, but they’re memorable for all the wrong reasons.
Mixed events show up more in early and mid-December. By late December, colder air usually takes over and you see more regular snowfall. That marks the shift into the heart of Quebec’s winter.
Cloud Cover, Sunshine, and Daylight Hours
If you visit Montreal in late December, expect short days, lots of clouds, and not much sunshine. These conditions shape how bright the city feels and affect outdoor plans like sightseeing or skating.
Cloudiness and Overcast Conditions
December brings plenty of cloudy and overcast skies. On average, you’ll get only about 8 hours per day of partly cloudy or clearer skies—so that’s just a third of the time.
You’ll often see a gray sky, especially near Christmas. Thick cloud cover means clear blue skies are rare, and sunny breaks don’t last long.
Cloudiness isn’t exactly the same every day, but don’t count on much extended sunshine. Plan for dim light, especially in the morning and late afternoon. If you’re hoping for good light for photos, try to catch those brief midday clearings.
Average Sunshine Duration
December is one of Quebec’s darkest months. Montreal averages only 3 to 4.5 hours of sunshine per day, depending on the year. That’s less than half what you get in summer.
The lack of sunshine can make it feel colder, especially with snow reflecting what little light there is. Even when the sun comes out, it stays low, so shadows stretch long and the light feels soft.
Chances of a sunny day in December are under 30%. If you’re visiting for the holidays, expect mostly dim, filtered light through clouds instead of bright, clear days.
Daylight Length and Sun Position
December brings the shortest days of the year in Montreal. Around Christmas, daylight lasts about 8 hours and 45 minutes.
Sunrise comes after 7:20 a.m., and sunset happens before 4:20 p.m. That short window means evenings arrive early, so plan outdoor activities for midday if you want the most light.
The sun sits low in the southern sky, even at noon, so warmth and brightness are limited. Snow cover adds a unique winter glow, and twilight stretches out, making the days feel even shorter.
Wind and Atmospheric Conditions
December in Montreal brings steady winds and cold air that really shape how the city feels outside. You’ll notice the wind’s direction and speed can shift a bit as the month goes on, affecting comfort, visibility, and how you dress.
Prevailing Wind Patterns
Most often in December, the wind blows from the west and northwest. These winds bring in cold continental air and cause the sharp temperature drops you feel at Christmas.
Westerly winds take over in the middle of the month, and records show nearly half of all wind events come from that direction. This makes the air feel colder, especially with high humidity and snow in the mix.
Because of these winds, you’ll get a wind chill effect that can make it feel several degrees colder. For example, -8°C with a steady west wind feels more like -15°C. That’s something to keep in mind if you plan to skate or wander through Old Montreal.
Sometimes, winds shift from the south and things feel a bit milder, but those breaks don’t last long. The westerly flow remains the main story for Montreal’s December weather.
Wind Speed Changes in December
Wind speeds in Montreal usually pick up as December goes on. At the start of the month, you’ll notice average speeds sit around 9 mph (15 km/h), but by New Year’s Eve, they creep up to about 10 mph (16 km/h).
Sure, that difference isn’t massive, but it definitely changes how cold the air feels.
During snowstorms, you’ll often get sharp gusts that come out of nowhere. These gusts cut visibility, whip up snow across the roads, and honestly, they make walking in open areas a bit of a pain.
Don’t trust the forecasted temperature alone—wind can make the whole experience feel way colder than you’d expect.
As the month goes on, those wind speeds keep climbing. By late December, the cold feels sharper than it did at the beginning.
If you’re planning to wander through Christmas markets or join any outdoor events, make sure you’ve got wind-resistant layers and keep as much skin covered as you can.
The mix of stronger winds and the usual westerly direction gives Montreal that signature brisk, cold vibe during the holidays.
Preparing for Christmas Weather in Montreal
In December, you can count on freezing temperatures, lots of snow, and not much daylight in Montreal.
Staying safe and comfortable really just comes down to wearing the right gear and knowing how to deal with icy sidewalks and snowy streets.
Recommended Clothing and Gear
Most days in December, Montreal hits highs near -2°C (28°F) and drops down to about -8°C (18°F) at night. The wind and humidity make it feel even chillier, honestly.
Wearing layers is your best bet so you can switch between outdoor activities and those cozy heated cafés.
Start with a thermal base layer to hold in warmth. Then throw on an insulating layer like fleece or wool, and top it off with a waterproof and windproof coat.
If you’re out for a while, insulated pants or snow pants are totally worth it.
Don’t forget these essentials:
- Warm hat that covers your ears
- Waterproof gloves or mittens
- Wool or thermal socks
- Scarf or neck gaiter to keep the wind off your neck
Footwear really matters. Go for insulated, waterproof boots with solid traction so you’re not slipping around in the slush.
If sidewalks get icy, ice grips or cleats can save you from a fall.
Toss some hand warmers, lip balm, and moisturizer in your bag—they’ll make being outside a lot more bearable.
Safety Tips for Winter Conditions
December often brings a lot of snow—sometimes more than 20 cm (8 in.) in just one month. Roads and sidewalks get icy fast, so take it slow and don’t rush.
Try keeping your steps short, and lean your weight a bit forward. That makes slipping less likely, at least in my experience.
If you’re driving, put winter tires on your car. Toss an emergency kit in the trunk, with blankets, water, and a flashlight.
Snow crews need time to clear things up after a storm, so give yourself extra time for travel.
Cold can sneak up on you, too. When it’s really chilly or windy, don’t stay outside too long.
Take breaks indoors to warm up. If your fingers or cheeks start feeling numb, check out these early signs of frostbite.
Days get shorter, and by late December, the sun sets at about 4:15 pm.
Try to plan outdoor stuff earlier, so you’re not out in the dark on icy streets.
With the right gear and a few smart habits, you’ll probably enjoy Montreal’s festive winter vibe a lot more.