Pamela MacNaughtanLast Updated on April 10, 2024 by Pamela MacNaughtan
When is the best time to visit Quebec City? Honestly, any time of year is a good time as the city is beautiful no matter the season, and there are always things to do in Quebec City. If you’re looking for one of the biggest (and best) music festivals in Canada, then come in the summer and check out Festival d’été de Québec.
If your skin tingles at the thought of gazing upon the vibrant fall foliage, then come in September-October and be prepared to have your mind blown. If you dream of sleeping in Hôtel de Glace, then winter is the best time to visit Quebec City.
Let’s help you decide the best time to visit Quebec City!
Summer
In summer, Quebec City is filled with people visiting from around the world; solo travellers, families, couples, tour groups exploring historic sites and cruise ships lining the port. The streets of the Historic District of Old Quebec, a UNESCO World Heritage site, are filled with art installations, artists, street performers, music and festivals.
The summer season typically starts mid-June and runs until mid-September. During these months, the average temperatures are 11ºC to 25ºC (51ºF to 77ºF) without humidity. There will be days, however, when the humidity spikes and outside temperatures can feel like 35ºC to 40ºC (95ºF to 104ºF); this typically happens in June, July and August.
Summer is the best time to visit Quebec City for vibrant festivals and events. The most popular festival is Festival d’été de Québec, a 10-day music festival in July; followed by Grand Feux Loto-Québec , Fête de la Nouvelles-France (New France Festival), ComediHa! Fest-Québec and Festibière Québec in August; Fête Arc-en-ciel de Quebec (Pride), Grand Prix Cycliste de Québec in September.
Finding hotel deals in Quebec City in summer can be a challenge, so it is best to book early if possible (we suggest using sites like Booking.com). We suggest you start looking no later than March if you’re planning to attend Festival d’été de Québec or Fête de la Nouvelles-France.
If you’re planning to visit Quebec City in summer be prepared for busy sidewalks and occasional street closures as several streets become pedestrian-only. Spend time on patios, dine on gourmet foods, visit museums, and venture into different neighbourhoods.
Autumn/Fall
The patios of summer slowly shut down as the temperatures begin to cool in mid-September, however, don’t fret, autumn is one of the most beautiful seasons in Quebec City.
It is a time when children are back in school and the Saint-Lawrence River is dotted with cruise ships exploring New England and Canada. The Quebec City fall foliage is absolutely stunning, and Fairmont Chateau Frontenac (LGBTQIA2S+ safe space) looks even more beautiful surrounded by trees of ruby reds, golden yellows, and rusty oranges.
The autumn/fall season typically starts in mid-September and runs until the end of October (the autumn colours generally last until mid-October, depending on the temperatures, rain and wind). During this time, the average temperatures are 2ºC to 18ºC (35ºF to 64ºF).
Autumn is the best time to visit Quebec City for stunning road trips in and around the city. Make time to admire the fall foliage on Île d’Orléans or Îsle aux Coudres, venture into the Laurentian mountains to admire the autumn colours in Charlevoix, and drive out to Tadoussac and through the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region.
If you’re a marathon or trail runner, consider participating in SSQ Québec City Marathon or Trail du Grand-Duc in October.
Planning to visit Quebec City in autumn? Plan for cool days and even cooler nights. The city will be busy with cruise ship passengers and tour groups, but nowhere as busy as it is during the height of summer. Some patios remain open, with heaters to add warmth.
Winter
Quebec City sits along the banks of the Saint-Lawrence River, which is one of the reasons why it can be hot and humid in summer, and frigid in winter. There are periods of quiet when the city returns to the locals, as well as periods of increased tourism as people arrive from around the world to celebrate Christmas and New Year’s, visit Hôtel de Glace (Quebec City’s ice hotel) and participate in Carnaval de Québec.
Winter is the longest season in Quebec, and typically starts in November and runs until the end of March (sometimes until mid-April). During this time, the average temperatures are -25ºC to 8ºC (-13ºF to 46ºF). Depending on the year, November can be cool, but dry.
Rain typically starts towards late November and into December, and if the temperature drops things become quite icy. January and February are the coldest months with temperatures dropping as low as -25ºC (-13ºF). March and April are cold but manageable.
When the snow falls, Quebec City turns into a magical fluffy white wonderland. In November and December, the Christmas markets are in full swing and neighbourhoods like Petit-Champlain turn into a living Christmas card.
Winter is the best time to visit Quebec City and try traditional Québécois cuisine such as tourtière, which is typically served at Christmastime. In January, the Hôtel de Glace opens its doors, and the city prepares for Carnaval de Québec.
Finding hotel deals in Quebec City can be difficult during Christmastime and Carnaval de Québec, it is best to start looking in September/October.
Spring
Spring is the shortest season in Quebec City, sometimes it is so short it is almost non-existent. In spring the days slowly begin to warm and the flowers start to bloom.
A welcome reprieve from the clutches of winter. The streets, for the most part, are void of crowds until mid-May when hoards of school children descend on Quebec City for their end-of-year class trips.
The spring season typically starts in April and runs until end-May. Average temperatures for this time are -1ºC to 17ºC (30ºF to 62ºF). While there are plenty of sunny days, there can also be quite a bit of rain; and while days can be warm, the nights are still cool.
Spring is the perfect time to experience the quieter side of Quebec City. The city is beautiful as the flowers bloom and there are rarely lines for restaurants and attractions. It is also the season of sugar shacks, a Québécois experience everyone should try at least once in their life. Another fun and tasty part of spring is Food Camp, a two-day culinary event hosted every February at the Fairmont Château Frontenac.
