You have heard that Canada's largest city is cosmopolitan.

Toronto is a great place to visit throughout the year. Whatever time of year you decide to visit, there is sure to be something happening here.

Toronto has a reputation for being cold in the winter and warm in the summer, but don't let that deter you from visiting.

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Take in spectacular colors during fall shoulder season (September–November)

We think fall is the best time to visit Toronto due to pleasant weather, rich autumn colors and fewer crowds.

The fall colors of Ontario are just amazing. Nature lovers can experience the beauty of autumn on the Bruce Trail, which is only an hour from central Toronto. Algonquin Park is a great place to go for nature lovers in the fall.

The weather during the fall varies from cold to warm. Crowds are manageable depending on where you are. If you are going to a destination known for its foliage, be prepared for more crowd density. The prices are high but some bargains are possible.

Kayakers in the water between leafy coasts
Summer is prime time for exploring Toronto’s green spaces, like the Toronto Islands © HonestTraveller / Getty Images

High season (June–September) is ideal for outdoor activities

The summer in Toronto is amazing. The city has a lot to offer for travelers through the end of May and into September. Toronto's lovely beaches and vibrant neighborhoods make for great walks in warm weather. For the health- and fitness- minded, a walk through the city's fabled green spaces such as High Park is a memorable activity. Toronto is built on a grid so both drivers and pedestrians are easy to navigate.

You can find pleasant summer weather with highs of 76F/25C and lows of 65F/18C. Prepare for cooler days and nights with sweaters or a jacket. This is one of the most expensive times of the year to visit the city because of the large crowds outside.

Families at a skating rink in a metropolitan area
Ice skating at Nathan Phillips Square in Toronto, Canada © Damion Rae Photography / 500px

Budget travelers should consider low season (December–April)

Torontonians head inside to enjoy cultural, family and other activities as the temperature plummets. The Art Gallery of Ontario has an impressive collection of art from around the world and the CN Tower has great views of the city. Toronto City Hall is a great place to get some exercise in the cooler weather.

Toronto winters are cold with average temperatures ranging from 36F (2C) to 26F ( 6C); bring a heavy coat and dress in layers. Crowds are sparse outside while indoor venues fill up. This is the best time of the year for people who want a budget-friendly vacation.

Photographer taking pictures of cherry blossoms in full bloom with white and pink flowers in High Park
Toronto’s cherry blossoms in spring ©Elena Berd/Shutterstock

Indoor events and activities abound during spring shoulder season (March–May)

It's a good time to visit Toronto when the weather is unpredictable in the spring. The One of a Kind Show is a great place for independent sellers to sell their wares. Every April, the HotDocs festival features films from around the world. The weather starts to get nice near the end of May with an average high of 63F (17C) and a low of 45F (7C). It's perfect for watching the fireworks on Victoria Day.

It will be pleasant in the spring. Light sweaters and shirts are appropriate for this time of year. It's a good idea to wear jeans or heavier pants when the temperature changes. As the weather warms, you can expect to see an increase in prices at the end of May.

Enjoy a post-holiday-crowd lull in January

It is a good time for people who don't like crowds to visit. There are a lot of things to do indoors. There are a number of key events.

A runner on a snowy path on Lake Ontario in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
The cold and snowy weather during Toronto winters keeps all but the most intrepid inside © SUBIN RAJENDRAN / Shutterstock

In February, shelter from the cold at indoor events

February is the shortest month of the year, so travelers don't need to worry about February beingblahs. Locals and visitors attend indoor events. The Canadian International Auto Show is a key event.

The green begins in March

Every March in Toronto's downtown core, there are many St Patrick's Day events and cultural celebrations of the Emerald Isle. The St. Patrick's Day parade is one of the key events.

Avoid the rain at April film screenings

May flowers may be brought by April showers. There are a lot of things to do in Toronto during this month. The Hot Docs film festival is a key event.

The weather gets nice at last in May

During the middle of May in Toronto, the weather gets warmer. You can create your own itinerary of both indoor and outdoor activities. The key events are Asian and South Asian Heritage month and Victoria Day weekend.

Marchers in the annual Pride Toronto parade
Join the massive Pride Toronto celebrations in June ©mikecphoto/Shutterstock

June is for flowers and rainbows

Visitors are drawn to the parks due to the warm weather. The streets are filled with people for the annual Pride celebrations. Pride Toronto is a key event.

July offers the best of Toronto

Everyone loves summer in the city. The best of Toronto can be found in July, from walking through neighborhoods to parks, fine food, culture, theater and entertainment. The Beaches International Jazz Festival is a key event.

August is all about summer pleasures

Visitors to Toronto can enjoy a variety of events both outdoors and in, many within walking distance of each other. You can take local transit to your destination by taking the city's streetcars. Caribana Toronto is one of the key events.

A couple kisses against lights on a facade in the Distillery District, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
With dreamy late-summer temperatures, September makes for a wonderful time to explore Toronto neighborhoods like the Distillery District © Vlada__Shevtsova / Shutterstock

Summer persists, then autumn sets in in September

This might be the best time of the year to attend some of the outdoor events in the city. There is a chance to explore around theclock. The Toronto Ukranian Festival is a key event.

The fall foliage delights every October

As the weather gets cooler, cooler heads will prevail Outside of town, fall colors bring leaf peepers into parks. The Toronto chocolate festival is a key event.

The holiday season kicks off in November

Torontonians head indoors or outside during the fall and winter. Toronto Santa Claus Parade is a key event.

Decembers are cold and delightful

Toronto has a lot of wonderful events in December. The city is showing off during the holidays. Visitors can choose from a number of options when planning a winter city trip. The Distillery District has a christmas market.

The article was first published about a year ago.