Canada
The best time to visit
When to go to Canada
Go in summer, June to August, for the warmest weather and longest days, or in September and October for autumn colour and fewer crowds. November to March is long and cold, but it is ski and northern-lights season.
A 0 to 100 comfort rating from daytime heat, overnight chill, rainfall and storm risk, for Toronto. Higher is better. Some links on this page are affiliate links, at no cost to you.
The steadiest weather, peaking around Jun.
Either side of peak, with thinner crowds and better rates.
Hard cold.
In short
The year at a glance
Canada is a summer country for most visitors. The month ratings track Toronto, where June to August brings warm, lively days and September stays pleasant before the cold sets in. The far north and the prairies are harsher, the Pacific coast around Vancouver is milder and wetter.
Winter is long and serious across most of the country, from November well into March, which is exactly the draw if you have come for skiing, snow and the aurora. Spring and autumn are the value seasons, with mild weather and lighter crowds.
Month by month
Canada month by month
Highs, lows, rainfall and the rating, for Toronto.
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Rating | What it is like |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | -1°C / 30°F | -7°C / 19°F | 55 mm | Avoid 16 | Freezing with a little rain. |
| February | 0°C / 32°F | -7°C / 19°F | 50 mm | Avoid 17 | Freezing and dry. |
| March | 5°C / 41°F | -3°C / 27°F | 55 mm | Avoid 23 | Cold with a little rain. |
| April | 12°C / 54°F | 3°C / 37°F | 65 mm | Great 63 | Cool with a little rain. |
| May | 19°C / 66°F | 9°C / 48°F | 80 mm | Ideal 85 | Mild with a little rain. |
| June | 24°C / 75°F | 14°C / 57°F | 70 mm | Ideal 90 | Warm with a little rain. Toronto hotels in June |
| July | 27°C / 81°F | 17°C / 63°F | 75 mm | Ideal 88 | Warm with a little rain. Toronto hotels in July |
| August | 26°C / 79°F | 16°C / 61°F | 75 mm | Ideal 88 | Warm with a little rain. Toronto hotels in August |
| September | 22°C / 72°F | 12°C / 54°F | 75 mm | Ideal 88 | Mild with a little rain. |
| October | 14°C / 57°F | 6°C / 43°F | 65 mm | Great 73 | Cool with a little rain. |
| November | 7°C / 45°F | 1°C / 34°F | 75 mm | Fair 38 | Cold with a little rain. |
| December | 1°C / 34°F | -4°C / 25°F | 60 mm | Avoid 16 | Freezing with a little rain. |
By region
Where you go changes when you go
Toronto, Montreal and the east
Warm, festival-filled summers and a brilliant autumn in late September and October. Winters are cold and snowy.
The Rockies and the west
July and August for hiking around Banff and Lake Louise, December to March for some of the continent's best skiing at Whistler.
Vancouver and the coast
Mild but wet most of the year. Summer is the dry, glorious exception, which is why it is so popular.
Go for
Best time to visit Canada for
Cities and road trips
June to early September, when the weather is warm, the patios are open and the days are long.
Autumn colour
Late September and October, especially in Quebec and Ontario, with crisp air and golden maples.
Skiing and the aurora
December to March for the Rockies and the best chance of northern lights in the north.
Best value
May and September offer mild weather and better prices than the July to August peak.
On the calendar
What is on, and when
Autumn colour, October
Maple country turns red and orange, at its best in Quebec and Ontario.
Ski season, Dec to Mar
Whistler and the Rockies fill with snow and skiers through the long winter.
Hard cold
Nov to Mar.
Where to stay
Where to stay in Canada
Compare hotels and rentals around Toronto, then book the month you want.
Ready to book?
Rates climb in peak season, so the best-weather months pay to book early. Shoulder and low months are the value windows.
Prefer to sort flights first? Compare flights
Questions