Ottawa Weather by Month
Ottawa experiences a humid continental climate with four distinct seasons. Winters are cold and snowy, while summers are warm and relatively humid. Snowfall is especially common from December through March, whereas June through August are the warmest months of the year.
Ottawa Weather by Month
You can click the image below to view the full-size weather chart for Ottawa.
January – Cold Winter and Heavy Snowfall
Average high: 23°F (-5°C)
Average low: 7°F (-14°C)
Rainfall: 2.40 inches (60.9 mm)
Snowfall: 18.16 inches (461.2 mm)
Daylight: 9 hours
January is one of the coldest months in Ottawa. Average daytime temperatures remain around 23°F (-5°C), while nighttime temperatures can fall to approximately 7°F (-14°C).
Snowfall averages about 18.16 inches (461.2 mm), with around 13 snow days during the month. January also has only about 9 hours of daylight, creating short, distinctly wintry days.
With freezing temperatures and frequent snowfall, January is ideal for experiencing Ottawa’s classic winter atmosphere.
Best for:
- Snow-covered landscapes
- Winter photography
- Snow activities
- Cozy cafés and indoor attractions
February – Cold and Snowy Winter Weather
Average high: 27°F (-3°C)
Average low: 9°F (-13°C)
Rainfall: 1.96 inches (49.9 mm)
Snowfall: 14.89 inches (378.3 mm)
Daylight: 10.5 hours
February remains firmly within Ottawa’s winter season. Average high temperatures reach about 27°F (-3°C), while nighttime temperatures average around 9°F (-13°C).
The city receives approximately 14.89 inches (378.3 mm) of snow, spread across about 10 snow days. Daylight increases to around 10.5 hours compared with January.
February is a good month for visitors who enjoy snowy scenery and traditional Canadian winter activities.
Best for:
- Winter scenery
- Snow photography
- Outdoor winter activities
- Indoor museums and attractions
March – Snowy Days and the Beginning of Spring
Average high: 37°F (3°C)
Average low: 19°F (-7°C)
Rainfall: 2.37 inches (60.2 mm)
Snowfall: 10.71 inches (272.1 mm)
Daylight: 12 hours
March marks the transition from winter toward spring in Ottawa. Average daytime temperatures rise to around 37°F (3°C), although nights can still fall to about 19°F (-7°C).
Snowfall remains significant at approximately 10.71 inches (272.1 mm), with around 7 snow days. At the same time, daylight increases to about 12 hours, making the days noticeably longer.
March can offer a mix of snowy winter landscapes and the first signs of spring.
Best for:
- Late-season snow
- Winter-to-spring scenery
- Photography
- Exploring quieter attractions
April – Cool Spring Weather
Average high: 52°F (11°C)
Average low: 34°F (1°C)
Rainfall: 3.01 inches (76.5 mm)
Snowfall: 2.74 inches (69.6 mm)
Daylight: 13.5 hours
April brings a clear change in Ottawa’s weather. Average high temperatures rise to around 52°F (11°C), while nighttime temperatures average about 34°F (1°C).
Snowfall drops considerably to approximately 2.74 inches (69.6 mm), with only about 2 snow days. Rainfall becomes more noticeable, and the city enjoys around 13.5 hours of daylight.
April is a transitional month, with cool temperatures, occasional snow, and increasingly spring-like conditions.
Best for:
- Spring sightseeing
- Parks and outdoor walks
- Photography
- Exploring the city without summer crowds
May – Mild Spring and Longer Days
Average high: 68°F (20°C)
Average low: 46°F (8°C)
Rainfall: 3.19 inches (81.1 mm)
Snowfall: 0.04 inches (1 mm)
Daylight: 15 hours
May is one of the most noticeable transitions into warmer weather in Ottawa. Average daytime temperatures reach around 68°F (20°C), while nighttime temperatures remain relatively cool at about 46°F (8°C).
Snow is virtually absent, with only around 0.04 inches (1 mm) recorded in the data. Rainfall increases to approximately 3.19 inches (81.1 mm), while daylight reaches about 15 hours.
The combination of mild temperatures and long days makes May well suited to outdoor exploration.
Best for:
- Walking tours
- Parks and gardens
- Outdoor sightseeing
- Spring photography
June – Warm Summer Weather Begins
Average high: 75°F (24°C)
Average low: 55°F (13°C)
Rainfall: 3.67 inches (93.1 mm)
Snowfall: 0 inches (0 mm)
Daylight: 15.5 hours
June marks the beginning of warm summer weather in Ottawa. Average high temperatures reach around 75°F (24°C), while nighttime temperatures are generally around 55°F (13°C).
There is no measurable snowfall, while rainfall reaches approximately 3.67 inches (93.1 mm). With about 15.5 hours of daylight, June offers some of the longest and brightest days of the year.
