Baby-it's cold outside!

bigguyinpasadena · January 29, 2005

I will be travelling to Montreal mid March and I expect it to be rather chilly.I have asked Marc Anthony to assure a nice 60-70 degrees,but he has not responded to this request

;)

So what do I wear to assure I will not freeze to death.Yes I will be spending sometime indoors-but will be showing a first time visitor the city as well and that will involve braving the elements.

Will long thermal underwear,a fleece top and a jacket be sufficient?

I have little experience in temps below freezing so any help here is appriciated,Thanks

January 29, 2005

Hey bigguy...

Montreal is cold, but it's not the North Pole or beyond the Arctic Circle. The coldest time is Dec-Jan-Feb. By mid-March it should be sort of like NY or Boston a month earlier: maybe 20s at night and low to mid 30s in the day. Of course, the weather everywhere this year -- even in Pasadena -- has been freaky, and you could run into an unusually cold spell or an unusually warm spell during the few days that you are there. Dress in layers so you can be prepared for any eventuality. A normal winter coat/jacket should be fine. A sweater under that if needed (or a down or padded vest, sleveless or not, if you are always cold wherever you go). Thermal underwear? well, again, if you are one of those people who always feels cold wherever you go. Otherwise you shouldn't need it in March. If you have ever survived being in NY or Chicago or Boston etc. during Jan or Feb you will do fine in Montreal in March. The sun even comes out during the day....

Luv2play · January 29, 2005

The above is good advice. One thing in addition is that you should consider your footwear carefully. March comes at the end of the snow season and usually there is a freeze-thaw cycle going on. All the accumulated snow and dirt of the winter are underfoot and the streets can be an absolute mess. You need some waterproof footwear and something with good rubber soles or equivalent. This will keep your feet warm and dry. It's amazing but if your feet are warm, you will feel warmer all over. If they are cold and wet, you will feel miserable. All the rest about layers of clothing is right on.

+ *deej* · January 29, 2005

I agree with the other guys. It's all about layers.

You might want to go ahead and take the thermal undies. It's another layer. If you find you don't need it, then you can dispense with it. (Which is why layers work in the first place.)

What you'll probably find is that you'll be fine outside, but when you're inside the heating will get to you (and dry you out). Again, layers work ... just take something off. And remember to drink lots of water. Heated air (something we're not used to in SoCal) is very, very dry.

Remember, folks... to a Southern Californian, 50 degrees is parka weather! In Chicago, they start wearing shorts when the temp gets UP to 50. It's a completely different mindset.

marc anthony · January 29, 2005

>So what do I wear to assure I will not freeze to death.

Helmuth?

:7

marc anthony · January 29, 2005

But seriously, I have been to MOntreal several times during March... and it can range from very cold (below freezing with brisk wind chills) to downright balmy.

Even in the coldest times, I have done ok with a heavy coat, either a sweater or long sleeve shirt, slacks, and thicker socks (no special shoes).

Really it depends how much time you will be actually outside standing rather than walking.

bigguyinpasadena · January 30, 2005

Marc?Why the caps?MOntreal?Are you implying that I am a big 'MO for being unsure as to my survival in the arctic climes of northeast Canada in the winter? ;-)

(just kidding of course)

I have bought a nice new hooded parka with a removable lining,silk long underwear,some nice flannel shirts,and some thinsulate sock liners.

And Luv2play I know what you mean about the shoes.I was in Montreal for thanksgiving year before last-the salt they put on the sidewalks ruined 2 new pair of shoes!So I am looking for cheap shoes wit good tread-not having a lot of luck.

BigK · January 30, 2005

"So I am looking

>for cheap shoes wit good tread-not having a lot of luck."

Check out New Balance for their line of casual shoes.

BigK

January 30, 2005

>I have bought a nice new hooded parka with a removable

>lining,silk long underwear,some nice flannel shirts,and some

>thinsulate sock liners.

Hmmmmmmm... with all of that you could take your dog sled and run in the Iditarod.

If you wear all that in Montreal in March you may well turn out to be BroiledGuyInPasadena.

bigguyinpasadena · January 30, 2005

Well I do spend a lot of times outdoors when I am in Montreal,I usually walk from my hotel down to the village(and this time I am at the Marriott so it will be a nice hike)to old Montreal,up St.Dennis and St.Laurent etc,,,so I need to be prepared.

The silk long undies weigh almost nothing and can be washed out in the sink at night-unlike regular cotton or wool.

So yes,I might be overdoing it a little-but if there is a cold snap I will be prepared!

Now getting out of those layers in the back rooms of the Campus and the Adonis-that will be interesting!

jakobsen · January 30, 2005

Winter in Montreal is quite fun: the lack of tourists make the boys hungry for business. I spent a weekend in Montreal in mid-December and it wasn't as bad as I had expected. Here are some things you must bring or wear: gloves, ski cap that will also cover your ears, hooded coat or jacket. Don't forget to bring lip balm since the air is dry in winter. Long Johns are not necessary if you're wearing thick pants such as khakis or jeans and regular socks will do. Keep in mind that it is often hot indoors since the Quebecoises like it hot inside (literally and figuratively).

I'm hoping to make it back to Montreal before spring. Last December, I hooked up with a bi-curious teen who went to Adonis planning to audition. But he got cold feet. I thought he was hustling me but after I gave in and took him to my room, he turned to be really bicurious and horny. And he didn't demand payment before he left. In my anxiety I didn't think to remember to ask for his cell phone.

tedbear · January 30, 2005

RE: Getting salt off shoes

>the salt they put

>on the sidewalks ruined 2 new pair of shoes!

You could have tried vinegar to get the salt off those shoes. It usually works well.

Spida · February 1, 2005

I would guess the weather is somewhat the same as Boston, I have been to Montreal a few times (however, the last as a gay man was by far the most fun) and can't wait for another trip very soon maybe even March ;-)

Anyone who lives in a cold climate will definitely tell you Layers, layers, layers! If similar as I think it is to Boston, then it could be 60's during the day and 40's during the night to below freezing all the time! So come prepared ;-) As you always should anyhow..

bigguyinpasadena · February 5, 2005

Well to quote Valley Dweller North"the fucking rat saw his shadow today"which means 6 more weeks of cold weather!

And after checking the last 5 years worth of data on weathernetwork.com which shaows am AVERAGE temp of 1.1 celsius,,,,,

I do not think I am being overly cautious !

February 8, 2005

Montreal... The Tropics.

You missed it BigGuy... this last weekend -- sunny in the mid and high 40s -- three glorius days and the nights were even better. The Hyatt... $US 40.

Luv2play · February 8, 2005