Hottest (avg)
#12 / 12
Montreal in January
January weather, climate averages, and packing tips.
Avg High
Avg Low
Rain
Daylight 9h
What to expect
As winter continues, January brings, where temperatures are dropping quickly. Thermometers typically reach -6°C / 20°F, with evenings cooling to -15°C / 5°F.
Skies are often overcast, and you should be prepared for regular rainfall (approx. 13 wet days). With only around 9.2 hours of daylight, the sun sets early, so plan outdoor activities for the morning or midday.
January in context
How it compares to the rest of the year in Montreal.
Wettest (avg)
#3 / 12
Daylight Hours
#11 / 12
Windiest (avg)
#5 / 12
Highest UV
#11 / 12
Most Humid
#2 / 12
Temperature
- Daytime high
-
- Nighttime low
-
- Feels like (avg)
-
Sunshine
- Daylight
- 9.2 hours
- UV index (max)
- 3
- Typical sun hours
- 07:28 – 16:39
Rain & Snow
- Total
-
- Rainy days
- 13
- Cloud cover
- 67%
- Snowfall
-
Humidity & Wind
- Humidity (avg)
- 75%
- Wind (avg)
-
- Wind (max gusts)
-
Frequently asked questions
Is January a good time to visit Montreal?
Typical January days in Montreal reach highs of -6°C (21°F) with nights around -15°C (5°F). It usually feels cold by day and very cold after dark. It is one of the drier months, which suits outdoor exploring and sightseeing.
What are temperatures like in January?
In January, you can usually expect highs of -6°C (21°F) and lows near -15°C (5°F). That means cold days and very cold nights, so pack layers you can add or remove.
How much does it rain in January?
Rainfall in January averages 75 mm (3.0 in) across roughly 13 days. Overall it is a quite rainy time of year, so a light rain jacket and waterproof shoes are very handy.
How many hours of daylight are there in January?
You can expect about 9 hours of daylight in January. Sunrise is typically around 07:28 and sunset near 16:39. Days are on the shorter side, so plan activities around limited daylight.
Does the weather change during January?
January usually begins milder and cools down as the month goes on, so late-January can feel more like the next month.
How strong is the sun in January?
UV levels are usually low (around 3), so standard sun protection is enough.
Is it windy in January?
In January, average wind speeds are around 12 km/h (7 mph), with gusts on the windiest days reaching about 56 km/h (35 mph). On the ground, it is it can feel quite windy at times, particularly when weather systems move through.