Weather Comparison
Quebec City vs Montreal
Side-by-side weather comparison for January
January Weather: Quebec City vs Montreal
| Metric | Quebec City | Montreal | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average HighHigher is warmer | -7°C (19°F) | -5°C (23°F)▲ | Montreal |
| Average LowHigher is milder | -15°C (5°F) | -14°C (7°F)▲ | Montreal |
| Rain DaysFewer is drier | 12 days | 11 days▲ | Montreal |
| PrecipitationLess is drier | 83 mm | 74 mm▲ | Montreal |
| Sunshine HoursMore is sunnier | 5h/day | 6h/day▲ | Montreal |
| HumidityLower is more comfortable | 65% | 65% | Tie |
| UV IndexLower is safer | 1 | 1 | Tie |
| Wind SpeedCalmer is better | 18 km/h▲ | 20 km/h | Quebec City |
Which City is Better in January?
Based on sunshine hours, rain days, comfortable temperatures, and humidity levels, Montreal edges ahead as the better destination in January. Montreal offers 6 hours of daily sunshine with only 11 rain days, while Quebec City sees 5 sunshine hours and 12 rain days.
Quebec City is on the cooler side at -7°C, requiring warmer clothing. Montreal is cooler at -5°C.
For travelers who prioritize dry weather, Montreal is the stronger choice in January. Montreal receives 1 more hour of sunshine per day, which matters for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Temperature Comparison in January
Quebec City reaches an average high of -7°C (19°F) and drops to -15°C (5°F) at night during January. The daily temperature range is 8°C, meaning moderate variation throughout the day.
Montreal averages -5°C (23°F) for the high and -14°C (7°F) for the low, with a daily range of 9°C. The 2°C difference is noticeable but not dramatic.
Both cities are in the Northern Hemisphere, so they share the same seasonal pattern in January.
Rainfall Comparison in January
Quebec City receives approximately 83 mm of rainfall across 12 rain days during January. You can expect rain roughly every other day.
Montreal sees 74 mm over 11 rain days. That makes Montreal the drier option by 1 rain day and 9 mm of total precipitation.
Both cities share similar humidity levels at 65%.
What to Pack: Quebec City vs Montreal
Packing for Quebec City in January
Highs of -7°C, lows of -15°C, 12 rain days
- ✓heavy winter coat
- ✓thermal base layers
- ✓warm gloves and hat
- ✓insulated boots
- ✓waterproof jacket
- ✓compact umbrella
- ✓waterproof shoes
- ✓a warm scarf
Packing for Montreal in January
Highs of -5°C, lows of -14°C, 11 rain days
- ✓heavy winter coat
- ✓thermal base layers
- ✓warm gloves and hat
- ✓insulated boots
- ✓waterproof jacket
- ✓compact umbrella
- ✓waterproof shoes
- ✓a warm scarf
Pack for both: heavy winter coat, thermal base layers, warm gloves and hat, insulated boots, waterproof jacket, compact umbrella, waterproof shoes, a warm scarf. These items are useful in either destination during January.
Year-Round Comparison: Quebec City vs Montreal
The table below shows average high temperatures and rain days for every month of the year, helping you find the best time to visit either city.January is highlighted for quick reference.
| Month | Quebec City | Montreal | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | Rain | High | Rain | |
| Jan | -7°C | 12d | -5°C | 11d |
| Feb | -5°C | 10d | -3°C | 10d |
| Mar | 1°C | 11d | 3°C | 11d |
| Apr | 8°C | 12d | 11°C | 12d |
| May | 17°C | 13d | 19°C | 12d |
| Jun | 22°C | 12d | 23°C | 12d |
| Jul | 24°C | 15d | 26°C | 13d |
| Aug | 23°C | 13d | 25°C | 12d |
| Sep | 19°C | 11d | 21°C | 10d |
| Oct | 11°C | 13d | 13°C | 12d |
| Nov | 4°C | 12d | 6°C | 12d |
| Dec | -3°C | 13d | -1°C | 12d |
Quebec City Weather in January
Full forecast, packing tips, and activities
Montreal Weather in January
Full forecast, packing tips, and activities