Montreal in October

October weather, activities, events & insider tips

October Weather in Montreal

13°C (55°F) High Temp

4°C (40°F) Low Temp

104 mm (4.1 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is October Right for You?

Advantages

Peak fall foliage season - maple trees reach maximum color intensity in first two weeks, creating impressive photography opportunities along Mont-Royal and Dakar Mont-Royal streets
Perfect sweater weather for walking tours - daytime temperatures of 13°C (55°F) ideal for exploring Old Montreal's cobblestone streets without summer's heat or winter's brutal cold
Apple picking season at nearby orchards - Île d'Orléans and South Shore locations 30-45 minutes from downtown offer peak harvest experiences through late October
Lower accommodation rates than summer peak - hotel prices drop 25-40% after Canadian Thanksgiving (mid-October) while weather remains pleasant for sightseeing

Considerations

Unpredictable weather swings - temperature can fluctuate 15°C (27°F) in a single day, requiring layered clothing and flexible indoor backup plans
Shorter daylight hours - sunset by 6:00 PM limits afternoon outdoor activities and photography golden hour opportunities
Rain frequency increases - 10 rainy days means 1 in 3 days have precipitation, often affecting walking tours and outdoor markets

Best Activities in October

Mont-Royal Park Fall Foliage Hiking

October is peak season for viewing Montreal's famous maple leaf colors. The 1.6 km (1 mile) trail to the Kondiaronk Belvedere offers panoramic city views framed by busy reds and golds. Morning visits (8-10 AM) provide best lighting and fewer crowds. Cool 13°C (55°F) temperatures perfect for moderate hiking without overheating.

Booking Tip: Self-guided activity requiring no advance booking. Plan 2-3 hours including photo stops. Guided nature walks available through parks department, typically $15-25 CAD per person. Check current tour options in booking section below.

Old Montreal Historical Walking Tours

Crisp October weather ideal for exploring 400-year-old cobblestone streets and stone buildings. Comfortable 13°C (55°F) daytime temperatures allow 2-3 hour walks without summer heat exhaustion. Fall lighting enhances photography of Notre-Dame Basilica and Portauprince architecture.

Booking Tip: Book 7-10 days ahead for weekend tours. Group tours typically $25-40 CAD, private tours $200-350 CAD. Morning tours (10 AM start) avoid afternoon rain probability. See current options in booking widget below.

Apple Orchard and Vineyard Day Trips

Peak apple harvest season runs through October. Orchards in Rougemont (1 hour drive) and Île d'Orléans (2.5 hours) offer u-pick experiences combined with wine tastings. Cool weather perfect for outdoor activities and cider sampling.

Booking Tip: Weekend trips book up fast - reserve 2 weeks ahead. Day tours typically $85-120 CAD including transportation and tastings. Self-drive options available with rental car recommendations in booking section.

Underground City Shopping and Food Tours

Montreal's 32 km (20 mile) underground network becomes essential during October's unpredictable weather. Food tours through RÉSO tunnels sample local specialties while staying dry. Perfect backup for rainy days (10 expected in October).

Booking Tip: Indoor activity available year-round with same-day booking possible. Food tours typically $65-85 CAD per person, self-guided shopping free with metro day pass ($11 CAD). Current tour options available in booking section below.

St. Lawrence River Boat Cruises

Final month for comfortable river cruises before winter closure. Fall foliage visible from water provides unique perspective of city skyline. Dress warmly - river temperatures 5°C (9°F) cooler than land with wind chill factor.

Booking Tip: Most operators close by November 1st - limited availability after October 20th. 90-minute cruises typically $35-50 CAD. Book minimum 1 week ahead for weekend departures. See current schedules in booking widget.

Maple Syrup Farm Experiences

October marks beginning of maple syrup education season at sugar shacks (cabanes à sucre) preparing for spring production. Learn traditional methods while enjoying hearty Quebecois meals. Indoor/outdoor combination perfect for variable October weather.

Booking Tip: Sugarhouse experiences available weekends only in October, typically $45-65 CAD including meal. Book 2 weeks ahead for popular locations within 1 hour of Montreal. Transportation often included in tour packages - see booking options below.

October Events & Festivals

Early to mid October

Festival du nouveau cinéma (FNC)

Montreal's premier contemporary cinema festival showcasing international films, documentaries, and digital media. Venues throughout downtown provide indoor entertainment perfect for rainy October days. Industry networking events and celebrity appearances.

October 13, 2025

Canadian Thanksgiving

Second Monday in October - many attractions have modified hours, restaurants offer special menus. Excellent time to experience Canadian traditions but book accommodations early as domestic tourism peaks this weekend.

Late October

Nuit Blanche Montreal

All-night arts festival with free museum admissions, gallery openings, and street performances. Usually occurs late October with indoor venues providing warmth during cool evening temperatures of 4°C (40°F).

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof jacket with hood - October rain comes suddenly and lasts 30-60 minutes, umbrella insufficient for walking tours

Layering system (t-shirt, sweater, jacket) - daily temperature swings of 9°C (16°F) require adaptable clothing

Waterproof walking shoes with good tread - wet cobblestones in Old Montreal become slippery, avoid smooth-soled footwear

Warm hat and gloves - early morning temperatures drop to 4°C (40°F), essential for sunrise photography sessions

Light scarf - wind chill along St. Lawrence River makes temperatures feel 3-5°C (5-9°F) colder

Small daypack with rain cover - protect electronics and documents during unexpected showers

Portable phone charger - cold weather drains batteries 25-30% faster than summer conditions

Moisturizer and lip balm - humidity drops to 70% causing skin dryness, especially outdoors

Sunglasses - UV index still reaches 3, plus glare off wet pavement and remaining snow on mountains

Insider Knowledge

Visit Jean-Talon Market between 10 AM-2 PM Tuesday-Thursday for best apple variety selection and fewer weekend crowds - vendors offer free samples of Quebec heritage apple varieties only available in October

Download the STM app for real-time metro updates - October construction projects on Orange and Blue lines cause 15-20 minute delays during peak hours (7-9 AM, 4-6 PM)

Book restaurant reservations for 6:30-7:30 PM window - Montrealers dine later than tourists expect, and October's shorter days shift dinner times earlier than summer

Carry exact change for outdoor markets and street vendors - many switch to cash-only operations in shoulder season to reduce processing fees before winter closure

Avoid These Mistakes

Underdressing for evening activities - temperature drops 9°C (16°F) after sunset, afternoon comfort becomes evening shivering without layers

Not checking attraction hours before visiting - many outdoor attractions reduce hours or close weekdays after Canadian Thanksgiving weekend

Booking only outdoor activities - with 10 rainy days expected, having zero indoor backup plans ruins 30% of vacation days