Ottawa (ON) Weather & Climate: Best Time to Visit
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.
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
Ottawa (ON) 3-Day Forecast
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
Best Time to Visit Ottawa
During May, June, July, August and September, Ottawa experiences its most favorable weather, with temperatures between 20°C (69°F) and 27°C (81°F). These mild conditions make it an excellent time for a visit.The weather does bring rainfall during this period, between 93 mm (3.7 in) and 105 mm (4.1 in). Need help choosing your next travel destination? We offer a specialized tool that matches you with locations based on your weather preferences. Explore destinations that suit your climate preferences.
