Sunset Time in Montreal Today

Montreal, Canada

Forecast updated:

Cloud on the horizon does not move the astronomical sunset time — it can hide the sun a few minutes early, but it often produces the most dramatic colors.

Conditions can shift — arrive 30 minutes early for the best experience.

Pair with golden hour or moon visibility for complete planning.

Forecast accuracy is highest within the next 1–3 days.

Sunset & Daylight Patterns Specific to Montreal

Montreal sits at 45.5° N in the temperate zone. It is autumn there now, and the sun currently spends 11.5 hours above the horizon each day.

Sunsets are latest in June around the summer solstice and earliest in December. Near the solstices, the sunset time barely shifts day to day; near the equinoxes (March, September), it moves up to 2 minutes per day. Montreal runs from 8.7 to 15.7 hours of daylight across the year, a 7-hour swing. Today's 11.5 hours set how much room you have to move plans around.

Golden hour in Montreal lasts about 58 minutes today, with civil twilight adding a further 30 minutes of usable blue-hour light after sunset.

The most photogenic sunset conditions in Montreal come in June, July, August, when the atmosphere is clearest and high-pressure systems push cloud layers away from the western horizon. Montreal receives an average of 210cm of snow annually, and temperatures can range from -30°C in winter to 35°C in summer.

Civil twilight at Montreal's latitude lasts approximately 30 minutes after the sun drops below the horizon — this is the "blue hour" window of soft, diffused light that photographers prize above all others. At 45.5°, this window offers a comfortable photography window without the frantic pace of equatorial twilight.

City-specific facts for Montreal

  • •Latitude: 45.5° N — longest days in June, shortest in December
  • •Summer daylight: ~15.7h | Winter daylight: ~8.7h — a 7.0-hour annual swing
  • •Civil twilight (blue hour) duration: ~30 minutes post-sunset
  • •Prime sunset colour months: June, July, August
  • •Hemisphere: northern — sunset moves northward in summer, altering composition angles significantly
  • •Local season right now: autumn (northern hemisphere)
  • •Daylight today: 11.5 h — annual range 8.7–15.7 h
  • •Solar regime today: normal sunrise/sunset cycle

Sun & Moon Times in Montreal

Sunset timing in Montreal is driven by latitude and season. We apply atmospheric refraction corrections for accuracy within one minute. Golden hour begins roughly 60 minutes before sunset — the most valuable window for photography, outdoor dining, and evening walks.

Sunset in Montreal shifts by several minutes each week. Summer evenings are longest, winter sunsets arrive earliest. Cloud cover near the horizon does not change the sunset time itself, though it can hide the sun a few minutes early and often produces the most dramatic color displays.

For the best sunset experience, arrive at your viewing spot 30 minutes before the listed time. Conditions can shift — check again on the day itself.

Sunrise & Sunset Guide for Montreal in October

Montreal has distinct four seasons with hot, humid summers and very cold, snowy winters. Spring and fall are transitional with rapidly changing weather. Snow can fall from November to April.

October offers moderate day lengths in Montreal, with sunset times that are comfortable for both early risers and evening planners. Temperatures range between -12--4°C and 20-27°C, making outdoor activities pleasant throughout the day. The mix of clear and partly cloudy skies during this transitional period creates varied and often spectacular sunset conditions.

☀️ Daylight & Day Length

Day length during October in Montreal provides a balanced schedule — not too long, not too short. This means sunrise and sunset occur at convenient times for most schedules. The sun's angle during transitional months creates particularly long golden hour windows, with warm light that rakes across the landscape and reveals texture in buildings and natural features.

📋 Planning Around Sunset

The moderate temperatures during October make Montreal ideal for all-day outdoor activities without the extremes of summer heat or winter cold. You can comfortably be outside from sunrise to sunset without needing to retreat during midday. Layer your clothing — mornings and evenings are cooler, while midday warms up considerably.

