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Ottawa (ON) Weather & Climate: Best Time to Visit
Average temperatures, rainfall, sunshine and the best time to visit Ottawa.
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Climate overview of Ottawa
Ottawa, in Ontario, Canada, has warm summers and very cold, snowy winters. Precipitation is spread throughout the year, with heavy snow in winter and regular rain in warmer months. Summer is ideal for exploring the city’s parks and waterways, while winter is popular for skating on the Rideau Canal. Now, let’s explore all the climate details to give you a complete picture.
Ottawa Weather by Month
Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in Ottawa - and find the best time to visit.
Monthly Temperature in Ottawa
Visitors to Ottawa can expect significant temperature changes throughout the year. Average maximum daytime temperatures range from a comfortable 27°C (81°F) in July, the warmest time of the year, to a very cold -4°C (25°F) during cooler months like January.
At night, you can expect temperatures ranging from 15°C (59°F) in July to around -15°C (5°F) during January.
Check out our detailed temperature page for more information.
Temperature ranges by month
Rainfall in Ottawa
Ottawa is known for its substantial rain/snowfall, with annual precipitation reaching 1088 mm (43 in). Year-round, Ottawa has a balanced climate with minimal variation in precipitation. The difference between the wettest month, June, with 105 mm (4.1 in), and the driest month, February, with 69 mm (2.7 in), is minimal. For more details, please visit our Ottawa Precipitation page.
The mean monthly precipitation over the year, including rain, hail, and snow
The average number of days each month with precipitation
Sunshine Hours in Ottawa
Seasonal changes in sunshine hours are quite dramatic in Ottawa. While July receives considerable daily sunshine with up to 9.3 hours, December marks the darkest time of the year, where sunshine is scarce with only 2.8 hours of sunlight per day.
Visit our detailed sunshine hours page for more information.
Monthly hours of sunshine
Daily hours of sunshine
Daily percentage of sunshine
Humidity in Ottawa by Month
The relative humidity is moderate throughout the year in Ottawa.
The city experiences its highest humidity in December, reaching 72%. In May, the humidity drops to its lowest level at 49%. What does this mean? Read our detailed page on humidity levels for further details.
Relative humidity over the year
Best Time to Visit Ottawa
The most comfortable overall weather for exploring Ottawa is usually found in May, August and September. Conditions are generally least comfortable in January, February, March, November and December.
Monthly ratings reflect general weather comfort, based on daytime temperature and rainfall. Swimming and winter conditions are highlighted separately where relevant.
Jan
very cold
Feb
very cold
Mar
cold
Apr
mixed
May
excellent
Jun
very good
Jul
very good
Aug
excellent
Sep
excellent
Oct
mixed
Nov
cold
Dec
cold
- Best overall: May, August and September
- Warmest weather: July and August
- Most sunshine: July
- Seasonal pattern: Warm summers and very cold winters
- Coldest conditions: January, with freezing nights around -15°C (5°F).
Frequently asked questions about the climate in Ottawa
What is the best time to visit Ottawa?
May, August and September typically offer the most optimal weather in Ottawa. In contrast, January, February, March, November and December tend to have less optimal conditions. Ottawa has warm summers and very cold winters.
What temperatures can I expect in Ottawa?
Daytime highs range from -4°C (25°F) in January to 27°C (81°F) in July. Nighttime lows range from -15°C (5°F) to 15°C (59°F). Temperatures vary considerably through the year.
How much rain does Ottawa get?
Annual rainfall is around 1088 mm (43 in). June is the wettest month with 105 mm (4.1 in), while February is the driest with 69 mm (2.7 in).
How sunny is Ottawa?
Ottawa receives around 2,087 hours of sunshine per year. July is the sunniest month with 280 hours, while December is the cloudiest with just 83 hours. Overall, Ottawa enjoys abundant sunshine.
Ottawa 3-Day Forecast
Ottawa on the map
Ottawa is highlighted - select any city to see its climate.
Popular in October
Where to go in October - average daytime high across popular destinations.
Toronto
16°C (61°F) Niagara Falls15°C (59°F) Montréal14°C (57°F) Ottawa14°C (57°F) Vancouver
14°C (57°F) Quebec City12°C (54°F) Calgary
12°C (54°F) Whistler7°C (45°F) Bucket list
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