Month guide · Quebec City · Canada
Quebec City in October
What October is really like in Quebec City: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Quick answer
October is one of the best months to visit Quebec City. Expect average highs of 11°C (52°F), lows of 2°C (36°F), about 14 rainy days and roughly 10.8 hours of daylight. Peak autumn colour usually early in the month on Île d'Orléans and in Charlevoix; cool, crisp days.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 11°C (52°F) / 2°C (36°F)
- Rainy days
- About 14
- Daylight
- About 10.8 hours
- Crowds
- Moderate
- Hotel prices
- Average
Weather in October
October is the 6th-warmest month in Quebec City: days average 11°C (52°F) against a yearly average high of 9°C (48°F), and nights fall to about 2°C (36°F). Rain falls on roughly 14 of its 31 days. Compared with September (18°C (64°F)), October is cooler; by November highs drop to around 3°C (37°F).
- Sunrise (15 October)
- About 07:02
- Sunset (15 October)
- About 17:58
- Daylight
- About 10.8 hours
Autumn (September–November). Crisp days and red maples on Île d'Orléans and in Charlevoix through early October, turning grey and cold by November.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, October rates 3 for crowds (the peak is July at 5) and 3 for hotel prices (highest in July). Prices sit in the middle of the year's range.
Events in October
- Autumn foliage (usually late September to mid-October)
Dates move from year to year. Check the organiser’s site before booking travel around an event.
What to do in October
With cold days, plan around indoor sights and keep outdoor time flexible.
Historic site · Old Québec – Upper Town
La Citadelle de Québec
The star-shaped fortress on Cap Diamant, built by the British in the 19th century, is still an active military installation and home of the Royal 22e Régiment.
- Time needed
- 1.5–2 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- History
- Kids
- Views
- Iconic
Historic site · Old Québec – Lower Town and Old Port
Place Royale and Notre-Dame-des-Victoires
Combine it with the Musée de la civilisation, a three-minute walk away, for a full Lower Town morning.
- Time needed
- 45 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- History
- Architecture
- Photo spot
Historic site · Old Québec – Upper Town
Fortifications of Québec
Quebec City's stone walls and gates — Porte Saint-Louis, Porte Saint-Jean and Porte Kent among them — enclose the Upper Town.
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- History
- Outdoors
- Views
Park · Montcalm and Grande Allée
Plains of Abraham (Battlefields Park)
Walk from Dufferin Terrace along the Governors' Promenade stairs to reach the park without retracing your steps.
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Outdoors
- Kids
- History
- Views
What to pack
For highs near 11°C, lows near 2°C and 14 wet days: a warm coat, hat, gloves and thermal layers; shoes with good grip for icy pavements; a compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; comfortable walking shoes.
Is October a good time to visit Quebec City?
One of the best months to visit Quebec City, with a notable event on the calendar. The other best months are June–September. Compare every month.
Quebec City in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is October a good time to visit Quebec City?
It is one of the best months to visit Quebec City. Peak autumn colour usually early in the month on Île d'Orléans and in Charlevoix; cool, crisp days.
+How warm is Quebec City in October?
Average highs are around 11°C (52°F) and lows around 2°C (36°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Quebec City in October?
Expect rain on about 14 days of the month, so pack for wet weather.