June is particularly suitable for spending extended periods outdoors.
Best for:
- Outdoor sightseeing
- Parks and trails
- Cycling and walking
- Long summer evenings
July – Warmest Month of the Year
Average high: 81°F (27°C)
Average low: 61°F (16°C)
Rainfall: 3.54 inches (89.8 mm)
Snowfall: 0 inches (0 mm)
Daylight: 15.5 hours
July is the warmest month in Ottawa. Average daytime temperatures reach approximately 81°F (27°C), while nighttime temperatures average around 61°F (16°C).
Rainfall averages about 3.54 inches (89.8 mm), and there is no snowfall. The month also has approximately 15.5 hours of daylight, providing plenty of time for outdoor activities.
With warm temperatures and very long days, July is well suited to exploring Ottawa’s parks, waterways, and outdoor attractions.
Best for:
- Outdoor activities
- Parks and green spaces
- Walking and cycling
- Summer festivals and events
August – Warm Days and Comfortable Evenings
Average high: 79°F (26°C)
Average low: 59°F (15°C)
Rainfall: 3.48 inches (88.4 mm)
Snowfall: 0 inches (0 mm)
Daylight: 14 hours
August remains warm in Ottawa, although temperatures are slightly lower than in July. Average highs reach around 79°F (26°C), while lows average approximately 59°F (15°C).
Rainfall totals about 3.48 inches (88.4 mm), with no snowfall. Daylight remains generous at around 14 hours, allowing plenty of time for sightseeing.
August combines warm weather with slightly shorter days and is still firmly within Ottawa’s summer season.
Best for:
- Outdoor sightseeing
- Parks and gardens
- Cycling
- Summer photography
September – Mild Early Autumn
Average high: 70°F (21°C)
Average low: 50°F (10°C)
Rainfall: 3.47 inches (88.2 mm)
Snowfall: 0 inches (0 mm)
Daylight: 12.5 hours
September brings milder temperatures as Ottawa moves into autumn. Average daytime temperatures remain comfortable at around 70°F (21°C), while nighttime temperatures fall to about 50°F (10°C).
Rainfall averages approximately 3.47 inches (88.2 mm), and snowfall is absent. Daylight decreases to around 12.5 hours as the season progresses.
The combination of mild temperatures and changing seasonal scenery makes September a pleasant month for exploring the city.
Best for:
- Early fall scenery
- Walking tours
- Outdoor photography
- Parks and gardens
October – Cool Autumn and Changing Leaves
Average high: 55°F (13°C)
Average low: 39°F (4°C)
Rainfall: 3.46 inches (88 mm)
Snowfall: 0 inches (0 mm)
Daylight: 11 hours
October brings noticeably cooler autumn weather to Ottawa. Average high temperatures reach around 55°F (13°C), while nighttime temperatures average about 39°F (4°C).
Rainfall remains around 3.46 inches (88 mm), and the data shows no measurable snowfall. Daylight falls to approximately 11 hours as autumn progresses.
Cooler temperatures and changing foliage make October an appealing month for scenic walks and photography.
Best for:
- Fall foliage
- Autumn photography
- Scenic walks
- Museums and cultural attractions
November – Cold Autumn Days
Average high: 43°F (6°C)
Average low: 28°F (-2°C)
Rainfall: 2.84 inches (72.2 mm)
Snowfall: 6.35 inches (161.2 mm)
Daylight: 9.5 hours
November marks the return of colder weather in Ottawa. Average daytime temperatures fall to around 43°F (6°C), while nighttime temperatures average about 28°F (-2°C).
Snowfall increases to approximately 6.35 inches (161.2 mm), with around 4 snow days. Daylight also decreases to about 9.5 hours, making the month feel increasingly wintry.
November is a transition period between autumn and winter, with cold temperatures and the possibility of early snowfall.
Best for:
- Late-autumn scenery
- Early winter photography
- Museums and galleries
- Cozy indoor experiences
December – Snowy Winter Begins
Average high: 28°F (-2°C)
Average low: 16°F (-9°C)
Rainfall: 2.93 inches (74.4 mm)
Snowfall: 18.06 inches (458.8 mm)
Daylight: 9 hours
December brings Ottawa back into full winter conditions. Average high temperatures remain around 28°F (-2°C), while nighttime temperatures average approximately 16°F (-9°C).
Snowfall rises sharply to about 18.06 inches (458.8 mm), with around 12 snow days. Daylight is limited to approximately 9 hours, creating short winter days.
With substantial snowfall, freezing temperatures, and festive winter scenery, December offers a classic Ottawa winter experience.
