Montréal
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Montréal Weather in January

Montréal in January sees very low temperatures, with highs around -4°C (25°F) and overnight lows of -14°C (7°F). Snowfall is fairly high at around 80 mm (3.1 in) on average, so pack waterproofs just in case.

Rainfall in Montréal in January

You can typically expect 14 days of snow this month, averaging around 80 mm (3.1 in). Neither particularly heavy nor particularly frequent, the rain this month is about average. A light jacket should be enough on most wet days.

Temperature in Montréal in January

Expect highs of -4°C (25°F) in Montréal in January, with nights dropping to around -14°C (7°F). January marks the winter season. Cold conditions tend to persist from morning through evening, so be prepared for winter weather. Nights are well below freezing at -14°C (7°F). An extra blanket is a good idea if you feel the cold, especially in older or less well-heated accommodation. It's often the coldest month of the year, a perfect time to cozy up indoors. Make sure to bring along suitable winter clothing.

Sunshine in Montréal in January

This month sees fewer sunny days, with about 99 hours of sunshine, perfect for those who enjoy cooler temperatures.

Wind Speed in Montréal in January

January has wind speeds averaging 7 m/s (14 knots). You can expect generally windy conditions with strong breezes affecting daily routines on typical days. As an average, some days have moderate strong winds while others feature more intense gusts that make walking and movement challenging.

Average water temperature in January

At 4°C (39°F), the water is very cold. Most people find it too uncomfortable for anything beyond a brief wade.

January in Montréal has its charm, but if you're looking for destinations with pleasant temperatures and sunny skies, our weather planner can help you explore other options in the world.

Montréal Temperature in January

Min Temperature
-14°C (7°F)
Max Temperature
-4°C (25°F)
Water Temperature
4°C (39°F)
Chance of Rain
47%
Precipitation
80 mm (3.1 in)
Rainy days
14 days
Humidity
68%
Windspeed
7 m/s (14 knots)
Sunshine
99 hours
Percentage Sunshine
35%

Montréal Weather by Month

Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in Montréal - and find the best time to visit.

Daily Historical Temperatures

51-year average (1976-2026)

Based on our historical records, temperatures in Montréal typically stay consistent throughout January, with daily highs averaging around -4°C (25°F). Nights are very cold, with lows typically ranging from -15°C (5°F) to -12°C (10°F).

Average temperatures in January

Daily Historical Precipitation

51-year average (1976-2026)

Average daily rainfall for each day of the month based on long-term records.

Average precipitation in January

Historical weather records for Montréal in January

Browse day-by-day weather records for Montréal spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.

Montréal historical weather extremes in January

According to our 49 years of weather records for Montréal, the following extremes were recorded between 1976 and 2025.

  • On January 9, 2008, temperatures climbed to 12°C (54°F), marking the warmest January day on record.

Best Places in Canada in January

Find out more about the weather in Canada and which places have the best travel conditions in this month. See all of Canada in January →

perfect weather
pleasant
tolerable
unpleasant
poor

Perfect weather is subjective. On this map perfect weather has been defined with temperatures between 20°C (68°F) and 29°C (84°F) and not too much precipitation (less than 90 mm (3.5 in) a month).

What to Wear in Montréal in January

Winter clothing is essential for visiting Montréal in January. If you have a heavy coat, waterproof boots with good traction, and plenty of warm layers it's smart to bring them. Pack cloths like thermal underwear, wool socks, and insulated gloves. Prepare for significant rainfall with proper waterproof clothing and shoes. The water temperature sits at about 4°C (39°F), which is too chilly for most people to enjoy swimming. Leave the swimsuit at home unless you love cold water. You can probably leave your sunglasses at home, because sunny days are pretty rare this month.

What To Do in Montréal in January

We rated the following activities from 1 (least suitable) to 10 (best) to do.

  • Swimming
    1/10
  • Cycling
    1/10
  • Walking
    1/10
  • Camping
    1/10
  • Outdoor sports
    1/10

Montréal 3-Day Forecast

More climate data for Montréal

Popular in January

Where to go in January - average daytime high across popular destinations.

Bucket list

Need travel inspiration? Check out our bucket list articles and be inspired.