You’ve heard the jokes about Montreal weather. People say if you don't like the sky, just wait fifteen minutes. Honestly, they aren't even exaggerating that much. Living here means having a toxic relationship with your closet. One day you’re rocking a stylish wool coat and the next you’re digging out the "Arctic-rated" parka because the wind coming off the St. Lawrence feels like a personal insult.
Right now, as we sit in the middle of January 2026, the city is caught in that classic mid-winter tug-of-war. If you're looking at the weather forecast Montreal Quebec, you've probably noticed it's not just about the numbers on the screen. It’s about the "feels like" factor.
What the Numbers Say Right Now
Tonight, Sunday, January 18, 2026, we’re looking at a temperature of 21°F. That sounds manageable, right? Kinda. But the real feel is hovering around 16°F thanks to a light west wind. It’s a partly cloudy night, and while the chance of snow is low—only about 5%—the humidity is sitting at a heavy 84%. That dampness is what really gets into your bones. It’s that "wet cold" Montrealers love to complain about over a bagel.
Tomorrow, Monday, January 19, things get a bit more interesting. We’re expecting snow showers during the day with a high of 23°F. By the time the sun goes down, it’ll drop to 3°F.
The Mid-Week Deep Freeze
If you think tomorrow is chilly, just wait for Tuesday. We are looking at a high of only 3°F and a low of -4°F. That is not a typo. The wind is going to kick up to 15 mph from the west, making it one of those days where your eyelashes might actually freeze together if you stay outside too long.
Why does this happen? Montreal sits at the junction of three major valleys: the St. Lawrence, the Ottawa, and the Lake Champlain valley. Basically, the city acts like a giant wind tunnel. Meteorologists at McGill University have spent years studying this "wind channeling." It's why a 10 mph wind in Toronto feels like a breeze, but in Montreal, it feels like a physical barrier you have to push through.
The Forecast for the Rest of the Week
The roller coaster continues. Wednesday, January 21, sees a weird spike back up to 30°F with more snow showers. It's like the atmosphere can't make up its mind.
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- Thursday, Jan 22: Light snow, high of 25°F, low of 13°F.
- Friday, Jan 23: Partly sunny but colder, high of 12°F, low of -15°F.
- Saturday, Jan 24: This is the big one. A high of -13°F. Yes, the high is thirteen below zero. The low will hit -20°F.
This isn't just "winter." This is the kind of weather that tests your soul. We just had a nasty storm on January 15 that actually shut down the REM light rail because of freezing drizzle on the power lines. It’s been a messy month.
Weather Forecast Montreal Quebec: Surviving the "Feels Like"
The biggest mistake people make is trusting the thermometer. In Montreal, the thermometer is a liar. You have to dress for the wind chill.
Layering is the only way to survive. I usually start with a base layer—something like Uniqlo’s Heattech or a thin merino wool top. Then a sweater, then the heavy down jacket. If you wear one giant thick layer, you’ll sweat the moment you step into the Metro, and then you’ll freeze the second you step back outside. Moisture is the enemy.
The Changing Face of Montreal Winters
It’s worth noting that our winters are getting weirder. ClimateData.ca has been tracking "cold snaps" across Canada, and while they feel more extreme because we aren't as used to them, the overall trend is actually warming. Since 1948, the annual lowest daily temperature in Canada has increased by about 3°C.
But "warmer" doesn't mean "easier." It means more variability. It means more days where it swings from freezing rain to a deep freeze, which is exactly what’s happening this week. We’re seeing more ice buildup and more "moisture-related issues" for our infrastructure, like what happened with the REM shutdown last Thursday.
What You Should Do Next
If you're heading out this week, especially toward next weekend when we hit those -20°F lows, do not skimp on the accessories.
- Get a neck warmer: Scarves are okay, but a dedicated neck warmer (buff) keeps the wind from sneaking down your jacket.
- Check the wind direction: If it’s coming from the West or South-West, the wind channeling in the downtown core will be brutal.
- Watch the humidity: On those 80%+ humidity days, even 25°F feels significantly colder than a dry 10°F.
- Footwear matters: Don't just look for warmth; look for grip. The freeze-thaw cycle we’re in right now means black ice is everywhere under that light dusting of snow.
Keep a close eye on the hourly updates. When the temperature is dropping from 23°F to 3°F in a single afternoon like it will on Monday, your morning outfit won't cut it by the commute home. Stay warm out there.
Actionable Insight: Double-check your home's insulation and window seals before Friday’s deep freeze hits. A simple draft snake under the door can save you a fortune on your Hydro-Québec bill when the mercury hits -20°F.