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.
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit Canada, check out our Montréal's climate page.
Montréal Temperature in January
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 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
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.
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit Canada, check out our Montréal's climate page.
Temperature Rainfall Sunshine Humidity Wind Speed Water Temp
See the full Montréal climate overview or explore weather in Canada.