Canada, North America

Montreal in August

Osheaga opens the month and the terrace season rolls on. Humid spells happen, but evenings are ideal.

BestWarm, highs near 78F (26C)

The Montreal skyline from the St. Lawrence — MontrealPhoto: abdallahh from Montréal, Canada, CC BY 2.0

The straight answer

August is one of the best months of the year to visit Montreal. Osheaga opens the month and the terrace season rolls on. Humid spells happen, but evenings are ideal.

Weather: Warm, highs near 78F (26C)
Crowds: 4 of 5
Prices: 4 of 5

What August is like in Montreal

August stays warm, with highs near 78F (26C). Humid spells happen, but the evenings are ideal for terraces and long walks. Osheaga opens the month with a big music weekend, and summer crowds and prices remain high, easing slightly toward the end of the month.

It suits families, music fans and food lovers, since late summer brings the Quebec harvest to the markets. Travelers wanting quieter streets and lower prices should consider September. Book early if your dates overlap Osheaga weekend, since rooms near Parc Jean-Drapeau and downtown fill quickly.

Make the most of August

What is especially good about Montreal this month.

Osheaga

A major three-day music festival at Parc Jean-Drapeau in early August. Hotels fill that weekend.

Harvest at Jean-Talon Market

Late summer is the best time to visit, with Quebec corn, berries and produce piled high.

Terrace evenings

Warm nights make the Plateau, Mile End and Old Montreal perfect for dinner outside.

What to pack for August

Light summer clothes
A light rain jacket or umbrella
Sunscreen and a hat
Comfortable walking shoes for neighborhood strolls

Our timing tip

Visit Jean-Talon Market on a weekday morning for the best produce and the smallest crowds.

Book Montreal for August.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Montreal
Opens a hotel search for Montreal in August, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for August
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in Montreal
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
Rentals on Vrbo
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Montreal
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Montreal for August. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

What's on in August

Osheaga

Early August

A major three-day music festival at Parc Jean-Drapeau. Book hotels early for that weekend.

Things to do in Montreal

Full guide

Old Montreal and Notre-Dame Basilica

Cobblestones, the Old Port, and the basilica's blue and gold interior. The evening AURA light show inside is worth a booking.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Mount Royal

Walk up to the Kondiaronk lookout for the city view. Sunday afternoon tam-tams by the George-Etienne Cartier monument in summer are a local ritual.

Tickets and tours →

Montreal Museum of Fine Arts

One of Canada's leading art museums, spread over five pavilions on Sherbrooke Street.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Jean-Talon Market

One of North America's largest open-air markets, open year-round. Visit in late summer for the Quebec harvest.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Space for Life: Botanical Garden, Biodome, and Insectarium

Big, family-friendly, and great in any season. The Gardens of Light lanterns run in fall.

Tickets and tours →

Parc Jean-Drapeau

The island park of Expo 67 and the Grand Prix circuit, with the Biosphere, a beach, and summer festivals.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Beat the crowds

Visit Old Montreal early in the morning or on weekday evenings; weekend afternoons and cruise days fill Place Jacques-Cartier.
Check the festival calendar before booking: the Grand Prix weekend and the Jazz Festival push hotel rates sharply higher, while the weeks around them are much cheaper.
Go in September for summer weather at shoulder-season prices once the festival rush has ended.
For winter trips, use the indoor city and the metro to move between neighborhoods and save the outdoor time for the festival nights.

Know before you go

July 1 is Canada Day and also Quebec's traditional moving day, when leases turn over. Streets fill with moving trucks, and some businesses close.
June 24, the Fete nationale, is a public holiday in Quebec with some closures and big free concerts.
Terraces, the Old Port attractions, and many seasonal activities run roughly May to October. In winter, the Old Port turns to skating, and the indoor city keeps shopping running.
Sugar shacks outside the city are seasonal, mostly March and April, and popular ones need reservations.

Montreal in August, quick answers

Is August a good time to visit Montreal?

August is one of the best months of the year to visit Montreal. Osheaga opens the month and the terrace season rolls on. Humid spells happen, but evenings are ideal.

What is the weather like in Montreal in August?

Warm, highs near 78F (26C).

Is Montreal crowded in August?

Montreal is busy in August, though mornings and late afternoons stay workable.

What is happening in Montreal in August?

Osheaga (early august).