Enjoying Quebec winters
Montréal winter weather
|
November – December |
|
|
January – February |
|
| March |
|
| April |
|
To find out the weather
The wind-chill factor
Wind can significantly affect perceived temperatures. If the thermometer reading is -5 °C and the wind is blowing at 40 km/h, the temperature will feel like -20 °C.
Clothing tips
- Dress warmly when walking or playing outdoors. To avoid frostbite, make sure your hands, feet and face are all well covered.
- The key to staying warm is to layer your clothing.
- Invest in good winter-wear. The most important item is a pair of high-quality boots. If you take good care of them (clean, polish and weather-protect), they will last for years.
- Once you are indoors, take off your coat and boots. That way, you won’t be cold when you go back outside.
Choosing a winter coat
- 3/4 length coat is better than bomber style.
- Waterproof (synthetic fabric) with insulated lining (fleece or down)
- Lightweight and warm
- Zipper in front (better than buttons)
- Collar that can protect your chin and mouth
- Hood and pockets
Choosing boots
- Waterproof, so your feet stay warm and dry
- Leather or synthetic fabric, insulated lining, good treads
- High enough to cover the ankles
- Preferably without heels
Accessories
- A winter hat (tuque) helps you stay warm. Remember that 90% of body heat is lost through your head.
- Mittens keep your hands warmer than gloves.
- Protect your neck and face with a scarf.
- Long underwear (nylon or fleece tights, long johns) is practical for very cold temperatures.
- Don’t forget sunglasses.
Where to shop
- For modest budgets: Globo (boots), Yellow (boots), Walmart (coats and boots)
- Sports equipment, boots and coats: Sport Experts, La Cordée, L’Équipeur.
- Department stores: Simons (coats), Winners and The Bay (coats and boots)
- Boutiques: Browns and Little Burgundy (boots)
- Used: Salvation Army, Renaissance, Village des Valeurs
Staying healthy in winter
A cold or the flu?
The difference between a cold and the flu
Are you lacking energy, feeling tired or depressed?
It is estimated that between 2-10% of Canadians are emotionally affected by the cold temperatures and lack of light in winter. If you are feeling tired or depressed, come and speak with us at Student Services. It will also do you good to step outside for regular walks, especially on sunny days.
Some tips
- Wash your hands regularly to avoid spreading germs.
- Occasionally open the windows to air out your apartment. This will reduce some of the negative health effects from all the hot and dry air.
- Purchase a humidifier.
- Keep your thermostat at 21 °C during the day and 18 °C at night (or while you’re away).
- Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables to keep your immune system strong.
- Drink lots of water and hot drinks to stay hydrated.
- Apply moisturizer and lip balm.
- Try out some winter sports: snowshoeing, skating, downhill or cross-country skiing, tobogganing. You’ll have a blast!
Embrace the cold
Take in some great winter events happening in Montréal and throughout Quebec.