Does it Snow in Toronto? A Local’s First-hand Experience
“Does it snow in Toronto?” If this is something that you have wondered about, then you have come to the right place.
Born and raised in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), our family is very familiar with the amount of snow that Toronto gets during the winter. And yes… Toronto gets plenty of snow!
While Toronto is best known for its diverse culture, awesome city life, and gorgeous waterfront, it also has its share of winter weather quirks.
So whether you are looking for that quintessential “Canadian” winter experience, or you want to avoid the snow at all costs, our post will give you the lowdown on Toronto’s winter wonderland!
Does Toronto Get Snow?
Yes, It snows in Toronto in winter.
It’s not exactly a winter wonderland all season, but snowfall is a regular part of life here.
On average, Toronto city gets about 122 cm (48 inches) of snow per year. Some winters bring less, and some dump a lot more.
This winter (2024/2025) has been a real doozy! I can’t remember the last time we got so much snow in such a short period of time!
Toronto’s location in Southern Ontario means we definitely experience a mix of winter conditions.
Some years are mild, while others are hit with snowstorm after snowstorm (sigh).
This means that Torontonians are no strangers to shovelling their driveways and sidewalks, bundling up in warm coats, and enjoying some winter activities.
Toronto Weather Myth
I would like to debunk a few Canadian climate-related myths.
Torontonians (as well as Canadians in general) do NOT live in Igloos. And unless you are living in Churchill, Manitoba, we do NOT have polar bears parading through the streets!
Yes… I have been asked those questions… sigh.
Back to Toronto! If you’re planning a visit or moving to the city, be prepared for some snowy days in the winter months!
When Does It Snow in Toronto?
The first snowfall usually happens in November or early December, but it doesn’t always stick.
The real snow comes between December and February. Sometimes we will still see a few flurries in March or even April.
If you are visiting Toronto in winter, one thing that you can expect is that Toronto’s winters are unpredictable.
One week, there’s a thick layer of snow on the ground, and the next, a warm spell melts it all away.
This cycle repeats all winter long, so you never know if you’ll need your snow boots or just a light jacket.
How Cold Does It Get in Toronto?
Toronto winters are cold, but thankfully, not as brutal as in other parts of Canada.
Temperatures usually range between -1°C and -6°C (30°F to 21°F), but when the wind chill kicks in, it can feel much colder.
On really bitter days, it can drop to -20°C (-4°F) or worse. This, in my opinion, is the worst part of Toronto winters.
Of course, when the temperature swings back and forth, it’s no picnic either
This is when the days warm up just enough to turn snow into slush, which then freezes overnight, making the next morning a skating rink on the sidewalks.
How Much Snow Does Toronto Get?
Toronto gets around 40-50 days of snowfall per year, but not all of them bring much accumulation.
Some days, it’s just flurries, which is really pretty. Other times, we wake up to 10 cm (4 inches) or more overnight, which is not so nice.
Snowfall also varies across the city.
Downtown Toronto tends to get less snow because of its proximity to Lake Ontario, while areas like North York and Scarborough often get hit harder.
Notable Snowstorms in Toronto’s History
We have had some pretty notable snowstorms in Toronto. While only one of these occurred in my lifetime, the chaos that it caused is burned in my memory!
The 1999 storm was definitely something we Torontonians will never forget!
After several back-to-back snowfalls, Toronto was buried under a metre of snow, causing commuter chaos in the downtown core.
Mel Lastman was absolutely roasted by the media for this decision, and I often hear people still laughing about this 20 years later! 🤷🏻♀️
Does Snow Stick Around in Toronto?
Thankfully, not always.
Unlike cities farther north, Toronto experiences frequent thaws, which means snow comes and goes throughout the winter.
Snowstorms can pile it up, but a few warm days or rain can wash it away quickly.
However, during snowy years, some of the snow piles have been known to stick around even until May!
That said, in the coldest months—January and February—snow tends to stick around longer.
Snowbanks form along roads, and sidewalks can get dangerously icy if they’re not cleared properly.
Toronto does have a solid snow removal system, with plows clearing main roads first before moving to residential areas.
Still, after a big storm, it can take a while for everything to be cleared.
What’s It Like During a Snowstorm in Toronto?
Toronto snowstorms can be light or heavy.
A typical storm drops 10-15 cm (4-6 inches), but sometimes we get slammed with 20 cm (8 inches) or more in a single day.
If you happen to be in Toronto when a snowstorm hits, here’s what to expect:
Toronto is used to winter storms. But when a big one hits, the city can still grind to a halt for a while.
Fun Things to Do in Toronto When It Snows
Winter in Toronto isn’t just about shovelling sidewalks. There are also plenty of fun things to do when it snows:
Outdoor Winter Activities
Some of my favourite winter activities in Toronto include:
Winter Festivals and Events
How to Prepare for Snow in Toronto
Winter in Toronto is manageable if you’re prepared. Here’s what you’ll need:
What to Wear
Appropriate clothing is a must when spending time in the city during the winter.
Driving in the Snow
While you can drive in the snow in Toronto, it’s important to be prepared and take it slow.
Torontonians are more than equipped to manage the roads in snowy conditions.
We tend to shake our heads when we see cities south of the border shut down after a light dusting of snow.
Yes, we know that they are not equipped. But as Canadians, we just don’t get it! 🤣🤣
But if you are planning to drive in Toronto, just make sure that your vehicle is properly equipped with snow tires, make sure that you have good visibility with functioning headlights and taillights, and keep a safe following distance.
Public Transit in Winter
The long and short of it is, that public transit can be a nightmare during a heavy snowfall. But then again, so is driving!
Final Thoughts
Yes, it snows in Toronto. And while winter has its challenges, it also has a lot to offer.
Whether you are skating at Nathan Phillips Square, sledding at Riverdale Park, or just enjoying the sight of fresh snow covering the city, there’s something special about Toronto in the winter.
As long as you remember that winter in Toronto is unpredictable, and you dress for the cold, it can be a great time of year.
And hey, at least we’re not dealing with the kind of brutal winters they get farther north!
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