Toronto winters are cold, windy and sometimes slushy. Pack right and you’ll enjoy every outdoor market, rink and light show. See Toronto weather in December for typical temperatures.
The essentials
- Insulated winter coat, ideally waterproof and hip-length or longer.
- Waterproof boots with good grip; sidewalks get icy and slushy.
- Warm hat (toque), gloves or mittens, and a scarf or neck warmer.
- Thermal base layers for long outdoor events.
- Warm socks, wool if possible, plus a spare pair.
Nice to have
- Hand and toe warmers for the Santa Claus Parade or New Year’s Eve.
- A small backpack to carry layers you take off indoors.
- Lip balm and moisturiser: the air is dry.
- A phone battery pack: cold drains batteries fast.
- Skates if you have them. See outdoor skating.
Dressing for events
- Outdoor markets: layers, as you’ll go in and out of shops. See the Distillery Winter Village tips.
- Theatre and dinners: smart-casual is fine almost everywhere; bring shoes to change into.
Layering 101
The secret to staying warm in Toronto is layers, because you’ll go from the freezing street into a hot mall or subway car and back again.
- Base layer: thermal or merino tops and leggings that wick away sweat.
- Mid layer: a fleece, wool sweater or light down vest for warmth.
- Outer layer: a windproof, waterproof winter coat that covers your hips.
Take off the mid layer indoors and carry it in your bag.
Footwear
Toronto sidewalks in winter can be icy, slushy and salty. Choose insulated, waterproof boots with a good grip. Leather shoes and suede boots get stained by road salt. Wool socks keep feet warm even if they get a little damp. If you’ll be walking a lot on icy paths, slip-on ice cleats are a useful extra.
Packing for kids
- Snowsuits or snow pants for little ones who’ll play outside.
- Two pairs of mittens, as one pair always gets wet.
- Neck warmers instead of scarves, which are safer for young kids.
- A warm hat that covers the ears.
- Hand warmers for long outdoor events like the parade.
What not to pack
- An umbrella is less useful than a waterproof hood in snow and wind.
- Heavy formal wear: Toronto is relaxed, and smart-casual works almost everywhere.
- Too many shoes: one pair of winter boots and one pair of indoor shoes is usually enough.
Packing checklist
- Winter coat
- Waterproof boots
- Hat, gloves and scarf
- Base layers
- Warm socks
- Phone charger and battery pack
- Lip balm and moisturizer
- Reusable water bottle and thermos
What to pack: FAQ
Do I need snow boots in Toronto? Waterproof winter boots with good grip are strongly recommended from December to March.
How cold does it get in December? Usually around freezing, but it can drop well below with wind chill. See Toronto weather in December.
Forgot something?
Toronto has plenty of places to buy winter gear: the Eaton Centre and Toronto’s shopping streets.
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