Montreal in July

July weather, activities, events & insider tips

July Weather in Montreal

27°C (80°F) High Temp

17°C (62°F) Low Temp

91 mm (3.6 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is July Right for You?

Advantages

Festival peak season - Montreal International Jazz Festival (late June-early July) brings 2 million visitors and 500 free outdoor concerts across downtown
Perfect patio weather with 15+ hours of daylight - terrasses fill up by 5pm as locals embrace the brief summer season
All outdoor attractions fully operational - Mont-Royal hiking trails, Lachine Canal bike paths, and Old Port activities run extended summer hours
Peak produce season at Jean-Talon Market - Quebec strawberries, corn, and tomatoes at their absolute best, plus outdoor market stalls operating daily until 8pm

Considerations

Construction season intensifies - major road projects and building renovations concentrate in summer months, causing traffic delays and noise in downtown core
Tourist crowds peak during festival weeks - hotel prices jump 40-60% during Jazz Festival, restaurant wait times double, and popular attractions require advance booking
Afternoon thunderstorms are unpredictable - 10-15 minute downpours with little warning can disrupt outdoor plans, especially between 2-6pm

Best Activities in July

Old Montreal Walking Tours

July's warm evenings make cobblestone exploration perfect after 6pm when temperatures drop to comfortable 22°C (72°F). The humid days mean morning tours (9-11am) are ideal before heat builds up. Summer brings extended hours for Notre-Dame Basilica and Pointe-à-Callière Museum, plus outdoor dining in Place Jacques-Cartier.

Booking Tip: Book morning slots 3-4 days ahead during festival season. Tours typically cost CAD $25-45. Look for licensed guides through Tourisme Montréal. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Mont-Royal Summit Hikes

July offers the longest daylight hours (15+ hours) for summit hiking with full forest canopy providing natural cooling. Early morning hikes (7-9am) avoid both crowds and afternoon humidity. The 3.2 km (2 mile) Olmsted Road route stays 5°C (9°F) cooler than street level due to tree cover.

Booking Tip: Self-guided hikes are free, but guided nature walks cost CAD $15-25. Book guided tours 1 week ahead through city recreation programs. Access via Peel or Pine Avenue entrances. Current guided options available in booking section below.

Lachine Canal Cycling Tours

The 14 km (8.7 mile) waterfront path provides constant breeze relief from July humidity. Bike rentals include locks for stops at Atwater Market and craft breweries. Best timing is 10am-2pm before afternoon storms, or evening rides after 6pm when temperatures drop and golden hour photography begins.

Booking Tip: Bike rentals typically cost CAD $35-50/day. Book 2-3 days ahead during peak summer. Look for operators providing helmets and route maps. Group tours available through booking widget below.

Underground City (RESO) Exploration

Perfect rainy day backup with air-conditioned shopping and dining spanning 32 km (20 miles) of tunnels. July's afternoon thunderstorms make this essential knowledge - access from any metro station downtown. Connect between major hotels, shopping centers, and attractions without weather exposure.

Booking Tip: Free to explore independently. Guided underground tours cost CAD $20-30 and book 1-2 days ahead. Download official RESO map or join guided tours for historical context. Current tour options in booking section below.

St. Lawrence River Cruise Tours

July's calm waters and extended daylight create perfect conditions for evening cruises. The river breeze provides 5-8°C (9-14°F) temperature relief from humid city air. Sunset cruises (7:30-9:30pm) offer skyline photography with comfortable temperatures around 20°C (68°F).

Booking Tip: Evening cruises typically cost CAD $45-75. Book 1 week ahead during festival season as locals book these for date nights. Look for operators with covered seating for sudden rain showers. Current cruise options available in booking section below.

Jean-Talon Market Food Tours

Peak summer season brings the best local produce - strawberries, corn, tomatoes, and herbs at maximum flavor. Morning visits (8-10am) offer coolest temperatures and fullest vendor stalls. Local vendors provide samples, and many booths offer prepared foods perfect for picnic assembly.

Booking Tip: Market access is free, but guided food tours cost CAD $55-85. Book food tours 3-5 days ahead as they fill quickly in summer. Morning tours avoid afternoon heat and crowds. Current food tour options in booking section below.

July Events & Festivals

Late June through early July (typically June 27 - July 6)

Montreal International Jazz Festival

World's largest jazz festival with 500+ concerts, 300+ free outdoor performances, and 2 million attendees. Downtown transforms with multiple outdoor stages on Sainte-Catherine Street and Place des Arts. Mix of international headliners and local talent across jazz, blues, and world music.

Early to mid-July (typically July 4-14)

Festival d'été de Québec

While technically in Quebec City (3-hour drive or train), this massive music festival attracts many Montreal visitors during July. 11-day event featuring 300+ shows with major international rock, pop, and electronic acts on Plains of Abraham.

Mid to late July (typically July 10-28)

Just for Laughs Festival (Juste pour rire)

World's largest comedy festival featuring English and French performances across multiple venues. Street performers, outdoor shows, and indoor theater performances throughout the Quartier des Spectacles. Many free outdoor events complement ticketed shows.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight rain jacket or compact umbrella - afternoon thunderstorms happen 10 days in July with 10-15 minute intense downpours

Breathable cotton or linen clothing - avoid polyester in 70% humidity as it traps moisture and becomes uncomfortable

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - cobblestones in Old Montreal become slippery when wet from frequent rain

SPF 50+ sunscreen and hat - UV index reaches 8 during peak daylight hours lasting 15+ hours daily

Light sweater for evening - temperatures drop to 17°C (62°F) after sunset, especially on terrasses and during river cruises

Moisture-wicking undergarments - high humidity makes cotton underwear stay damp and uncomfortable during walking tours

Portable phone charger - extended daylight hours and festival photography drain batteries faster than winter visits

Insect repellent - mosquitoes are active in parks and along waterfront areas during warm humid evenings

Small backpack or day bag - frequent rain means needing to carry rain gear, water, and layers for changing conditions

Cash in small bills - many festival food vendors and buskers prefer cash, ATM lines get long during peak events

Insider Knowledge

Metro stations provide free air conditioning relief - locals duck into stations during heat waves, and many connect to underground shopping without paying fare

Grocery stores like Metro and IGA have excellent prepared food sections costing 50% less than tourist restaurant meals, perfect for festival picnics

Construction season means GPS isn't reliable - download offline maps and add 25% extra travel time between neighborhoods during peak summer

Festival crowds mean restaurant reservations essential after 6pm - but many offer 5-6pm happy hour menus with 30% discounts to beat the rush

Avoid These Mistakes

Planning outdoor activities between 2-6pm when thunderstorms and humidity peak - morning or evening timing is much more comfortable

Booking accommodations during Jazz Festival week without checking dates - rates jump 40-60% and minimum stays often required

Wearing heavy jeans or dark colors in July humidity - locals wear light colors and breathable fabrics to stay comfortable in 70% humidity