What March feels like in Montreal
March is early spring in Montreal. Even the warmest hour of the day stays near freezing. Evenings bring a clear drop in temperature, and nights drop well below freezing. Moisture in the air gives the cold a damp edge.
Rain in Montreal in March
Showers are a regular feature, arriving about one day in 3. Wet days average about 6.9 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 March
On 15 March the sun rises at about 7:09 am and sets around 6:59 pm local time, giving 11 h 50 min of daylight. Days are getting longer: 1 h 28 min more daylight than in mid-February. About 68% of daylight hours are sunny; in short, there are plenty of bright spells.
How March compares to the rest of the year
Ranked by average high, March comes out as the 4th coolest month in Montreal. Against February, the average high is 6.2°C (11.2°F) higher, with 8 mm more rain. The warm-up continues into April. April averages a high of 11°C (51.8°F).
Who March 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 March
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
Insulated layers and warm shoes for the cold hours.
Sunglasses
Bright days make sunglasses worth packing.
Quick questions
How warm is Montreal in March?
It feels freezing: typical highs are 2.9°C (37.2°F), with lows near -6.3°C (20.7°F).
Does it rain a lot in Montreal in March?
It does: about 11 rainy days bring roughly 76 mm, so plan some indoor options.
What should I wear in Montreal in March?
Based on the averages: versatile layers, rain protection, warm layers and sunglasses. Add a layer for after dark.
Is March or April better for visiting Montreal?
April, clearly: it ranks #7 of 12 among Montreal's months, against #10 for the other. April is warmer and has more rainy days.