Toronto, Ontario, Canada, experiences a humid continental climate (Köppen Dfb) with warm, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. The city's location on the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario moderates extremes, but seasonal shifts are pronounced. This guide provides a month-by-month breakdown of average temperature, rainfall, and daylight hours, based on data from Environment and Climate Change Canada and the Canadian Climate Normals (1981–2010). Understanding Toronto's climate helps residents and visitors plan activities, from outdoor festivals in July to ice skating in January.
January — Deep Winter
January is Toronto's coldest month. Average high: -1.4°C (29.5°F), average low: -9.3°C (15.3°F). Snowfall dominates, with average total precipitation (mostly snow) of 60.6 mm (2.39 in). Rainfall is minimal — about 20 mm (0.79 in) as rain. Daylight hours are short: sunrise around 7:45 AM, sunset near 5:00 PM, yielding roughly 9 hours 15 minutes of daylight. Lake Ontario may freeze partially, but the city's heat island effect keeps temperatures slightly above surrounding areas. For events like the Toronto Light Festival, warm coats and boots are essential. Related: Toronto Winter Survival Guide.
February — Still Cold, Lengthening Days
February remains cold but with slight warming. Average high: -0.2°C (31.6°F), average low: -8.1°C (17.4°F). Precipitation totals 58.5 mm (2.30 in), mostly snow (about 30 cm / 11.8 in). Rain increases marginally to 25 mm. Daylight increases to about 10 hours 30 minutes by month's end — sunrise ~7:15 AM, sunset ~5:45 PM. The Toronto Ice Canoe Challenge takes place on the lake. February is often the snowiest month, with occasional thaws causing slush. Toronto Snowfall Statistics provide deeper analysis.
March — Transition to Spring
March brings variable weather. Average high: 4.2°C (39.6°F), average low: -3.2°C (26.2°F). Precipitation increases to 65.2 mm (2.57 in), with rain now about 40 mm and snow 25 cm (10 in). Daylight jumps to 12 hours by mid-month, sunrise ~6:30 AM, sunset ~6:15 PM after DST starts (second Sunday). March can see heavy wet snow or early warm spells. The Toronto Maple Leafs hockey season peaks. Flooding from snowmelt is possible. Spring Weather in Toronto offers tips for layering.
April — Showers and Green
April is a rainy month. Average high: 11.5°C (52.7°F), average low: 2.6°C (36.7°F). Precipitation totals 68.5 mm (2.70 in), almost entirely rain (65 mm). Snowfall is rare — about 3 cm (1.2 in). Daylight hours reach 13 hours 30 minutes by month's end, sunrise ~6:10 AM, sunset ~8:10 PM. Trees bud, and the Toronto Zoo opens for the season. April showers are frequent; umbrellas are a must. The average number of rainy days is 12. Toronto Rainfall Guide details monthly patterns.
May — Pleasant Spring
May offers mild weather. Average high: 18.8°C (65.8°F), average low: 8.9°C (48.0°F). Precipitation is 74.5 mm (2.93 in) over 11 rainy days — mostly rain, with occasional thunderstorms. Daylight extends to 15 hours by month's end (sunrise ~5:40 AM, sunset ~8:45 PM). The Toronto Marathon and Doors Open Toronto occur. Lake Ontario water temperature rises slowly, reaching about 10°C (50°F). Gardens bloom in parks like High Park. Toronto Parks and Weather suggests best visiting times.
June — Start of Summer
June brings warm, humid conditions. Average high: 24.0°C (75.2°F), average low: 14.0°C (57.2°F). Rainfall increases to 77.0 mm (3.03 in) with 11 rainy days; thunderstorms are common. Daylight peaks at 15 hours 30 minutes around the solstice (June 21). Sunrise ~5:35 AM, sunset ~9:00 PM. The Toronto Jazz Festival and Pride Month events fill the calendar. Humidity can make temperatures feel hotter. Air conditioning is common in homes and stores. Toronto Summer Heat Tips help manage discomfort.
July — Hottest Month
July is Toronto's warmest month. Average high: 27.0°C (80.6°F), average low: 17.5°C (63.5°F). Precipitation is 74.4 mm (2.93 in) over 10 rainy days, often from short, intense thunderstorms. Daylight hours decline slightly to 15 hours — sunrise ~5:45 AM, sunset ~8:55 PM. The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) begins in September, but July features the Honda Indy and Caribana (Toronto Caribbean Carnival). Lake Ontario water temperature peaks around 22°C (72°F). Heatwaves with humidex above 40°C (104°F) can occur. Toronto Weather Extremes records historical highs.
August — Late Summer
August remains hot and humid. Average high: 26.0°C (78.8°F), average low: 16.5°C (61.7°F). Rainfall averages 78.1 mm (3.07 in) — the wettest month on average — over 10 rainy days. Thunderstorms can produce heavy downpours. Daylight decreases to 13 hours 45 minutes by month's end (sunrise ~6:30 AM, sunset ~8:00 PM). The Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) runs from mid-August to Labour Day. Lake Ontario water is warm for swimming. Air quality alerts due to smog are possible. Toronto Air Quality Index provides real-time data.
September — Autumn Begins
September brings cooler, pleasant weather. Average high: 21.0°C (69.8°F), average low: 11.5°C (52.7°F). Precipitation drops to 70.2 mm (2.76 in) over 9 rainy days. Daylight falls to 11 hours 45 minutes by month's end (sunrise ~7:10 AM, sunset ~7:00 PM). TIFF dominates early September. Leaves start changing color in mid-month. Humidity decreases. It's a popular time for hiking in the Don Valley. Toronto Fall Colours Guide tracks peak foliage.
October — Crisp and Colourful
October is cool and crisp. Average high: 13.5°C (56.3°F), average low: 4.5°C (40.1°F). Rainfall totals 67.2 mm (2.65 in) over 10 rainy days; first snowflakes can appear late in the month. Daylight shrinks to 10 hours 15 minutes by Halloween (sunrise ~7:45 AM, sunset ~6:15 PM). Thanksgiving (second Monday) is a long weekend. Apple picking and pumpkin patches are popular. The average first frost occurs around October 15. Toronto Halloween Weather helps costume planning.
November — Grey and Damp
November is overcast and chilly. Average high: 7.0°C (44.6°F), average low: -0.5°C (31.1°F). Precipitation is 71.5 mm (2.81 in), with rain about 55 mm and snow about 8 cm (3.1 in). Daylight drops to 9 hours 15 minutes by month's end (sunrise ~7:30 AM, sunset ~4:45 PM). The Santa Claus Parade occurs mid-month. Lake Ontario keeps coastal areas slightly warmer. Indoor activities like visiting the Royal Ontario Museum are popular. Toronto Indoor Activities for Bad Weather lists options.
December — Winter Returns
December is cold with short days. Average high: 0.6°C (33.1°F), average low: -6.5°C (20.3°F). Precipitation totals 63.5 mm (2.50 in), mostly snow (about 22 cm / 8.7 in). Daylight bottoms out at 8 hours 45 minutes around the winter solstice (December 21). Sunrise ~7:45 AM, sunset ~4:40 PM. Holiday events include the Toronto Christmas Market and Nathan Phillips Square skating rink. Snowfall accumulates, and lake-effect snow can occur. Toronto Holiday Weather Events highlights seasonal activities.