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Best time to visit Quebec City: month by month
Short answer
June to September is the most popular time, with highs of about 20–25°C, long days and summer festivals. Late September to mid-October brings autumn colours, with highs of about 14–20°C. Winter is very cold, with highs of -6 to -1°C from December to February, but the Carnaval and snowy old town attract many visitors.
Month by month
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | -6°C | -14°C | 12 | medium |
| Feb | -5°C | -14°C | 15 | high |
| Mar | 2°C | -7°C | 13 | low |
| Apr | 9°C | 0°C | 12 | low |
| May | 19°C | 7°C | 10 | medium |
| Jun | 22°C | 13°C | 15 | high |
| Jul | 25°C | 16°C | 17 | very high |
| Aug | 24°C | 15°C | 14 | very high |
| Sep | 20°C | 12°C | 11 | high |
| Oct | 14°C | 6°C | 10 | high |
| Nov | 4°C | -3°C | 12 | low |
| Dec | -1°C | -9°C | 14 | medium |
Temperatures and rainy days: Copernicus ERA5 averages, 2021–2023. Crowd levels are our estimate.
Season by season
Spring (Mar–May)
Highs rise from about 2°C in March to 19°C in May; April is often wet and slushy as the snow melts.
Summer (Jun–Aug)
Highs of 22–25°C and lows of 13–16°C, with 14–17 rainy days a month; festivals and the busiest season.
Autumn (Sep–Nov)
Highs fall from about 20°C in September to 14°C in October and 4°C in November; autumn colours from late September.
Winter (Dec–Feb)
Highs of -6 to -1°C and lows of -9 to -14°C, with deep snow; the Carnaval de Québec and the ice hotel.
Events worth planning around
- Carnaval de Québec — late January to mid-February
- Fête nationale du Québec (Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day) — 24 June
- Festival d'été de Québec — July
- Fêtes de la Nouvelle-France — August
- German Christmas Market in Old Québec — late November and December
When to avoid
Avoid April, when melting snow makes the city wet and slushy and some attractions have reduced hours. If you dislike crowds and high prices, avoid the Festival d'été weeks in July and the Carnaval weekends.
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Common questions
What is the best month to visit Quebec City?
July and August for warm weather and festivals; late September to mid-October for autumn colours with fewer crowds.
How cold is Quebec City in winter?
Very cold: highs of about -6 to -1°C and lows of -9 to -14°C from December to February.
When is the Quebec Winter Carnival?
Usually from late January to mid-February. Book accommodation months ahead.