High season in tourism: why the months from May to September are critical for Airbnbs

With nearly two-thirds of revenue concentrated in just five months, hosts and property managers must act strategically to make the most of the most profitable time of the year.

05/01/2025 - The yearly success of a short-term rental unit largely depends on how well it performs between May and September. This peak tourist season pushes Airbnb hosts and managers to elevate their service quality to reach top performance.

According to Airbnb estimates, as much as 66% of annual revenue for urban short-term rental listings in Canada is generated during these five months. In Montreal, the same pattern holds true, driven by milder weather, increased leisure travel, and a rich calendar of cultural events and festivals — from the F1 Grand Prix to the Montreal International Jazz Festival, and outdoor experiences at Mount Royal.

In addition to major events, many visitors choose Quebec during this time for road trips, historic villages, and culinary experiences. For property managers, this means that strong management, smart pricing, and effective digital marketing during this season can determine overall success.

As competition grows and regulation tightens across Quebec, professionalizing rental operations becomes more essential than ever. Efficient handling of bookings, guest communications, and pricing decisions during the high season can make a significant difference. Well-executed strategies lead to high occupancy rates, glowing reviews, and a return that justifies property investments.

According to the AirDNA platform, Quebec’s main short-term rental markets are entering the high season with a moderate supply of listings. In Montreal, there are currently 5,200 active listings — 900 more than the same period in 2024, but still 800 fewer than in 2023. Quebec City has 1,600 active units, up from 1,400 in 2024 and roughly the same as in 2023.

With more units available than last year, occupancy rates have dropped: from 59% to 50% in Montreal and from 51% to 48% in Quebec City, comparing March 2024 to March 2025. The data refers exclusively to entire home rentals and does not include private room listings.

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