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Ottawa Weather in March
March in Ottawa sees daytime temperatures around 4°C (39°F) and lows of -7°C (19°F) at night. With around 76 mm (3 in) of snow/rainfall expected, it's worth packing a rain jacket.
Rainfall in Ottawa in March
Snow/rain is expected on roughly 11 days, totalling around 76 mm (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 March
March in Ottawa brings low temperatures, with highs of 4°C (39°F) and nights around -7°C (19°F). Time outdoors is usually more comfortable with proper winter clothing and protection from wind. Nights drop below freezing to -7°C (19°F). An extra blanket is worth packing if you're unsure about the heating where you're staying. You will probably experience very cold weather in this month, so dressing warmly is vital. Be sure to prepare for the chill with the right clothing.
Sunshine in Ottawa in March
The area enjoys a balanced 168 hours of sunlight, ensuring it's neither too overcast nor too sunny.If you prefer dry days with pleasant temperatures, March 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 March
Min Temperature
-7°C (19°F)
Max Temperature
4°C (39°F)
Chance of Rain
38%
Precipitation
76 mm (3 in)
Rainy days
11 days
Humidity
56%
Sunshine
168 hours
Percentage Sunshine
45%
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 rise from around -2°C (28°F) at the start of March to approximately 7°C (45°F) by the end. Nights are very cold, with lows typically ranging from -12°C (10°F) to -1°C (30°F).
Average temperatures in March
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 March
Historical weather records for Ottawa in March
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 March
Based on weather observations in Ottawa between 1980 and 2026, these are the recorded extremes during March.
Best Places in Canada in March
Find out more about the weather in Canada and which places have the best travel conditions in this month. See all of Canada in March →
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 March
We recommend to layer up for chilly conditions in Ottawa in March. You could start with thermal underwear or a good base layer to keep your core warm on the cooler days this month. Maybe also add a sweater or fleece, and top it off with a windproof jacket. Rain is likely on several days, so bring a good rain jacket. It won't hurt to bring your sunglasses along, as you'll see some sunny periods.
What To Do in Ottawa in March
We rated the following activities from 1 (least suitable) to 10 (best) to do.
-
Swimming5/10 -
Cycling3/10 -
Walking3/10 -
Camping1/10 -
Outdoor sports3/10
Ottawa 3-Day Forecast
More climate data for Ottawa
Temperature Rainfall Sunshine Humidity
See the full Ottawa climate overview or explore weather in Canada.
Popular in March
Where to go in March - average daytime high across popular destinations.
Vancouver
10°C (50°F) Niagara Falls
6°C (43°F) Calgary5°C (41°F) Montréal4°C (39°F) Ottawa4°C (39°F) Toronto5°C (41°F) Whistler3°C (37°F) Quebec City
2°C (36°F) Bucket list
Need travel inspiration? Check out our bucket list articles and be inspired.
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