Phillips Square

Square Historic public square in Montreal adjacent to shops

A downtown Montreal square framed by heritage buildings and shops; visitors pass through for cafés, public art, seasonal markets and central city errands.

Main image

Phillips Square is a public plaza in downtown Montreal located at the intersection of Sainte-Catherine Street and the square that bears the same name, functioning as a central urban gathering and shopping area. The square is a well-known downtown landmark used for pedestrian circulation, outdoor seating and civic events.

The open space is surrounded by retail and office buildings and is closely linked to Montreal’s commercial corridor, with transit access nearby. The square hosts seasonal decorations and occasional public events, and it serves as a regular meeting point for shoppers and office workers.

Phillips Square dates to the 19th century as part of Montreal’s urban development and has evolved with surrounding commercial growth while retaining its role as an open public plaza in the city’s downtown core. It is located within walking distance of McGill University and the McGill Metro station.

  • Central location: Situated on Sainte-Catherine Street in downtown Montreal, adjacent to major shopping streets and within walking distance of McGill Metro station.
  • Public events: Acts as a frequent site for seasonal events and public gatherings and is surrounded by commercial buildings and storefronts.
Phillips Square
Phillips Square (Place Phillips), Montréal, Quebec, Canada (between Sainte-Catherine and de Maisonneuve streets)
45.5001, -73.5992

How to Get to Phillips Square #

In the heart of downtown Montréal, between Sainte-Catherine Street and de Maisonneuve Boulevard. It’s a short walk from Peel or McGill Metro stations (Green Line). Many bus routes run along Sainte-Catherine.

Tips for Visiting Phillips Square #

  • Visit at lunchtime when the square's cafés and food trucks animate the space.
  • Stand on the north end to examine worn bronze plaques and the mid-century paving pattern.
  • If a protest or civic event is planned, check local listings - Phillips Square has hosted markets, demonstrations, and performances for decades.

Best Time to Visit Phillips Square #

Accessible year-round; summer brings the liveliest atmosphere while winter offers a more reflective, often snowy scene.

Summer (Jun-Aug)
June-August · 18-27°C
Outdoor cafés and terraces are in full swing; the square is lively with pedestrians and events.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
December-February · -10-2°C
Often snow-covered; holiday lights and a quieter, more crystalline city feel.
Autumn (Sep-Nov)
September-November · 0-15°C
Milder crowds and crisp air-good for people-watching and photography.

Weather & Climate near Phillips Square #

Climate

Phillips Square's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -15°C to 27°C. Abundant rainfall (1064 mm/year), wettest in September, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
27°
Warmest Month
-15°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coldest month with highs of -6°C and lows of -15°C. Moderate rainfall (78 mm).

Comfort

-11°
Feels Like Freezing
-11°C
Temperature
-15° -6°

Weather

78 mm
Rainfall
3.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

February

February is freezing with highs of -4°C and lows of -14°C. Moderate rainfall (65 mm).

Comfort

-9°
Feels Like Freezing
-9°C
Temperature
-14° -4°

Weather

65 mm
Rainfall
3.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

March

March is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -7°C. Moderate rainfall (76 mm).

Comfort

-3°
Feels Like Freezing
-3°C
Temperature
-7°

Weather

76 mm
Rainfall
3.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

April

April is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 0°C. Regular rainfall (85 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
10°

Weather

85 mm
Rainfall
3.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

May

May is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 8°C. Regular rainfall (85 mm).

Comfort

13°
Feels Like Cool
13°C
Temperature
19°

Weather

85 mm
Rainfall
3.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

June

June is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 13°C. Regular rainfall (96 mm).

Comfort

18°
Feels Like Mild
18°C
Temperature
13° 24°

Weather

96 mm
Rainfall
3.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

July

July is the warmest month with highs of 27°C and lows of 16°C. Regular rainfall (98 mm).

Comfort

21°
Feels Like Mild
21°C
Temperature
16° 27°

Weather

98 mm
Rainfall
2.9 m/s
Wind
Calm

August

August is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 14°C. Regular rainfall (100 mm).

Comfort

20°
Feels Like Mild
20°C
Temperature
15° 26°

Weather

100 mm
Rainfall
2.8 m/s
Wind
Calm

September

September is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 10°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (101 mm).

Comfort

15°
Feels Like Cool
15°C
Temperature
10° 20°

Weather

101 mm
Rainfall
3.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

October

October is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 4°C. Regular rainfall (88 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
13°

Weather

88 mm
Rainfall
3.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

November

November is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of -2°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (101 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-2°

Weather

101 mm
Rainfall
3.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

December

December is freezing with highs of -2°C and lows of -10°C. Regular rainfall (91 mm).

Comfort

-6°
Feels Like Freezing
-6°C
Temperature
-11° -2°

Weather

91 mm
Rainfall
3.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

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