What's the best time to visit Quebec City?
The overall best times to visit Quebec City are from June to September for summer activities and December to February for winter experiences. Summer offers comfortable temperatures, smaller crowds, and outdoor activities like hiking and whale watching, with highlights like the summer Pow Wow and fewer mosquitoes.
Winter transforms the city into a snowy wonderland, perfect for experiencing the frozen Montmorency Falls, ice-fishing, and the Northern Lights, all complemented by warm cups of Tim Horton’s coffee and fresh maple syrup.
Planning a trip to Quebec City, but you’re not sure when the perfect time to go is? We’ve got you covered. A much-loved Canadian travel destination, Quebec City, features stunning sights and historical attractions.
The ambiance of this beautiful city has something to offer tourists all year long, depending on what season you prefer. Below, we’ll how you the best and the worst times to visit throughout the seasons.
Whether you are interested in shopping, sightseeing in Old Quebec, or celebrating the magic of the holidays under a blanket of falling snow, we’ll help you plan the perfect month to visit Quebec City; let us be your guide!
The Overall Best Time to Visit Quebec City
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The overall best times to visit Quebec City are from June to September and December to February. During this time, the weather offers seasonal activities sure to make your vacation enjoyable.
The city is jam-packed with annual celebrations, such as the summer Pow Wow, or the annual winter carnival offering plenty of activities for tourists to capture the beauty of the city.
In the summer months, tourists can enjoy hikes, whale watching, and summer water activities on the Montmorency River.
Benefits of traveling in June include:
- Temperatures are comfortable before the scorching heat of summer begins
- Crowds to attractions are smaller with kids still in school
- There are fewer mosquitoes and blackflies than in the hotter summer months
A top attraction of Quebec City is the must-see Montmorency Falls. With several points of entry, you can view the falls from a suspension bridge, at a distance, up close and personal with a cable car ride, or take in the adrenaline rush of a zip-line ride over the falls.
Tourists can enjoy a winter in Quebec City with a hike to the frozen Montgomery Falls, ice-fishing, or watching amazing views of the Northern Lights in full effect with spectacular colors on display and keeping warm with a fresh cup of Tim Horton’s coffee and some fresh maple syrup.
Cheapest Time to Visit Quebec City
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The cheapest times to visit Quebec City are during the off-seasons of spring and fall, from February to April and from September until November.
Quebec City is still gorgeous during the off-peak seasons. Visitors can take in some activities of the city with fewer crowds and cheaper price tags, such as the following options:
- The color of the changing leaves
- The breathtaking waterfalls surrounded by autumn foliage
- Less-crowded restaurants and shopping venues with pleasant staff ready to serve you
Spring and Fall are also excellent times to enjoy the beautiful outdoors of Quebec City when the weather is perfect for walking without dealing with the summer heat and humidity or the frigid temperatures of Canadian winters.
Besides mild weather between zero to 20 degrees Celsius, the off-peak season offers something for everyone to enjoy in Quebec City, such as the following highlights to check out:
- A trip to Old Quebec
- Local beer tasting
- A patio lunch overlooking the St. Lawrence River in full fall colors
- Strolling through the picturesque Jacques-Cartier National Park
Least Busy Time to Visit Quebec City
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The least busy time to visit Quebec City is in the spring from April to June, and in the fall from September to October. These months are the slowest times of the year for tourists visiting Quebec City because the weather is much colder, and children are in school.
Many travelers like to plan their vacation with the whole family and pick times when they are out of school and can join them, such as the summer holidays, March break, or Christmas holidays.
Traveling to Quebec City during quiet times has some advantages, including the following benefits:
- Hotels and attractions may be down in price during off-peak seasons
- There is less time to wait in line at local attractions
- You have a better chance of finding hotel suites and high-end hotel rooms at lower-than-usual prices
- Restaurants and stores are less crowded and it is easier to find a table at popular places in the city
Worst Time to Visit Quebec City
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The worst time to visit Quebec City is from July to August, when summer festivals are in full swing, the weather is at its hottest, and it’s mosquito and blackfly season.
And hotels and airlines raise the prices because of the high volume of tourists visiting the area. Winter is also another bad time to visit Quebec City, especially mid-December to early January and during the March break.
