Montreal Snowfall: How Much Snow Does Montreal Get Each Year? (2025 Update)
Montreal is one of the snowiest major cities in North America — and its winters are legendary. With over two meters (210–216 cm or 82–85 inches) of snow falling each year, the city transforms into a true winter wonderland from December through March.
Here’s a detailed look at Montreal’s snowfall patterns, records, and snow removal operations — and what you can expect during the snowy season.
1. Annual Snowfall in Montreal
Montreal receives an average of 210 to 216.6 cm (82.5 to 85.3 inches) of snow each year, according to Canada Weather Stats and Environment Canada.
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❄️ Average annual snowfall: 210–216 cm
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️ Duration of snow cover: Around 120 days per year
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Months with snow on the ground: Typically December to March
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️ Snow-free period: Late April through October
Snow typically begins to appear in late November, but the heaviest accumulation happens during the core winter months.
2. Monthly Snowfall Patterns
Montreal’s snowfall is distributed unevenly throughout the winter, with some months seeing double the accumulation of others.
| Month | Average Snowfall (cm) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| November | 20–25 cm | First snowfalls begin |
| December | 40–45 cm | Start of regular accumulation |
| January | 50–55 cm | Consistent heavy snowfall |
| February | 55–60 cm | Often the snowiest month |
| March | 30–35 cm | Gradual thaw begins |
| April | 5–10 cm | Occasional spring snowfalls |
Peak season: February is generally the snowiest month, while April occasionally surprises with late flurries.
3. Notable Snow Events and Records
Montreal regularly experiences major snowstorms that can blanket the city with 30 cm or more of snow in a single day.
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️ February 2025 Snowstorm:
Montreal recorded 73 cm of snow in just four days, marking its biggest multi-day snowfall since 1941, according to CityNews and Canada Weather Stats. -
️ Historic Record:
The city’s largest single-day snowfall occurred in March 1971, with 43 cm falling during the infamous “Storm of the Century.” -
Average snow depth:
Montreal often maintains a snow cover of 15–30 cm throughout much of winter, particularly in January and February.
4. Montreal’s Snow Removal System
Montreal operates one of the most extensive snow removal operations in the world.
Each winter:
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Over 10,000 city employees and contractors are mobilized.
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Approximately 13,000 km of streets and sidewalks are cleared.
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The city removes more than 12 million cubic meters of snow — enough to fill nearly 5,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools.
Snow is plowed, loaded into trucks, and transported to snow disposal sites where it melts gradually throughout spring.
This large-scale operation ensures that despite heavy snow, life in Montreal continues almost uninterrupted — though parking restrictions and snow-clearing schedules are a regular part of winter life.
5. Winter in Montreal: What to Expect
If you’re visiting during winter, expect:
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Frequent snowfalls (light flurries to major storms)
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Cold temperatures: typically between −10°C and −2°C (14°F to 28°F)
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Snow-covered parks and rooftops: perfect for photography
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Vibrant winter festivals: including Montréal en Lumière and Igloofest
Locals embrace the season with outdoor skating rinks, snowshoeing on Mount Royal, and cozy cafés serving hot chocolate and maple treats.
6. Where to Check Current Snowfall Data
For real-time updates and historical charts, visit:
These sources provide daily snowfall totals, monthly averages, and active weather alerts.
Final Thoughts
Montreal’s winters are not for the faint of heart — but they’re also part of what makes the city so magical. With glittering snow-covered streets, festive markets, and world-class snow management, the city thrives in the cold.
Whether you’re marveling at the snow from a café window or bundling up for a walk through Old Montreal, the winter charm of Montreal is unforgettable.
