The Ultimate Guide to Winter in Toronto

Winter in Toronto is a whole new world, for longtime Torontonians and newcomers alike. While it’s important to be mentally and physically prepared for the weather, it’s also a great time to explore new activities, enjoy the city, and discover winter fun.

In this article, we’ll cover exactly what to expect, what to wear, where to find the best winter gear, how to mentally prepare for winter, and things to do during winter in Toronto.

"I’ve always had a love-hate relationship with winter in Ontario.  Having lived away for 16 years I often dreamed of being home in the winter to go tobogganing and to play in the snow with my children.  Once we returned and had our first snow fall I very quickly remembered the not-so-fun tasks of brushing off the car and shovelling the driveway!"

‍Susan Hodges, Founder, New Roots Relocation

What To Expect

Let’s explore the typical winter conditions you might experience from December to March in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Average Winter Temperature in Toronto

In Toronto, the coldest temperatures are usually found in January and February, with nighttime lows that can drop to around -18 degrees Celsius, or 0 degrees Fahrenheit.

A more typical winter day in Toronto might see highs of -1 to 3 degrees Celsius (30-37 degrees Fahrenheit) and lows ranging from -5 to -10 degrees Celsius (14-23 degrees Fahrenheit).

Snow, Rain, and Storms

Toronto, being more inland, experiences a mix of snowy and icy conditions throughout the winter. Snowfall is common, especially in January and February, with occasional snowstorms that can bring heavy snow, strong winds, and freezing rain.

Sunrise & Sunset

In Toronto, winter also brings shorter days with limited daylight. Sunrises can be as late as 7:45am, and sunsets can occur as early as 4:40pm, giving you fewer daylight hours to enjoy the city during the colder months.

Important Considerations

Snow Removal

If you live in a house, check with the city to find out if you are responsible for sidewalk snow removal, and how quickly after a snowfall it must be completed. You will want to purchase a shovel or snow blower to remove snow from your walkway and driveway from your local hardware store. It’s a good idea to purchase this, along with a car snow and ice scraper if you have a vehicle, well ahead of time.

What to Wear During Winter in Toronto

City life in the winter season can be a challenge to dress for, so let’s go over some of the basics and top tips from locals.

The biggest challenge is typically dressing for multiple temperatures. For example, remaining comfortable outdoors, on public transportation, and inside different buildings all during one day. 

The key for everyday life during winter in Toronto is to dress in layers. Here’s what you need to know:

• A good-quality winter coat will be the crown jewel of your wardrobe, so choose wisely! You can consult our shopping guide below for trusted brands.
• For children, consider purchasing a “snow suit” which consists of a winter coat and snow pants all in one piece.
• Cold hands and feet can quickly dampen spirits and decrease your overall warmth, so don’t forget the gloves/mittens, hats, and scarves to cover up smaller areas.
• Dressing with a base layer (thinner, wicking fabric), middle layer (a fleece or sweater), and top layer (jacket or winter coat) can help you be prepared for varying activities.

Winter Shopping Guide for Toronto

Now that you know what to look for, let’s go over our top picks for brands and stores to find your winter essentials. Quality is everything when it comes to winter clothing, but these items can also be pricey! 

The following recommendations will help you balance price and quality to find the best fit for you and your family.

• Sorel (Winter boots and footwear)
• Pajar (Boots, accessories, outerwear)
• Cougar (Winter boots and footwear)
• Costco (Great place to shop for affordable snow suits and layers)
• The Bay (Find many high-quality winter wear brands)
• Mountain Equipment Coop (MEC)
• Sporting Life
• Patagonia (Known for great winter coats)
• Columbia
• Sport Chek

Mentally Preparing for Winter in Toronto

The mental impacts of winter are often a shock to newcomers, and even longtime Torontonians need to mentally prepare for the season each year.

