What January feels like in Montreal
January is the coldest stretch of winter in Montreal. Days barely climb above freezing, so it feels properly wintry outdoors even at midday. After dark the temperature drops clearly: nights drop well below freezing. Moisture in the air gives the cold a damp edge.
Rain in Montreal in January
Expect a mix of dry and wet days, with rain about one day in 3. Wet days average about 6.5 mm (0.3 in), enough to soak you without an umbrella. That is close to Montreal's typical rain per wet day for the whole year (about 8 mm). It is among the three driest months of the year.
Daylight and sunshine in January
On 15 January the sun rises at about 7:31 am and sets around 4:35 pm local time, giving 9 h 4 min of daylight. The days are stretching out — 20 min more daylight than mid-December. About 58% of daylight hours are sunny; in short, sun and cloud share the day.
How January compares to the rest of the year
In Montreal's temperature order, January sits as the coolest month. Against December, the average high is 3.4°C (6.1°F) lower, with 26 mm less rain. This is the low point, and February starts to warm up. February averages a high of -3.3°C (26.1°F).
Who January suits
- Sightseeing: less ideal — it is cold for long walks.
- Parks & outdoor: less ideal — too cool to sit outside for long.
- Museums & indoor: a good choice — warm places to spend the coldest part of the day.
Tips for visiting Montreal in January
Versatile Layers
Days are noticeably warmer than nights — layers you can add or remove.
Rain Protection
A compact umbrella and a light waterproof jacket.
Warm Layers
A warm jacket, a hat and gloves for cold mornings and evenings.
Quick questions
How warm is Montreal in January?
Afternoons average -4.5°C (23.9°F) and nights about -12.9°C (8.8°F) — freezing by most people's standards. It is the coolest month of the year.
Does it rain a lot in Montreal in January?
Yes, fairly — rain falls about one day in 3 and totals about 71 mm, so an umbrella is worth carrying.
What should I wear in Montreal in January?
The numbers point to versatile layers, rain protection and warm layers. Add a layer for after dark.
Is January or February better for visiting Montreal?
February scores better on our climate ranking (#9 of 12 vs #11), rated Poor against Poor. February is warmer and has fewer rainy days.