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Ottawa Weather in October

Ottawa in October averages 14°C (57°F) during the day and 4°C (39°F) at night. Keep in mind that quite a bit of rainfall is expected this month.

Rainfall in Ottawa in October

You can typically expect 12 days of rain this month, averaging around 102 mm (4 in). When showers do arrive, they tend to be on the heavier side. Worth being prepared even if rain days are not that numerous.

Temperature in Ottawa in October

Expect highs of 14°C (57°F) in Ottawa in October, with nights dropping to around 4°C (39°F). Even when the weather is stable, mornings and evenings can still feel distinctly cool. With overnight lows of 4°C (39°F), nights are cold. The cold air does make for deep, comfortable sleep if you have enough blankets.

Sunshine in Ottawa in October

The area enjoys a moderate level of sunlight, with around 138 hours. It's a good balance between sunny and cloudy days.

Our weather planner can help you find worldwide destinations with pleasant weather during this period. May, August and September typically offer the best weather for Ottawa.

Ottawa Temperature in October

Min Temperature
4°C (39°F)
Max Temperature
14°C (57°F)
Chance of Rain
41%
Precipitation
102 mm (4 in)
Rainy days
12 days
Humidity
61%
Sunshine
138 hours
Percentage Sunshine
41%

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 16°C (61°F) at the start of October to approximately 10°C (50°F) by the end. Nights are cold, with lows typically ranging from 0°C (32°F) to 7°C (45°F).

Average temperatures in October

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 October

Historical weather records for Ottawa in October

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 October

The extremes listed below come from historical weather data collected in Ottawa from 1976 through 2025.

  • On October 5, 2025, temperatures climbed to 30°C (86°F), marking the warmest October day on record.
  • On October 30, 1995, Ottawa saw its coldest October day with temperatures maxing out at 1°C (34°F).
  • Nighttime temperatures dropped to -10°C (14°F) on October 26, 1981, marking the coldest October night on record.

Best Places in Canada in October

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

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 October

Pack for changing conditions in Ottawa in October. Bring a mix of short and long sleeves, a warm layer like a hoodie or light jacket, and comfortable pants. The key is being able to add or remove layers as the days goes by. Prepare for significant rainfall with proper waterproof clothing and shoes. Sunglasses could come in handy during the sunnier parts of your trip.

What To Do in Ottawa in October

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

  • Swimming
    5/10
  • Cycling
    5/10
  • Walking
    5/10
  • Camping
    3/10
  • Outdoor sports
    9/10

Ottawa 3-Day Forecast

More climate data for Ottawa

Popular in October

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

Bucket list

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