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.
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit Canada, check out our Ottawa's climate page.
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%
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 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 →
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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.
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit Canada, check out our Ottawa's climate page.
Temperature Rainfall Sunshine Humidity
See the full Ottawa climate overview or explore weather in Canada.
