Is September the best month for a summer vacation in Montreal?

This article was originally published in 2016.

Montreal summers are getting longer and hotter, data compiled by CBC News shows, prompting some residents to take time off inSeptember.

Numbers provided byEnvironment and Climate Change Canada show average temperatures have been creeping up, especially in late summer.

Since 2000, there have been almost double the number of days over 30C between June and September than there were in the 40 years before, Environment and Climate Change Canada said.

Highheat trends over the past few years may be onereason provincial parks are overflowing, with urbaniteslooking for ways to escape the hot city.

Mid-summer vacations: Beer, family, rage

David Phillips, senior climatologist with Environment and Climate Change Canada, said the "dog days" of mid-summer may be worth avoiding for vacationers because of the uncomfortable heat.

The high humidity in the summer candeprivecampers of sleep and cansour a vacation.

"Weather rage breaks out," Phillips said.

But he understands the appeal.

"It may be that because you've got kids in school, you're forced to holiday during July and August," Phillips said.

"And certainly if you're interested in good beer-drinking weather, well, that would be a good time to go."

Humidex is a big factor in Quebec heat waves, and according to Environment Canada, days with a humidex above 30 drop off significantly in September.

On average, there are four days in September with a humidex above 30, compared to 17 in June.

Shoulder season: Milder temperatures, fewer tornados

Aside from fewer muggy days,September meansclearer skies and less rain, according to Phillips.

There are about five thunderstorm days June through August, and by September, there are two.

"Thunderstorms can be a surrogate for tornadoes and hail and strong winds and flooding rains," Phillips said.

He addedthat even though temperatures may be cooling down, water is warmer in September since it's had three months towarm up, and it retains the heat.

Phillips says there's another bonus:Since fall is considered shoulder season in the tourism industry, there are often more discounts for travellers than in the summer.

• Where are the warmest and the coolest places in Montreal?
• How working parents can plan for their kids' summer vacation

When the season is over, SPAQwill evaluate its reservationsover the course of the summer and see if it needs to do more tokeep up with demand.

While a longer summer may be great for Septembervacationers, Ayotte said not everyone may be happy with hotter weather dragging on into the fall.

"Hunting is less favourable because of the heat."

June, July, August, September: when do you take time off in the summer and why that time?