Quebec City features a humid continental climate with four distinct seasons, marked by very cold, snowy winters and warm, humid summers. The city experiences dramatic temperature swings, abundant precipitation, and significant seasonal changes in daylight. Its climate supports a vibrant calendar of outdoor activities, from winter sports to lively summer festivals.
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
Quebec City’s climate is shaped by its inland location and northern latitude, resulting in pronounced seasonal contrasts. Winters (November–April) are long, cold, and snowy, with average highs of -6 to -8°C and lows near -16 to -18°C in January. Snow cover is persistent, often lasting from late November to mid-April, with annual snowfall averaging over 3 metres (10 feet). Cold snaps can plunge temperatures below -25°C, and wind and humidity can make it feel even colder. Despite the chill, sunny blue-sky days are common, and the city is renowned for its winter festivals and snow-based activities.
Summers (June–August) are warm and humid, with average highs of 23–26°C and lows around 12–14°C. Heatwaves can occasionally push temperatures above 30°C, but nights tend to be cool. Summer is also the wettest season, with July being the rainiest month (up to 120 mm). Spring and autumn are brief but beautiful, with rapidly changing temperatures, blossoming gardens, or colourful foliage. Annual precipitation is abundant, averaging 1,190 mm, and the city receives about 1,900 hours of sunshine per year, with summer being the sunniest period. Winds are moderate year-round but can be brisk in winter, especially during storms. Daylight ranges from 8 hours in winter to over 16 hours in summer.
| Average climate data for Quebec city, Canada | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Average maximum temperature (°C) | -8 | -5 | 1 | 8 | 17 | 22 | 25 | 24 | 18 | 11 | 3 | -5 | 25 |
| Average minimum temperature (°C) | -17 | -14 | -9 | -1 | 6 | 11 | 14 | 13 | 8 | 2 | -3 | -13 | -17 |
| Average precipitation (mm) | 86 | 70 | 84 | 82 | 111 | 112 | 116 | 113 | 125 | 98 | 102 | 110 | 1,208 |
| Average rainfall days (days) | 15 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 15 | 17 | 170 |
| Average water temperature (°C) | 2 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 6 | 10 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 9 | 6 | 3 | 7 |
| Average daily daylight hours (h) | 9 | 10 | 11 | 13 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 12 |
| Average daily sunshine hours (h) | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 5 |
| Average UV index | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 4 |
The best time to visit Quebec City is from late June to early September, when temperatures are warm (23–26°C), days are long and sunny, and the city hosts vibrant festivals and outdoor events. This period is ideal for sightseeing, river cruises, and enjoying the city’s historic charm without snow or extreme cold.
The least favourable time to visit is from December to March unless you are seeking winter sports or festivals. During these months, temperatures are very cold, snow is deep and persistent, and daylight is limited. However, winter can be magical for those prepared for the cold and interested in snowy landscapes.
Quebec City’s annual average temperature is about 4–5°C. January is the coldest month (highs -6°C, lows -16°C), while July is the warmest (highs 25–26°C, lows 13–14°C).
Quebec City receives over 3 metres (10 feet) of snow annually. Snow typically falls from November to early April, and snow cover is persistent throughout winter.
Late June to early September is best for warm-weather outdoor activities, with mild to warm temperatures, long days, and plenty of sunshine. Winter is ideal for snow sports and festivals.
Yes, Quebec City receives about 1,190 mm of precipitation annually. Rain falls year-round, but July is the wettest month. Summer storms can be brief but intense.
Quebec City enjoys about 1,900 hours of sunshine annually. Summer is the sunniest season, while winter is much cloudier with only a few hours of sunshine per day.
Pack warm, insulated clothing and boots for winter. In summer, bring light layers, sun protection, and an umbrella. Always be prepared for rapid weather changes, especially in spring and autumn.
Yes, Quebec City is ideal for winter sports such as skiing, snowshoeing, and ice skating, thanks to its long, snowy winters and reliable snow cover from late November to mid-April.
The warmest month, with the highest average maximum temperature, is July (25 °C). The month with the lowest average maximum temperature is January (-8.1 °C). Overall, the average maximum temperature over the whole year is 9.2 °C.
The month with the highest average minimum temperature is July (14 °C). The coldest month, with the lowest average minimum temperature, is January (-16.9 °C). Overall, the average minimum temperature over the whole year is -0.2 °C.
The month with the highest average water temperature is August (14.1 °C). The month with the lowest average water temperature is February (0.7 °C). Overall, the average water temperature over the whole year is 6.7 °C.
The wettest month, with the highest amount of precipitation, is September (124.8 mm). The driest month, with the least amount of precipitation, is February (70.5 mm). Over the whole year there are 1,208.5 mm of rainfall on average.
The month with the most days of rain is December (17.1 days). The month with the fewest days of rain is April (12 days). Over the whole year there are 169.9 days of rain on average.
The month with the longest days, so the most daylight, is June (Average daylight: 15.1 h). The month with the shortest days, so the least daylight, is December (Average daylight: 8.1 h). Over the whole year there are 11.8 h of daylight per day on average.
The month with the most sunshine per day is June (Average sunshine: 8 h). The month with the least sunshine per day is January (Average sunshine: 2.9 h). Over the whole year there are 5.3 h of sunlight per day on average.
The months with the highest average UV index are June and July (UV index: 7). The months with the lowest average UV index are January, November and December (UV index: 1). Over the whole year the average UV index is 3.8.
