Winter tires: Don't be caught off guard in Quebec
After weeks of mild weather in Quebec, it’s easy to forget that winter will quickly catch up. Snow often arrives well before the legal deadline, so it's best to book an appointment to switch to winter tires before the cold sets in, the first snowfall arrives, and garages become overwhelmed
Why act before December 1?
While the law mandates winter tires from December 1 to March 15, this is only a minimum requirement and doesn’t align with actual weather patterns.
In 2019, the government moved the deadline from December 15 to December 1 to enhance road safety.
When temperatures drop below 7°C, summer tire rubber loses considerable grip. Many regions in Quebec regularly experience these conditions as early as October. Additionally, just a few centimetres of unexpected snow can significantly increase the risk of accidents. Waiting for "true" winter may mean long waits at garages and driving on cold roads with inadequate tires.
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On average, the first three centimetres of snow fall between late October and mid-November, depending on the region. This year, conditions are expected to follow the usual timeline.
Unique features of 2025: Deceptive warmth and possible weather surprises
According to meteorologist Réjean Ouimet, the fall of 2025 "feels similar to 2024," with dominant warmth sometimes creating the illusion that winter preparations can be delayed. However, surprises are part of an autumn that seems too good to be true. In other words, the weather can shift drastically. Ouimet emphasizes a simple rule: "Better early than too late."
Surprising snow events in recent years
In 2024, Thanksgiving (October 14–15) brought an unexpected snowfall, with up to 15 cm recorded in Charlevoix (13 cm on the ground by the morning of the 15th) and 15 cm also reported at Owl’s Head and Mont Mégantic in the Eastern Townships.
Other examples
October 6–8, 2001: First snowflakes fell in Montreal, with 5 cm recorded in the Laurentians and Granby. Difficult road conditions were reported on Highway 169 in Lac-Saint-Jean.
October 8–9, 2023: Snowfall was reported in the La Vérendrye Wildlife Reserve, and Mont Tremblant was whitened on October 9.
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These events highlight that recent mild conditions don’t rule out the possibility of early snowfalls.
Is it possible to install winter tires too early?
At this point in the fall, not really. Accelerated wear on winter tires occurs during sustained warm weather, especially for those driving long distances daily. In October and November, with cooler daytime highs and often cold nights, additional wear remains minimal while the safety benefits are significant.
When should you book an appointment?
Northern and higher-altitude areas should plan earlier installations. Aim for:
Mid-October for James Bay, Chibougamau, Fermont, and Haute-Gaspésie
Late October for northwest and central regions (Abitibi, Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean, Haute-Mauricie)
Early November for Laurentians, Lanaudière, Estrie, and Montérégie
Before mid-November for the Greater Montreal area
Legal reminder...and common sense
In Quebec, winter tires marked with the three-peak mountain snowflake symbol are mandatory from December 1 to March 15. "All-season" tires without this symbol do not meet the requirements. The Government of Quebec also recommends a tread depth of at least 4.8 mm for winter tires.
As winter approaches, adjust driving habits as well: reduce speed and maintain a greater distance from other vehicles.
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This article was translated and adapted from an article published by MétéoMédia, The Weather Network's Quebec-based sister station