The Climate
Toronto is truly sublime in the fall. It's my favorite time of year for a number of reasons: The climate is brisk but temperate, the skies are sunny, the city parks are a riot of color, and the cultural scene is in full swing. Another great time to see the city -- if you don't mind a dusting of snow -- is December, with its holiday festivities. I can also make strong arguments for visiting in spring or summer, when the city's many gardens are blooming and the calendar is full of festivals. However, I feel it's my duty to warn you away in January: The temperature can be unbearably cold, and there's less to do.
Never mind what the calendar says; these are Toronto's true seasons: Spring runs from late March to mid-May (though occasionally there's snow in mid-Apr); summer, mid-May to mid-September; fall, mid-September to mid-November; and winter, mid-November to late March. The highest recorded temperature is 105°F (41°C); the lowest, -27°F (-33°C). The average date of first frost is October 29; the average date of last frost is April 20. The windblasts from Lake Ontario can be fierce, even in June. Bring a light jacket or cardigan.
Holidays
Toronto celebrates the following holidays: New Year's Day (Jan 1), Good Friday and Easter Monday (Mar or Apr), Victoria Day (Mon following the third weekend in May), Canada Day (July 1), Simcoe Day (first Mon in Aug), Labour Day (first Mon in Sept), Thanksgiving (second Mon in Oct), Remembrance Day (Nov 11), Christmas Day (Dec 25), and Boxing Day (Dec 26).
On Good Friday and Easter Monday, schools and government offices close; most corporations close on one or the other, and a few close on both. Only banks and government offices close on Remembrance Day (Nov 11).
