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Ottawa Weather in December

Thinking of visiting Ottawa in December? Expect very low temperatures reaching 0°C (32°F) during the day, dropping to -9°C (16°F) at night, and note that quite a bit of snowfall is likely.

Rainfall in Ottawa in December

Past climate data indicates that roughly 16 days will see snow, totalling around 85 mm (3.3 in) for the month. The rainfall pattern this month is fairly balanced. Showers tend to be moderate rather than extreme.

Temperature in Ottawa in December

Expect highs of 0°C (32°F) in Ottawa in December, with nights dropping to around -9°C (16°F). December marks the winter season. It stays very cold throughout much of the day, so warm winter clothing is essential. Nights are well below freezing at -9°C (16°F). An extra blanket is a good idea if you feel the cold, especially in older or less well-heated accommodation. As one of the coldest months, it's important to layer up to stay warm. Don't let the chill catch you off-guard.

Sunshine in Ottawa in December

With limited sunshine this month, there are about 83 hours of sun. It's ideal for those who prefer a cooler, cloudier climate.

If you prefer dry days with pleasant temperatures, December may not be the ideal month to visit Ottawa. Our weather planner can help you explore destinations with more pleasant weather conditions.

Ottawa Temperature in December

Min Temperature
-9°C (16°F)
Max Temperature
0°C (32°F)
Chance of Rain
52%
Precipitation
85 mm (3.3 in)
Rainy days
16 days
Humidity
72%
Sunshine
83 hours
Percentage Sunshine
30%

Ottawa Weather by Month

Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in Ottawa - and find the best time to visit.

Daily Historical Temperatures

50-year average (1976-2025)

Based on our historical records, temperatures in Ottawa typically drop from around 1°C (34°F) at the start of December to approximately -4°C (25°F) by the end. Nights are very cold, with lows typically ranging from -14°C (7°F) to -6°C (21°F).

Average temperatures in December

Daily Historical Precipitation

50-year average (1976-2025)

Average daily rainfall for each day of the month based on long-term records.

Average precipitation in December

Historical weather records for Ottawa in December

Browse day-by-day weather records for Ottawa spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.

Ottawa historical weather extremes in December

Based on weather observations in Ottawa between 1976 and 2025, these are the recorded extremes during December.

  • The warmest day in December was on December 6, 2001, with a maximum of 15°C (59°F).

Best Places in Canada in December

Find out more about the weather in Canada and which places have the best travel conditions in this month. See all of Canada in December →

perfect weather
pleasant
tolerable
unpleasant
poor

Perfect weather is subjective. On this map perfect weather has been defined with temperatures between 20°C (68°F) and 29°C (84°F) and not too much precipitation (less than 90 mm (3.5 in) a month).

What to Wear in Ottawa in December

We recommend you pack up your warm winter gear for Ottawa in December. If you have insulated boots, thermal layers, and a heavy winter coat that can handle snow and freezing temperatures it's smart to bring them. Don't forget gloves, a warm hat, and a scarf. High rain levels are expected, so pack waterproof gear and an umbrella or poncho. You can probably leave your sunglasses at home, because sunny days are pretty rare this month.

What To Do in Ottawa in December

We rated the following activities from 1 (least suitable) to 10 (best) to do.

  • Swimming
    1/10
  • Cycling
    1/10
  • Walking
    1/10
  • Camping
    1/10
  • Outdoor sports
    1/10

Ottawa 3-Day Forecast

More climate data for Ottawa

Popular in December

Where to go in December - average daytime high across popular destinations.

Bucket list

Need travel inspiration? Check out our bucket list articles and be inspired.