Toronto is Canada’s most cosmopolitan city, a cultural hub with museums, street art, diverse neighborhoods, incredible food, and a litany of must-see attractions. Naturally, a destination with such a vibrant atmosphere attracts travelers from near and far throughout the year, but locals say some seasons are better than others. The general consensus is that late spring to early summer is the best time for comfortable temperatures, festivals, and quieter attractions compared to summer.

But when to go depends largely on your trip goals. If you’re set on sunny strolls around the waterfront and crowds aren’t a major worry, summer might be the perfect time to book. On the other hand, if you don’t mind bundling up in order to save some money, you might be up for a January or February visit. Before you decide, get to know the main tourist seasons:

• High Season: June to September and winter holidays
• Shoulder Season: April to May and October to November
• Low Season: December to February, excluding the holidays

With the help of concierges at two of the top luxury hotels in Toronto, we’ve broken down the best times to visit for great weather, outdoor adventure, fewer crowds, and more.

Best Times to Visit Toronto for Smaller Crowds 

Toronto is quietest in the winter, but visiting during the city’s coldest season can be a real struggle. So, Ronaldo Breton, chef concierge at The Hazelton Hotel, recommends spring as a sweet spot for smaller crowds and decent weather. “Crowds tend to be slightly smaller during March break, when many families go on holiday, and into April,” Breton said. “It’s a nice time to visit as there’s still unique Canadian-focused programming,” like maple syrup festivals. Because the seasons for the Toronto Maple Leafs and Toronto Raptors extend into the spring, sports fans might even be able to catch a game while in town.

Best Times to Visit Toronto for Good Weather 

To enjoy pleasant weather without the peak-season crowds, visit during early or late summer. According to Harry Hollywood, chef concierge at the Four Seasons Hotel Toronto, the best months for beautiful weather are June and September, which tend to be mild and pleasant for walking around. Average highs during these months range from about 68 to 72 degrees, though June tends to be the wettest time of the year.

Early and late summer are also great times for taking advantage of outdoor dining and joining in the seasonal festivities, whether that’s the Jazz Fest in late June or the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in early September.

Best Times to Visit Toronto for Lower Prices 

On a budget? The best time to visit Toronto for lower prices is from December to February, excluding the weeks of Christmas and New Year’s. Hollywood encourages travelers to plan ahead to score some excellent deals on airfare and luxury hotels. Despite what the low rates might suggest, these months are still really exciting with winter markets and outdoor skating — just make sure you pack plenty of layers to stay warm. Most days in January and February are below freezing.

Best Time to Visit the Toronto Islands 

Summer is both the best and busiest time for a day trip to the Toronto Islands with several ferries and water taxis available for seamless transport from the city. “Families in particular love Centre Island because it has beaches, an amusement park, food stalls, and bike rentals to cycle around and explore in the beautiful weather,” Breton says. 

The islands invite visitors year-round, but all facilities except public bathrooms are closed during the low season, from about late November to mid-April. Most restaurants close through the winter, too, which means there’s hardly any way to go inside and warm up from the frigid Toronto temperatures.

Worst Time to Visit Toronto

February tends to be the coldest month — with daytime highs usually below freezing — so it’s not really prime for walking around. Travelers who do plan to visit during this time of year should bring warm clothes, tons of layers, and snow boots. If you decide to visit Toronto in the winter, be sure to fill your itinerary with indoor activities, such as visiting the Royal Ontario Museum.