This is because the weather can be extremely chilly, children are out of school for the holiday, and hotels and attractions are extra crowded with tourists.
However, if you don’t mind sizable crowds, and paying extra high prices for hotel rooms and attractions, bundle up warm because Quebec City has plenty to offer winter tourists, including the following exciting attractions you should definitely make time to check out:
Even though the weather is hot, you can always find something fun to do to beat the heat in Quebec City during the summer months. In the summer, tourists can enjoy sidewalk cafes, warm weather, plenty of summer festivals in full swing, and several tourist attractions open to the public.
Other summer attractions to explore in Quebec City include taking a carriage ride through Old Quebec City, whale watching on the St. Lawrence River, taking a boat cruise, taking in a summer street festival, sampling craft beer, or shopping in Old Montreal.
Quebec City by Month: Climate & Activities
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Still unsure about the best time to visit Quebec City? Take a look at our summary of the weather and climate by month below:
January
January in Quebec City, often with temperatures from 0 to 18°F (-18 to -8°C), is a winter wonderland. It’s the perfect time to experience the magical Winter Carnival, skate at Place D’Youville, and explore the historic Old Quebec under a blanket of snow.
February
February continues with the charm of winter, ideal for snowy walks along the Terrasse Dufferin, visiting the majestic Ice Hotel, and enjoying traditional Quebecois cuisine in cozy, warm bistros.
March
As winter gradually fades, March temperatures range from 10 to 32°F (-12 to 0°C). This month is great for late-season skiing at nearby Mont-Sainte-Anne, attending the Québec City International Festival of Military Bands, and exploring the Musée de la civilisation.
April
April’s milder weather, with temperatures between 30 to 48°F (-1 to 9°C), beckons for strolling through the Quartier Petit Champlain, visiting the Montmorency Falls, and enjoying the city’s vibrant art galleries.
May
May brings warmer days, from 43 to 63°F (6 to 17°C), perfect for picnics in the Plains of Abraham, exploring the historic Île d’Orléans, and enjoying the blooming gardens at the Parc du Bois-de-Coulonge.
June
June, welcoming summer with temperatures between 53 to 73°F (12 to 23°C), offers ideal conditions for cruising on the Saint Lawrence River, exploring the Festival d’été de Québec, and enjoying outdoor dining in the city’s charming cafes.
July
July’s warmth, ranging from 59 to 77°F (15 to 25°C), is all about attending the lively music and arts festivals, exploring the historic Fortifications of Quebec, and enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of the Petit Champlain district.
August
In August, with temperatures of 58 to 75°F (14 to 24°C), visit the traditional Huron-Wendat Village to learn about Indigenous culture, explore the bustling Marché du Vieux-Port for local produce, and take part in the New France Festival.
September
Welcoming fall, September, with temperatures from 50 to 68°F (10 to 20°C), is perfect for experiencing the colorful fall foliage, visiting the Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec, and enjoying the Québec City Film Festival.
October
October’s cooler days, from 38 to 55°F (3 to 13°C), are ideal for exploring the charming Île d’Orléans, tasting the local apple ciders and cheeses, and taking part in Halloween-themed events in the historic city.
November
November, as the air turns crisper, temperatures from 26 to 41°F (-3 to 5°C), is a time for enjoying the indoor attractions like the Aquarium du Québec, exploring the German Christmas Market, and experiencing the city’s cozy restaurants and cafes.
December
December brings a festive and cozy atmosphere, with temperatures ranging from 12 to 28°F (-11 to -2°C). Enjoy the traditional Christmas decorations in Old Quebec, explore the European-style Christmas markets, and celebrate the holiday season in the historic ambiance of this charming city.
So, What’s the Best Time to Visit Quebec City?
We think the overall best times to visit Quebec City are from June to September and December to February. However, there’s no need to limit your travels to these times, as the off-seasons have just as much to offer as the peak seasons.
From sightseeing in Old Quebec, viewing the majestic Montmorency Waterfalls, to whale watching on the scenic Saint Lawrence River, shopping on cobblestone sidewalks, taking in a festival, or celebrating the winter carnival under a blanket of snow, Quebec City has it all.
So, with so much to see and do, what are you waiting for — book your trip to this storied city today and experience for yourself all that Quebec City has to offer. Happy travels!