Photography at Sunrise & Sunset

Transitional weather in Montreal is a photographer's dream. The mix of sun and clouds creates constantly changing light conditions, offering multiple different looks within a single golden hour. The lower sun angle compared to midsummer produces longer shadows and more dramatic compositions. This is often considered the best time for landscape and cityscape photography.

Seasonal Sun Patterns in Montreal

☀️ Longest Days

June, July, August — these months bring the latest sunsets and longest daylight hours in Montreal. Expect extended evenings perfect for outdoor dining, sunset walks, and golden hour photography. The warmest temperatures (20-27°C) coincide with the longest days.

🌙 Shortest Days

July, August, September — earlier sunsets and shorter daylight hours define this period in Montreal. Temperatures drop to around -12--4°C. Plan outdoor activities around midday when the sun is highest. The dramatic low-angle light creates stunning photography opportunities despite the shorter window.

📍 Local Weather Insight

Montreal receives an average of 210cm of snow annually, and temperatures can range from -30°C in winter to 35°C in summer.

Local Tips for Montreal

The underground city (RÉSO) provides shelter from winter cold

Summer festivals take advantage of warm weather

Autumn foliage on Mount Royal is spectacular

When Sunset Viewing Is Not Worth It in Montreal

  • •Fully overcast skies — thick cloud cover blocks the sun entirely, producing a flat grey horizon with no color variation.
  • •Heavy rain or thunderstorms — unsafe conditions and zero visibility of the sun. Check the rain forecast for Montreal.
  • •Dense smog or haze — obscures the horizon line and reduces color saturation, making sunset appear washed out.
  • •West-blocked viewpoints — buildings, mountains, or trees blocking the western horizon will cut off sunset 10–30 minutes early.

What Determines Sunset Time?

Sunset time in Montreal is determined by the city's latitude, longitude, and the time of year. During summer, the Earth's axial tilt causes the sun to take a longer path across the sky, resulting in later sunsets. In winter, the opposite occurs — shorter days mean earlier sunsets. Near the equinoxes (March and September), sunset times change most rapidly, shifting by 2–3 minutes per day. At Montreal's latitude, the difference between the earliest and latest sunset can be several hours across the year. Our daily calculations use precise astronomical data to give you the exact sunset time accurate to the minute.

Did you know? Sunset in Montreal shifts by up to 3 minutes per day near the equinoxes — timing matters more than you think.

Planning to watch the sunset in Montreal?

Local Astronomy Profile · Montreal

Temperate latitude (45.5°) — 7.0 h difference between longest and shortest day.

45.5017° N, 73.5673° W🌐 northern hemisphereComputed from NOAA solar position formulas
Longest day
15 h 29 min

Latest possible sunset of the year (June solstice).

Shortest day
8 h 31 min

Earliest possible sunset of the year (December solstice).

Sunset shifts by
1.1 min/day on average

Average daily sunset drift between the two solstices — peaks near the equinoxes.

Civil twilight extends
roughly 25–35 min after sunset

Civil twilight is the usable shooting window after the sun is gone.

Data: Open-Meteo

Frequently Asked Questions

What time is sunset in Montreal today?

Today's sunset time for Montreal is shown above and updates daily. Sunset times shift throughout the year based on Montreal's latitude and the Earth's axial tilt. Summer sunsets are later, winter sunsets are earlier.

When is golden hour in Montreal?

Golden hour in Montreal begins approximately 1 hour before sunset and ends at sunset. The exact timing is displayed above. Morning golden hour starts at sunrise and lasts about 1 hour.

How long is the day in Montreal?

Day length in Montreal varies by season. Today's exact day length is shown above. At mid-latitudes, this ranges from about 8 hours in winter to 16+ hours in summer.

Is the moon visible tonight in Montreal?

Moon visibility depends on the current phase and cloud cover. Tonight's moon phase and illumination percentage for Montreal are shown above. A higher illumination percentage means a brighter, more visible moon.

Precipitation radar

Sunset tonight in other destinations

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