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Ottawa Weather in December

With daytime temperatures of 3°C (37°F) and nighttime lows of -6°C (21°F), December in Ottawa brings low temperatures during the day. Do keep in mind that quite a bit of snow/rainfall is typical. Around 77 mm (3 in) falls on average.

Rainfall in Ottawa in December

Snow/rain is expected on roughly 12 days, totalling around 77 mm (3 in) for the month. Rain this month is fairly typical, a standard mix of wet and dry days with no particularly heavy or persistent showers.

Temperature in Ottawa in December

In December, expect low temperatures in Ottawa, with highs of 3°C (37°F) and lows of -6°C (21°F) at night. December is part of winter. Cold conditions tend to persist from morning through evening, so be prepared for winter weather. With lows of -6°C (21°F), nights are freezing. Packing a spare blanket is worth considering if you're staying somewhere that might not be fully heated. With temperatures this low, you'll need to dress warmly. Staying prepared is crucial to avoid the discomfort of the cold.

December in Ottawa can still be great, but if you prefer pleasant temperatures along with dry and sunny conditions, our weather planner can help you explore other options in the world.

Ottawa Temperature in December

Min Temperature
-6°C (21°F)
Max Temperature
3°C (37°F)
Chance of Rain
40%
Precipitation
77 mm (3 in)
Rainy days
12 days

Ottawa Weather by Month

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

Best Places in the United States of America in December

Find out more about the weather in the United States of America and which places have the best travel conditions in this month. See all of the United States of America 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

Cold weather calls for smart layering in December. A thermal base layer makes a huge difference in staying warm. Add a wool sweater or fleece, then a wind-resistant outer jacket. Rain gear is recommended, you can expect wet weather on multiple days.

What To Do in Ottawa in December

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

  • Cycling
    3/10
  • Walking
    3/10
  • Barbeque
    1/10
  • Camping
    1/10
  • Outdoor sports
    3/10

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.