Montreal Weather in February

February is a tough month to visit

February is the weakest month to visit Montreal, with a comfort score of 0.2/10. If you can pick your dates, September is the much better choice. Still, if February is the month you have, you'll want to know what you're in for. Expect highs around -5°C and lows near -16°C, with snow and freezing rain that can leave sidewalks slushy or slick. Cloud often dulls the light, and long outdoor sightseeing can wear you out fast. Keep strolls around Old Montreal or Mount Royal short, and plan to warm up indoors.

The cold does have its upside. Skating is a real pleasure when local rinks are open, and museums, cafés and the downtown RESO, Montreal's underground pedestrian network, make good refuges. Just skip ambitious outdoor plans if the forecast turns icy.

Festivals and February plans

Winter events can give February some energy. Igloofest brings outdoor electronic music to the Old Port, but its dates vary, so check whether it falls during your stay. Montréal en Lumière also often takes place in February, with food, arts and winter activities. Its schedule changes each year, and the late-night Nuit blanche is part of the festival.

If you're a couple who likes winter events, an evening at Igloofest could be the highlight of your trip. Just remember that the cold is no small detail, so dress for it.

Quieter streets, with a local trick

February is generally quieter than Montreal's busy summer months, and you'll often find better-value stays than during peak travel. Festival evenings can draw crowds around the Old Port and downtown, though, so expect livelier streets near event venues.

To get around without spending the whole day outside, use the RESO to move between metro stations, shops and food stops. It's especially handy around Place des Arts and the Eaton Centre. When you're ready for a warm meal after a cold walk, try a bowl of French onion soup in a café in the Plateau.