Why? The intense weather and changes in daylight may cause shifts in mood or experiences of Seasonal Affective Disorder. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to help mentally prepare for winter, and stay healthy throughout the season:

• Turn on the lights: The science behind seasonal affective disorder and seasonal depression has a lot to do with the decreased exposure to sunlight in winter. One way you can combat this is by aiming to expose yourself to bright lights, especially in the morning time. Turn on your lights first thing in the morning, opt for a light therapy lamp, and try to get sunlight in your eyes as soon as the sun rises.

• Consider a Vitamin D supplement: Another aspect of decreased daylight is a decreased production of vitamin D in the body. Many people find that taking a vitamin D supplement in the winter, or even increasing the dose, can improve the symptoms of seasonal affective disorder.

• Get outside once a day: In times of harsh cold, it may be difficult to get excited about going outdoors. However, even just a 10-minute walk outside can help ease your mood and provide the benefit of fresh air and fresh scenery. If it feels difficult to go outside “for no reason,” try planning a winter activity that could inspire you to get outdoors and distract you from less-than-ideal weather.

In the next section, we’ll go over activities and things to do during the winter in Toronto, which can certainly help you stay uplifted throughout the season.

Things To Do In Toronto During Winter

You don’t have to hibernate during winter in Toronto, because luckily there are plenty of activities across the city to keep you busy. From exploring festivals and winter sports, to various indoor options, you’ll have no shortage of things to do during the winter months.

Visit Nearby Towns

If you are looking for a day trip or weekend getaway consider heading to Collingwood which comes alive in the winter with skiing, snow tubing, skating trails, and hiking. Small towns worth visiting any time of year but are particularly thriving in the winter include Collingwood (located on the edge of Lake Huron), Thornbury, Creemore and Orangeville.

Winter Fair in Toronto

The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair takes place every November in Toronto, celebrating agriculture, local food, and equestrians. The fair is full of attractions, animals, shows, and activities for kids and families to enjoy inside of Exhibition Place.

Winterlicious Food Festival

After Summerlicious in July, the City of Toronto also hosts the city-wide Winterlicious food festival in late January. The festival includes 200+ participating restaurants, showcasing Toronto’s unique culinary scene across different neighbourhoods.

Toronto Christmas Market

The Toronto Christmas Market typically takes place during November and December in the Distillery District, featuring local artisans, food and drink, and a variety of holiday activities.

Ice Skating

Toronto has numerous outdoor skating rinks, with Nathan Phillips Square being the most iconic. Skating here with the city skyline in the background is a must-do.

Tobogganing and Hiking

Why not take advantage of the snow instead of hiding from it? Toronto’s parks, like Riverdale Park and Christie Pits, transform into popular tobogganing spots, offering fun for kids and adults alike. Alternatively, peaceful winter walks and hikes can be done across the city's parks, or on the Toronto Island’s paths.

Indoor Activities For Winter in Toronto

If you prefer to stay warm, winter is the perfect time for an exploration of the Royal Ontario Museum, the Art Gallery of Ontario, or the Ontario Science Centre. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Are winter tires necessary in Toronto?

Winter tires are not legally required in Toronto or the province of Ontario, but they are highly recommended. Toronto winters can be unpredictable, with icy roads and snowstorms, and winter tires provide better traction and control in these challenging conditions. While all-season tires can handle milder winter days, winter tires are designed for freezing temperatures and snowy or icy surfaces, offering added safety.

Best time to change winter tires in Toronto?

The ideal time to switch to winter tires in Toronto is typically in November, before the first major snowfall. The rule of thumb is to install them when the temperature consistently drops below 7°C (45°F), as that's when winter tires outperform all-season tires in terms of grip and performance. CAA recommends installing them after there have been 7 consistent days of temperatures this low. You should generally plan to keep them on until mid-March or early April, depending on when warmer spring temperatures arrive.

Conclusion

Toronto during the winter is a special place, and being prepared is the key to making the most of it! Whether it’s picking the right clothes, understanding what to expect, or just looking forward to some activities, we hope that this article gives you the confidence to face the new season.