Canada, North America

Montreal in February

Montreal en Lumiere's food and light festival runs late in the month. Skating in the Old Port and on Beaver Lake; bitter cold snaps are common.

TradeoffsFrigid, highs near 25F (-4C)

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

The straight answer

February is a month of real tradeoffs in Montreal. Montreal en Lumiere's food and light festival runs late in the month. Skating in the Old Port and on Beaver Lake; bitter cold snaps are common.

Weather: Frigid, highs near 25F (-4C)
Crowds: 2 of 5
Prices: 1 of 5

What February is like in Montreal

February stays frigid, with highs near 25F (-4C) and bitter cold snaps that can last several days. Snow covers the parks and the skating rinks are in full use. Crowds are still light and hotel prices remain low, and Montreal en Lumiere brings food and light events late in the month.

It suits food lovers, skaters and winter fans who want city culture at low prices. It is not for anyone who wants mild weather or long outdoor walks. If cold is a dealbreaker, plan for May through October, with September the sweet spot.

Make the most of February

What is especially good about Montreal this month.

Montreal en Lumiere

A winter food and light festival late in the month, with free outdoor installations and chef events across the city.

Last Igloofest nights

The outdoor dance parties at the Old Port can run into early February.

Beaver Lake on Mount Royal

Skating, sledding and snowy walks make Mount Royal a winter playground for kids.

What to pack for February

Insulated boots with good traction for icy sidewalks
A heavy winter coat
Hand warmers for outdoor festival nights
Thermal layers and wool socks
A scarf or face covering for the wind

Our timing tip

Book chef events at Montreal en Lumiere as soon as the program is released, since the popular dinners sell out quickly.

Book Montreal for February.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Montreal
Opens a hotel search for Montreal in February, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for February
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 February. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

What's on in February

Igloofest

Weekend nights from mid January into early February

An outdoor electronic music festival at the Old Port in subzero cold. Snowsuits are the dress code.

Montreal en Lumiere

Late February, sometimes running into early March

A winter food and light festival with free outdoor installations and chef events across the city.

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 February, quick answers

Is February a good time to visit Montreal?

February is a month of real tradeoffs in Montreal. Montreal en Lumiere's food and light festival runs late in the month. Skating in the Old Port and on Beaver Lake; bitter cold snaps are common.

What is the weather like in Montreal in February?

Frigid, highs near 25F (-4C).

Is Montreal crowded in February?

February is one of the quieter months in Montreal; most sights can be done without long waits.

What is happening in Montreal in February?

Igloofest (weekend nights from mid january into early february); Montreal en Lumiere (late february, sometimes running into early march).