Best for:
- Snow-covered cityscapes
- Winter photography
- Holiday atmosphere
- Winter activities and indoor attractions
Ottawa Weather by Month
| Month | Avg High °F (°C) | Avg Low °F (°C) | Rainfall (inches) | Snowfall (inches) | Daylight (hours) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 23°F (-5°C) | 7°F (-14°C) | 2.40 | 18.16 | 9 |
| February | 27°F (-3°C) | 9°F (-13°C) | 1.96 | 14.89 | 10.5 |
| March | 37°F (3°C) | 19°F (-7°C) | 2.37 | 10.71 | 12 |
| April | 52°F (11°C) | 34°F (1°C) | 3.01 | 2.74 | 13.5 |
| May | 68°F (20°C) | 46°F (8°C) | 3.19 | 0.04 | 15 |
| June | 75°F (24°C) | 55°F (13°C) | 3.67 | 0 | 15.5 |
| July | 81°F (27°C) | 61°F (16°C) | 3.54 | 0 | 15.5 |
| August | 79°F (26°C) | 59°F (15°C) | 3.48 | 0 | 14 |
| September | 70°F (21°C) | 50°F (10°C) | 3.47 | 0 | 12.5 |
| October | 55°F (13°C) | 39°F (4°C) | 3.46 | 0 | 11 |
| November | 43°F (6°C) | 28°F (-2°C) | 2.84 | 6.35 | 9.5 |
| December | 28°F (-2°C) | 16°F (-9°C) | 2.93 | 18.06 | 9 |
20 FAQs About Ottawa Weather
1. What is the weather like in Ottawa?
Ottawa has a four-season climate, with cold and snowy winters, mild springs, warm summers, and cool autumns. Winter temperatures often remain below freezing, while summer temperatures can reach the upper 70s and low 80s °F.
2. What is the coldest month in Ottawa?
January is one of the coldest months in Ottawa. Average temperatures are around 23°F during the day and 7°F at night.
3. What is the warmest month in Ottawa?
July is the warmest month based on the data provided. The average high is about 81°F, while the average low is around 61°F.
4. Does it snow in Ottawa?
Yes. Ottawa receives substantial snowfall during the winter. January and December have the highest snowfall totals, at roughly 18 inches each.
5. When does it snow the most in Ottawa?
January receives the most snow in the provided data, with approximately 18.16 inches. December is nearly as snowy, with about 18.06 inches.
6. How much snow does Ottawa get each year?
The monthly data shows that most snowfall occurs between December and March, with smaller amounts possible in April and November. January, February, March, and December account for the largest portion of the annual snowfall.
7. What is Ottawa like in January?
January is cold and snowy, with an average high of 23°F and an average low of 7°F. The month receives about 18.16 inches of snowfall and has approximately 9 hours of daylight.
8. What is Ottawa like in February?
February remains cold and snowy. Average temperatures range from about 9°F at night to 27°F during the day, while snowfall averages approximately 14.89 inches.
9. What is Ottawa like in March?
March brings the first signs of spring, although winter conditions can continue. Average temperatures range from 19°F to 37°F, with about 10.71 inches of snowfall.
10. What is Ottawa like in April?
April is a cool spring month, with an average high of 52°F and a low of 34°F. Snowfall drops considerably compared with the winter months, while rainfall becomes more common.
11. What is Ottawa like in May?
May is mild and increasingly warm. Average temperatures range from about 46°F to 68°F, and the city receives around 15 hours of daylight.
12. What is Ottawa like in June?
June is warm and bright, with average temperatures between 55°F and 75°F. Ottawa has approximately 15.5 hours of daylight and no measurable snowfall in the provided data.
13. What is Ottawa like in July?
July is the warmest month, with an average high of 81°F and an average low of 61°F. It also has about 15.5 hours of daylight.
14. What is Ottawa like in August?
August remains warm, with average temperatures ranging from 59°F to 79°F. Rainfall averages about 3.48 inches, and there is no snowfall.
15. What is Ottawa like in September?
September marks the beginning of cooler autumn weather. Average temperatures range from approximately 50°F to 70°F, with about 12.5 hours of daylight.
16. What is Ottawa like in October?
October is cool and distinctly autumnal. Average temperatures range from 39°F to 55°F, while daylight decreases to around 11 hours.
17. What is Ottawa like in November?
November brings colder weather, with an average high of 43°F and a low of 28°F. Snowfall begins to increase, reaching about 6.35 inches in the provided data.
18. What is Ottawa like in December?
December is cold and snowy, with an average high of 28°F and an average low of 16°F. Snowfall averages approximately 18.06 inches, while daylight is limited to about 9 hours.
19. What are the best months to visit Ottawa for warm weather?
June through August are the warmest months. July has the highest average temperature, with a high of 81°F, while June and July also have some of the longest daylight hours.
20. What are the best months to visit Ottawa for snow?
December through February are particularly snowy months, based on the provided data. January has the highest monthly snowfall at approximately 18.16 inches, followed closely by December and February.
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