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When travelers decide to book flights to Canada, one word usually comes to mind: cold. In most cases, this is very true. Toronto however, is as far south as the French Riviera and has four seasons that vary in weather.
How to Pack for Toronto
Packing largely depends on when you are planning your visit. If you have already picked your travel dates it will be easier to know what to expect.
Toronto Weather
Average temperatures and precipitation for each day of the year are listed on all over the internet. However, there’s no way to know exactly what the weather will be. You should always pack an umbrella in case of rain and some extra warm clothes in case the weather turns cold.
Always check the weather forecast before your trip. Once you’ve researched the weather, you can focus on creating a travel capsule wardrobe, which should easily fit in a carryon suitcase with the help of packing cubes to compress your clothing.
Remember, Toronto is one of the world’s most diverse and multicultural populations and more people live in Toronto than in Canada’s four Atlantic provinces combined. It is busy and diverse.
You could wear an array of mismatched clothing and there is bound to be someone who thinks you’ve found the newest trend. If you are not planning on doing any trekking or camping up north, stick to comfortable city wear.
All seasons: Bring layering clothing of solid colours that can be interchanged.
Tee | Longsleeve | Shirt | Sweater | Dress 1 | Dress 2 | Jeans | Pants | Parka | Coat | Top | Leggings | Boots 1 | Boots 2 | Scarf | Bag
How to Pack for Toronto in Winter
November- March, usually the days are rather cold and windy so a good winter jacket, winter boots, wool toque, scarf, and mitts or gloves will keep you prepared for the weather outside.
Start by reading these general tips on packing for winter travel:
- Capsule Wardrobe for Winter
- How to Pack for Cold Weather
- How to Stay Warm in Cold Weather (without the bulk)
- The Best Travel Shoes for Winter
Toronto Winter Packing List
Leggings are great to have as well to wear with the long sweater on warmer days or under jeans/trousers on cooler days.
A couple short and long sleeve shirts are great to have for the warmth of the indoors. As long as you are dressed for the weather and bring layering clothing, the cold will not deter you from any adventure.
Find out what are the best and warmest long underwear for women for traveling light on your travels!
Longsleeve | Tee | Shirt | Sweater | Dress 1 | Dress 2 | Jeans | Pants | Jacket 1 | Jacket 2 | Blouse | Skirt | Shoes | Boots | Scarf | Bag
How to Pack for Toronto in Spring
By mid-March to May, spring is in the air and the transition to more outdoor society can be seen. Layering clothing is still very important for the daily change in temperature.
Start by reading these general tips on packing for spring travel:
- Feminine Clothing Trends for Spring
- How to Layer a Summer Dress for Spring
- Spring Basic Travel Wardrobe
- Best Shoes for Traveling in Spring and Fall
Toronto Spring Packing List
By May, the temperature is very comfortable and jeans, leggings and trousers are all worn with an array of tops and light jackets. In spring, boots are phased out and more airy shoes are worn.
Sport sneakers are mainly worn only with athletic wear. Toms are a great shoe to wear with all outfits and are comfortable and light to travel with (I own 4 pairs).
These are the best leggings for women that travel as voted for by our readers!
Tee | Longsleeve | Sleeveless | Tank | Dress 1 | Dress 2 | Jeans | Shorts | Raincoat | Poncho | Blouse | Skirt | Shoes | Sandals | Hat | Bag
How to Pack for Toronto in Summer
May through August, pack mostly clothing for fairly hot weather, but be sure to bring a light jacket, sweater and long pants for evenings (and for shopping in malls and dining out, as the air conditioning can make it very cool).
Start by reading these general tips on packing for summer travel:
- Capsule Wardrobe for Summer
- Cute Summer Dresses
- Beach Sandals for Hot Weather Vacations
- 3-Day Weekend Getaway Outfits for Summer
Toronto Summer Packing List
Shorter shorts and tank tops are okay and common to wear and dresses are light and flowy! Sandals are the shoes of choice! Again, don’t forget your umbrella as summer brings rainfalls often.
Here are comfortable walking sandals that are stylish, too.
Tee | Longsleeve | Shirt | Sweater | Dress 1 | Dress 2 | Jeans | Pants | Parka | Jacket | Sweater | Leggings | Boots 1 | Boots 2 | Scarf | Bag
How to Pack for Toronto in Fall
September and early October are fantastic weather months, often at very warm temperatures and little rain. again, layering is very important. Fall can be felt in the air by mid-October and the leaves start to turn.
Start by reading these general tips on packing for autumn travel:
- How to Pack for Trips with Mixed Weather
- How to Layer Clothes
- Use a Summer Dress to Pack Light in Fall
- Best Shoes for Traveling in Spring and Fall
Toronto Fall Packing List
The switch from shoes to boots are made through September/October. November is often a cool and rainy month in Toronto and heavier jackets should be packed.
Read these tips on what to wear on a rainy day!
Toronto is known for its shopping so whatever you need is readily available for you. Don’t forget to also check out the Toronto shopping guide for your visit to Toronto!
