Montreal in June
June weather, activities, events & insider tips
June Weather in Montreal
Is June Right for You?
Advantages
- Peak festival season - June hosts Fête nationale du Québec (June 24) and Montreal International Jazz Festival (late June-early July), offering authentic local celebrations impossible to experience other months
- Perfect outdoor weather with 15+ hours of daylight - sunset doesn't occur until 8:30 PM, giving you maximum time for terrasse dining, Old Port walks, and Mount Royal hiking at comfortable 24°C (75°F) highs
- Terrasse culture in full swing - every restaurant opens outdoor seating, creating the quintessential Montreal summer experience that locals wait all year for, with street festivals happening nearly every weekend
- Pre-peak pricing advantage - accommodations cost 15-25% less than July-August while weather is equally excellent, and you'll avoid the heaviest tourist crowds that arrive in summer's peak months
Considerations
- Unpredictable rain patterns - while total rainfall is moderate at 84mm (3.3 inches), showers can disrupt outdoor plans unexpectedly, particularly affecting cycling tours and rooftop activities
- Hotel availability tightens rapidly due to festival season - many downtown properties book solid for Jazz Festival dates, requiring reservations 6-8 weeks ahead versus 2-3 weeks in shoulder months
- Humidity reaches uncomfortable levels during afternoon peaks at 70%, making extensive walking tours feel more exhausting than the temperature suggests, especially for visitors from dry climates
Best Activities in June
Old Montreal Walking Tours and Cobblestone Exploration
June's mild mornings (13-16°C/56-61°F) are ideal for exploring Old Montreal's cobblestone streets before afternoon heat builds. The UNESCO district comes alive with outdoor performers, terrasse dining opens fully, and the St. Lawrence River waterfront offers cooling breezes during warmer afternoons. Avoid midday tours when humidity peaks.
Mount Royal Park Hiking and Lookout Trails
Perfect hiking weather with comfortable 20-24°C (68-75°F) daytime temperatures and long daylight until 8:30 PM. The 1.6 km (1 mile) main trail to Kondiaronk Belvedere offers spectacular city views without overexertion in June's moderate humidity. Morning hikes avoid afternoon thundershowers that occur 30% of June days.
St. Lawrence River Cruise Tours
June's weather creates ideal conditions for river cruising with minimal wind and comfortable temperatures. The longer daylight hours allow for sunset cruises departing as late as 7 PM, showcasing Montreal's skyline during golden hour. River temperatures moderate the humidity, making this perfect relief from city heat.
Cycling the Lachine Canal and Waterfront Paths
June offers prime cycling conditions with the 14 km (8.7 mile) Lachine Canal path fully accessible and scenic. Morning temperatures of 13-18°C (56-64°F) are perfect for longer rides, while the waterfront location provides cooling effects during warmer afternoons. Avoid cycling during the 10 average rainy days.
Underground City Exploration Tours
Essential backup plan for June's 10 rainy days, Montreal's 33 km (20.5 mile) underground network stays perfectly climate-controlled at 22°C (72°F). During humid afternoons when outdoor activities become uncomfortable, the underground city offers shopping, dining, and cultural sites with consistent comfort.
Terrasse Dining and Food Market Tours
June marks the full opening of Montreal's legendary terrasse culture. Jean-Talon Market and Atwater Market feature peak seasonal produce, while restaurant patios create the social dining experience locals anticipate all winter. Comfortable evening temperatures extending past 9 PM enable lengthy outdoor dining sessions.
June Events & Festivals
Fête nationale du Québec (Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day)
Quebec's national holiday transforms Montreal into a massive street party with free concerts, traditional music, and authentic Québécois culture celebration. The main festivities occur on Plains of Abraham with satellite events throughout Montreal neighborhoods.
Festival International de Jazz de Montréal
World's largest jazz festival begins in late June with over 500 concerts, many free outdoor performances in downtown core. Streets close to traffic creating pedestrian-only festival zones with impromptu performances and food vendors.
Grand Prix du Canada Formula 1
Circuit Gilles Villeneuve hosts Canada's only Formula 1 race, bringing international crowds and creating city-wide celebration atmosphere. Even non-racing fans enjoy the associated parties and events throughout downtown Montreal.