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When To Go

Montréal sees all the extremes – with lows of 6F in January to highs of 83F in July – but it's most alive during the hot, breezy months of June, July, and August, when the days are long and the city brims with tourists and Montrealers alike soaking up the sunshine and the sights. Traditionally, the Montréal Grand Prix (www.grandprix.ca) in June marks the onset of high season (June-September), while low season coincides with winter and icy-cold temperatures; if you're brave enough to visit in January through March, bring your down-filled coat, proper boots, a hat and mittens to keep warm. To get the best bang for your buck, plan a trip in early fall or late spring when rooms are reasonably priced and easy to come by; the fall foliage is astonishing and there's a palpable sense of making the most of the last warm days before the winter freeze sets in, while the city's spring fever is positively addictive, as outdoor cafés become crowded – with snow still on the ground – by locals rejoicing at the onset of sunny skies and festival season.

Seasonality aside, the city's superb festivals, celebrating everything from film to new media, African culture, French music, electronic music, pop music, documentary film, and fireworks, make equally enticing reasons to visit. Two of our summer favorites are: the International Jazz Festival (www.montrealjazzfest.com), in late-June to early-July, and the Just for Laughs Comedy Festival (www.hahaha.com) in mid-July. Even winter doesn't stop Montrealers from having a good time:La Fete des Neiges (www.fetedesneiges.com), in late-January to early February, and the Montréal Highlights Festival (www.montrealenlumiere.com), in late-February to March, both feature outdoor events and activities during the coldest months of the year.

See Montreal Travel Guide