What are your packing tips for Toronto? Share in the comments below!
For more packing tips, please read:
Suggested Travel Resources:
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Hi, im going to Toronto for a month from late August till late September. What should I pack? Im so confused what to bring. Should i take winter jacket too? Or just light cardigan and sweaters? Please advice. TIA
Hi Rina, the best advice is to check the weather forecast closer to your departure dates to ensure that you have the most appropriate clothing packed.
To get the best advice for packing for that time of year, I would highly recommend that you join our TFG facebook group and post any questions you have there: https://www.facebook.com/groups/travelfashiongirls/ Its a fabulous community of helpful female travelers that love to share their advice and experiences.
Have an amazing time!
What do I pack for a 3 week winter trip from Vancouver to Toronto (train west to east) over Christmas/ New Year with a mix of everything in between, Vancouver island, Whistler, jasper, Niagara Falls – no skiing though but dog sledding and ice walks included.
Hi Kerrie, thank you for reaching out. You may find our guide to Vancouver helpful for tips for your packing: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/what-to-wear-in-vancouver/ I would highly recommend that you join our TFG facebook group and post any questions you have there about what to pack: https://www.facebook.com/groups/travelfashiongirls/ Its a fabulous community of helpful female travelers that have the best advice and recommendations to share. Your trip sounds so exciting, hope you have the most incredible time! ?
Hi
I’m going for 7 days to Chelsea Quebec….tomorrow. I guess very similar to T.O. Weather.
What should I pack?
I have 6 pairs of shoes and I’m not sure which to take and sweaters? Also…how to mix/match. I have 50lb max.on plane.
Heather
Excited to travel again….seeing my sister, mom and Aunt ?
Hi Heather, have a look at this post: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/what-to-wear-in-montreal-in-winter/ you may find it useful. Sorry for the delay in replying to your question. Have an amazing trip to see your family. Sorry I was not more help 🙁
I don’t know the difference between Toronto/Ontario Canada. I’m going to Ontario Canada for 5 days. Sept.26-30th. Does this call for winter or summer clothing? I’m lost with what type of clothes I should pack. Help!
Thanks for your comment Thelma! It is really a toss up that time of year! Some years it is cold and snowing at that time, and some years it is summer-like. I’d prepare for multiple climates This post may help a bit more: https://travelfashiongirl.com/shoulder-season/ Safe travels!
I lived in Ontario all my life and never experienced snow in September, so I’m not quite sure where you got that idea from. September can range from being extremely hot and humid to cool. One day you can be in shorts and a t-shirt and the next you may need a light jacket.
Hi Selena! The article was written by a Toronto local so we hope her advice would be accurate 🙂
It does not snow in September in Toronto, nor in most of the rest of Ontario ! Weather is usually warm during the day, and often a bit cooler evenings. Rain is always possible.
There have been some years when snow does hit in September unfortunately! Better to be prepared! Thanks for the input though! Definitely important to check the weather when you’re traveling! Happy travels!
I would go with a mix. Canada can be ‘coldish’ on summer evenings, but California hot during the days.
Thanks Kady!
Great article! I just want to correct one thing – you say in most cases “cold” is very true to describe Canada but that is simply not true. Most Canadians live within 100 miles of the US border so our temperature is really not that different from yours, unless you’re heading way up North! In fact yesterday (April 20) it was 82 degrees here in Calgary!
Basically I think the items you’ve detailed for each season are perfect for EVERY major city in Canada! Thanks for the list 🙂
Thanks Jen!
Going to Toronto this June with a good friend. Thanks for the wardrobe advice!
Happy to help 🙂
I live in a city about 40 minutes south of Toronto. This list is good, but I’d avoid the plaid shirt pictured above, otherwise you’d be confused with the “hipster” crowd. Also, our summers are really insanely hot, but I wouldn’t wear short shorts in Toronto, unless you are at the beach. Basically think what you’d wear in any large metropolitan city like New York or Paris – business casual, nothing that’s worn out looking, new-looking shiny shoes. In winter you’ll want warm, but fashionable boots. The best place to get appropriate boots or other footwear for Canada is Aldo Shoes. People in Toronto dress up more than in smaller cities, but they usually aren’t flashy and wear a lot of black or other subtle colours. They also usually don’t wear flip flops except at the beach. In winter you need a warm coat, hat, gloves and scarf, but otherwise dress how you would in any cool place like New York in winter.
Thanks for the tips Susan!
Thank you. I am heading to Toronto this weekend, catching a Jays game, and probably lots of walking about. Like your advice for city wear.
Thank you!
Here are a couple of Canadian brands you might be interested in. Roots Canada has amazing, durable clothing that lasts for years. I highly recommend their leggings and sweaters. In winter they also have super warm down-filled parkas http://www.roots.com/ca/en/homepage
For clothing that’s more fashionable Le Chateau is an excellent brand. It has a slightly European edge and they have a great business and formal wear as well as trendy items. http://www.lechateau.com/
Thanks for sharing!