Toronto Weather

Toronto’s weather is largely regulated by the Great Lakes, which are so massive that they create their own microclimate. Unfortunately, the effect isn’t very pleasant in terms of comfort. There are those who would argue that Toronto has some of the worst weather on the planet, but don’t let that put you off.

Hot, hazy and humid

Summers in Toronto are nothing to cheer about, unless you enjoy sweating. Although maximum summer temperatures tend to average around 30 in August, Lake Ontario creates so much humidity that it often feels 10°C hotter, a factor which many people find extremely uncomfortable.

Another unfortunate phenomenon in Toronto is the summer smog. Although air quality has improved in recent years, the smog that hovers over the city in the summer is often dangerous enough to require health alerts.

Cold, bitter cold

Not to be upstaged by summer conditions, the winters in Toronto can be miserable. Again, the Great Lakes are the culprits, creating bitterly cold weather, with some truly howling snowstorms mixed in throughout the season. Temperatures average just below freezing and snow stays around all winter long. To make matters worse, the sun doesn’t shine enough to give you much solar relief.

In contrast, autumn is the one time of year when you can find reliably fantastic conditions. The temperatures are pleasant, the skies blue and all those pesky bugs are gone. 

Average Temperature (°C)

30 22 15 8 0

Jan -4.9

Feb 5.0

Mar -0.7

Apr 5.9

May 12.2

Jun 17.8

Jul 20.8

Aug 19.9

Sep 15.8

Oct 9.3

Nov 3.2

Dec -2.5

Rainfall (mm)

80 60 40 20 0

Jan 68.1

Feb 59.5

Mar 66.3

Apr 64.7

May 71.1

Jun 68.3

Jul 77.0

Aug 70.0

Sep 73.3

Oct 61.6

Nov 69.5

Dec 67.2