Montreal in August

August weather, activities, events & insider tips

August Weather in Montreal

26°C (78°F) High Temp

16°C (60°F) Low Temp

94 mm (3.7 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is August Right for You?

Advantages

Festival peak season - Just for Laughs runs July 10-30, while Osheaga music festival happens first weekend of August with 135,000+ attendees and perfect outdoor concert weather
Optimal outdoor activity conditions - 26°C (78°F) highs are ideal for cycling the 17 km (10.6 miles) Lachine Canal or hiking Mont-Royal's 233m (764 ft) trails without winter gear restrictions
Terrasse season at full swing - Every restaurant opens rooftop patios and street-side dining, with extended hours until 11pm due to 8pm sunsets and warm evenings
Tourist infrastructure fully operational - All seasonal attractions like Parc Jean-Drapeau beaches, outdoor pools, and festival sites run complete schedules with maximum staff

Considerations

Construction season peaks - Montreal's infamous orange cones multiply as the city completes annual road repairs, causing traffic delays and metro detours particularly on major arteries like Rue Sherbrooke
Humidity reaches 70% making afternoons feel sticky - The combination of Great Lakes moisture and urban heat island effect makes midday outdoor activities uncomfortable from 12-4pm
Afternoon thundershowers disrupt plans 10 days per month - Sudden downpours last 20-30 minutes but can flood metro entrances and cancel outdoor events without warning

Best Activities in August

Old Montreal Cobblestone Walking Tours

August's warm evenings make this perfect for 6-8pm tours when the historic district's limestone buildings glow in golden hour light. Crowds are manageable before 10am or after 6pm, and the 26°C (78°F) temperatures are ideal for the 2-3 hour walks covering 3 km (1.9 miles) of cobblestone streets.

Booking Tip: Book morning or evening slots 5-7 days ahead to avoid midday heat and crowds. Tours typically cost CAD $35-55 per person. Look for bilingual guides certified by Tourisme Montréal. Check current availability in booking section below.

Mont-Royal Summit Hiking

The 233m (764 ft) climb is most comfortable in August's moderate temperatures. Early morning hikes (7-9am) avoid afternoon humidity and offer clear city views before heat haze develops. The Kondiaronk Belvedere provides 360-degree panoramas of the St. Lawrence River and downtown skyline.

Booking Tip: Free self-guided hikes or join guided nature walks typically CAD $25-40. Best accessed via Peel Street entrance. Allow 2-3 hours roundtrip. No advance booking needed for self-guided. See current guided options below.

St. Lawrence River Boat Excursions

August's warm weather makes 2-3 hour river cruises ideal, with comfortable temperatures and excellent visibility for viewing the Lachine Rapids and Montreal skyline from water level. Evening cruises catch spectacular sunsets over the city at 8pm without needing jackets.

Booking Tip: Book 7-10 days ahead as August is peak season. Cruises range CAD $45-85 depending on duration and amenities. Look for vessels with indoor/outdoor seating options for weather flexibility. Current cruise schedules available in booking widget.

Plateau Mont-Royal Cycling Tours

August provides perfect conditions for exploring the Dakar's colorful murals and spiral staircases via the BIXI bike network. The 15-20 km (9-12 mile) routes through Parc La Fontaine and along Rue Saint-Laurent are comfortable in moderate temperatures without winter gear concerns.

Booking Tip: Guided tours typically CAD $55-75 for 3-4 hours including bike rental. BIXI day passes cost CAD $5.25 for DIY exploration. Book guided tours 3-5 days ahead during festival season. Electric bike options available for hills.

Jean-Talon Market Food Experiences

August brings peak season for Quebec produce - local corn, tomatoes, and berries are at their freshest. The covered market stays cool during humid afternoons, and extended summer hours (7am-8pm weekdays) allow flexible timing around weather and crowds.

Booking Tip: Food tours typically CAD $65-95 for 2.5-3 hours with tastings. Visit independently for free - arrive by 9am for best selection and fewer crowds. Guided tours book up 4-6 days ahead in August. Payment primarily cash at individual vendors.

Underground City (RÉSO) Discovery

Perfect backup plan for August's 10 rainy days. The 33 km (20 miles) underground network connects metros, malls, and attractions while staying climate-controlled. Ideal for hot, humid afternoons when outdoor sightseeing becomes uncomfortable between 12-4pm.

Booking Tip: Self-guided exploration using STM day passes (CAD $11). Guided underground tours cost CAD $35-50 for 2 hours. No advance booking needed. Download offline maps as cell service can be spotty. Tours available daily except Sundays.

August Events & Festivals

First weekend of August

Osheaga Music and Arts Festival

Three-day outdoor music festival at Parc Jean-Drapeau featuring international headliners and emerging artists across multiple stages. Draws 135,000+ attendees with perfect August weather for outdoor concerts. Features local food vendors and art installations.

Mid to late August

Festival International Nuits d'Afrique

Two-week celebration of African and Caribbean music with outdoor concerts in Quartier des Spectacles. Free daytime performances and ticketed evening shows showcase world music in ideal summer weather conditions.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight rain jacket or compact umbrella - August averages 10 rainy days with sudden 20-30 minute downpours that can flood metro entrances

Breathable cotton or linen clothing - 70% humidity makes synthetic fabrics uncomfortable during 26°C (78°F) afternoons

SPF 50+ broad-spectrum sunscreen - UV index reaches 8, and reflection off St. Lawrence River increases exposure

Comfortable waterproof walking shoes - Old Montreal's cobblestones become slippery when wet, and you'll walk 8-12 km (5-7 miles) daily

Light sweater for evening - Temperatures drop to 16°C (60°F) after sunset, especially near the river

Portable phone charger - Extended daylight until 8pm means longer sightseeing days drain batteries faster

Insect repellent with DEET - Mosquitoes are active in humid conditions around Parc La Fontaine and Mount Royal

Reusable water bottle - Dehydration happens quickly in 70% humidity, and Montreal has excellent tap water

Small daypack with waterproof compartment - Protects electronics and documents during sudden afternoon showers

Cash in small bills - Many food vendors at markets and festivals prefer cash, especially for items under CAD $20

Insider Knowledge

Avoid the metro between 12-4pm on rainy days - Underground stations become overcrowded as tourists escape sudden downpours. Use the RÉSO underground walkways instead.

Book restaurant terraces for 6-8pm - This captures golden hour light and comfortable temperatures before the 8pm sunset, while avoiding the sticky 2-4pm heat peak.

Construction information updates change weekly - Check Info-Travaux Quebec website before daily plans, as major route closures can add 30+ minutes to travel times.

Festival wristbands often include metro discounts - Many August events partner with STM transit for package deals that aren't advertised to general public.

Avoid These Mistakes

Planning outdoor activities during 12-4pm humidity peak - Most locals take indoor breaks during these hours when heat index feels like 32°C (90°F)

Not checking construction updates daily - Montreal's road work changes constantly in August, and GPS doesn't always reflect current closures on major routes

Underestimating rain impact on plans - Those 20-30 minute downpours can cancel outdoor events entirely and create 1-2 hour delays getting around the city