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Weather in Kingston
Limestone city and Thousand Islands gateway
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About Kingston
Kingston sits at the confluence of Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River. The Thousand Islands scatter across the water, accessible by scenic boat tours. Historic stone buildings and a waterfront promenade create elegant atmosphere.
Best months to visit
July, August
Things to do in Kingston
Cruise the Thousand Islands by boat or kayak
Explore Fort Henry military heritage site
Walk the waterfront promenade and beaches
Visit the Canadian Museum of Penitentiary History
Kayak among the islands spotting wildlife
Tour historic stone buildings in Old Town
Weather by month
Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.
January
-2C
Cold, with some rainy days.
February
-1C
Cold, with some rainy days.
March
3C
Cold, with some rainy days.
April
10C
Cool, with some rainy days.
May
17C
Cool, with some rainy days.
June
22C
Mild and comfortable, with some rainy days.
Recommended
July
25C
Warm and pleasant, with some rainy days.
Recommended
August
25C
Warm and pleasant, with some rainy days.
September
21C
Mild and comfortable, with occasional showers.
October
14C
Cool, with some rainy days.
November
7C
Cold, with some rainy days.
December
2C
Cold, with some rainy days.
Kingston sits where Lake Ontario meets the start of the St. Lawrence River, a limestone-built former capital with a fort on every promontory and a university town's youthful energy layered on top. The downtown waterfront looks out toward the Thousand Islands, and the city's stone architecture gives it a weight and grandeur that punches above its size. It's an easy base for exploring the islands by boat or cycling the old rail trails inland.
Best areas to stay in Kingston
Downtown / Market Square
The historic limestone core with City Hall, the Saturday farmers' market and a dense cluster of restaurants and pubs.
Waterfront
Confederation Park and the marina, departure point for Thousand Islands boat tours and summer festivals.
Queen's University area
A lively student neighbourhood with cafes, affordable eats and the Agnes Etherington Art Centre.
Portsmouth / Fort Henry
The western waterfront overlooking the fort, with parkland and views across to Wolfe Island.
Getting to Kingston
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Flights
Kingston has a small regional airport, but most visitors fly into Toronto or Ottawa and drive 2-3 hours.
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From London
~2.5 hours by car or train from Toronto or Montreal.
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Getting around
The downtown core is walkable; a local bus system and seasonal ferries connect outlying areas and Wolfe Island.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Kingston?
June to September brings warm weather for waterfront activities and boat tours, while autumn offers spectacular colours along the Thousand Islands Parkway.
Is Fort Henry worth visiting?
Yes — this restored 19th-century fortress hosts guided tours, historic reenactments and the popular Fort Henry Guard sunset ceremonies in summer.
How do I visit the Thousand Islands from Kingston?
Boat tours depart regularly from the downtown waterfront, cruising past island cottages and historic Boldt Castle on the US side of the border.
What is Kingston known for besides its forts?
Queen's University gives the city a lively student population, and the limestone downtown buildings have earned it the nickname 'Limestone City'.
Is Kingston walkable?
Yes — the downtown core, waterfront and most historic sites are within easy walking distance of each other.
Traveler reviews
★★★★★
The Thousand Islands boat tour was the highlight — gliding past tiny island cottages and Boldt Castle in perfect summer weather.
Mariam K. · August 2024
★★★★★
Came for the fall colours and they did not disappoint, especially driving the parkway east of the city. Fort Henry's sunset ceremony was a fun bonus.
Tom R. · October 2023
★★★★☆
Loved the limestone architecture downtown — felt like a smaller, calmer version of Montreal's old town with a nice waterfront to wander.
Becca L. · May 2024
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