Canada, North America

Montreal in September

Warm days, cooler nights, and summer prices easing. The Botanical Garden's Gardens of Light lantern event begins.

BestMild, highs near 69F (21C)

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

The straight answer

September is one of the best months of the year to visit Montreal. Warm days, cooler nights, and summer prices easing. The Botanical Garden's Gardens of Light lantern event begins.

Weather: Mild, highs near 69F (21C)
Crowds: 3 of 5
Prices: 3 of 5

What September is like in Montreal

September brings warm days near 69F (21C) and cooler, comfortable nights. The festival rush is over, summer prices are easing, and the city feels relaxed. Terraces are still open, and the Botanical Garden's Gardens of Light lantern event begins early in the month.

This may be the best value month of the year, and it suits couples, food lovers and homeschool families. Families tied to school calendars will find it harder to travel now. If you want peak fall color, move your trip to the first half of October, when Mount Royal is at its best.

Make the most of September

What is especially good about Montreal this month.

Gardens of Light

Illuminated lanterns glow in the Botanical Garden's Chinese Garden and other gardens from early September. Timed tickets are required.

Summer weather, shoulder prices

Hotels drop from their summer peak while the weather stays warm enough for terraces.

Pointe-a-Calliere for families

The archaeology and history museum built over the city's founding site is excellent and quieter once school starts.

What to pack for September

Layers for warm days and cool nights
A light jacket
Comfortable walking shoes
A small umbrella

Our timing tip

Book Gardens of Light timed tickets for a weekday evening, when the paths are far less crowded than on weekends.

Book Montreal for September.

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

What's on in September

Gardens of Light

Early September to late October

Illuminated lanterns in the Botanical Garden's Chinese Garden and other gardens, with timed tickets.

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 September, quick answers

Is September a good time to visit Montreal?

September is one of the best months of the year to visit Montreal. Warm days, cooler nights, and summer prices easing. The Botanical Garden's Gardens of Light lantern event begins.

What is the weather like in Montreal in September?

Mild, highs near 69F (21C).

Is Montreal crowded in September?

Crowds in Montreal are moderate in September; timed bookings still help at the biggest sights.

What is happening in Montreal in September?

Gardens of Light (early september to late october).