Montreal in June: Weather, What to Pack, and What to See

June is one of the most popular times of year to visit Montreal, especially before the humidity settles over the city in the later part of the month. With temperatures heating up and a monthly average overall temperature of a warm 66 degrees Fahrenheit (19 degrees Celsius), Montreal's weather in early June is often considered the best of the year (despite the humidity).

Events also start to heat up in Montreal this month. From the annual Montreal Jazz Festival to the Mondial de la Bière—a massive beer festival—there's no shortage of great annual events coming to the city in June.

Montreal Weather in June

Although the temperature doesn't appear to be that hot throughout June, the humidity in Montreal this month can make it feel significantly warmer in the city. Much like in New Orleans, the daily average high temperature of 75 degrees Fahrenheit (24 degrees Celsius) in Montreal can feel more like 100 F (38 C). However, June humidity typically doesn't reach oppressive levels until the latter half of the month and isn't nearly as bad as it is in July through September.

• Average high: 75 degrees Fahrenheit (24 degrees Celsius)
• Average low: 56 degrees Fahrenheit (13 degrees Celsius)

Anticipate 11 days of light to heavy rain throughout the June, especially toward the end of the month when humidity builds and condenses into sudden showers. Humidity increases from an average of three percent to an average of 13 percent over the course of the month, so visiting early is better if you want to avoid the oppressive heat in the city.

What to Pack

For the first half of the month, prepare for springlike weather by packing pants, shorts, and skirts as well as a cardigan, jacket, or shawl for when things start to cool off around sundown. During the second half of June, pack clothing that accommodates the high humidity. Avoid cheap polyester at all costs and instead, opt for lightweight fabrics like linen or lightweight merino wool t-shirts and tanks that wick away sweat and prevent it from damaging or discoloring the fabric.

The best materials to wear in high humidity weather include fine gauge merino wool, linen, and Tencel (aka lyocell). Silk is tricky; while it's breathable and light, if sweat does get on it, it shows in a bad way. Consider avoiding tight silk pants and blouses, opting for airy, drapey tops and bottoms instead.

No matter what time of the month you visit, bring closed-toe shoes, open-toe shoes, and sandals as well as sunglasses, sunscreen, and a sunhat. Additionally, it's a good idea to grab an umbrella once you arrive or pack a raincoat.

June Events in Montreal

June in Montreal is incredible for outdoor festivals, cultural events, and street fairs. Must-see events include the Montreal Grand Prix, a Formula One race that takes place over the first weekend in June each year, and La Fête Nationale, a French holiday honoring Saint-Jean-Baptiste on June 24.

• Mondial de la Bière: Also known as the Montreal Beer Festival, this annual event showcases over 600 different beers, ciders, and products at Place Bonaventure in mid-June each year.
• Grand Prix Weekend: With several events across the city including multiple street festivals and block parties, this Formula One auto racing event is one of the most popular tourist attractions of the year.
• Les Francofolies: An annual festival held in downtown Montreal that features over 1,000 French artists and performers and attracts over half a million visitors to the city each year.
• La Fête Nationale: Also known as Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day, this religious holiday is celebrated on June 24 and honors Quebec's unique cultural heritage with a variety of events including a parade.
• Montreal Jazz Festival: Attracting over two and a half million visitors a year, this annual festival is the largest celebration of jazz music in the world (according to the Guinness Book of World Records). It runs from late June through early July each year.

June Travel Tips

• Locals partake in Montreal's summer festival season just as much as travelers. Weekends are spent lingering in major parks like Parc La Fontaine and Parc du Mont-Royal, especially during the Tam Tams.
• Whether biking the Lachine Canal, spending the day at public markets, or shopping in Chinatown, by sunset, you can always end the day of adventure indulging in late night food fixes across Montreal.
• Weekends throughout June are likely to be much busier with tourist traffic than weekdays, but accommodations may be booked up through the month.
• The best place to stay in the city is near Downtown Montreal, but it will be hard to come by during big events like the Jazz Festival or Grand Prix. Book your room well in advance to avoid pricing surges and to make sure you can get a good room.