Ottawa, Canada Climate & Monthly Averages
The climate of Ottawa
Located in Ontario, Canada, Ottawa experiences a humid continental climate with warm summers and cold, often snowy winters. Afternoon temperatures peak near 80°F (27°C) in July and dip to about 25°F (-4°C) in January, with around 43.8 inches (1112 mm) of precipitation falling across the year.
Climate quick facts
- Hottest month: July - highs near 80°F (27°C)
- Coldest month: January - highs near 25°F (-4°C)
- Record high: 96°F (36°C) · Record low: -26°F (-32°C) (2015–2024)
- Wettest month: August (13 rainy days) · Sunniest: July (12.0 h sun/day)
- Climate type: humid continental - warm summers and cold, often snowy winters
- Snow: about 34 days a year
Temperatures through the year
The warmest stretch of the year centers on July. Highs average 80°F (27°C) and overnight lows stay near 63°F (17°C). The coolest month is January, with typical highs of 25°F (-4°C) and lows around 8°F (-13°C). Based on 2015–2024 weather data, temperatures have reached as high as 96°F (36°C) and dropped as low as -26°F (-32°C).
Rain, sun and snow
August is usually the wettest month. It brings about 4.8 inches (121 mm) of rain over 13 days, while February is the driest. July brings the most sunshine, averaging 12.0 hours of sun a day. Snow falls on about 34 days in a typical year, mostly from October through April.
Monthly climate table
| Month | High | Low | Rain days | Precipitation | Sunshine | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 25° | 8° | 11 | 3.0 in | 4.9 h/day | 76% |
| February | 28° | 9° | 12 | 2.9 in | 6.1 h/day | 73% |
| March | 37° | 20° | 11 | 3.0 in | 7.5 h/day | 70% |
| April | 51° | 32° | 13 | 4.2 in | 8.2 h/day | 66% |
| May | 67° | 46° | 11 | 3.4 in | 10.4 h/day | 66% |
| June | 74° | 56° | 13 | 4.5 in | 10.8 h/day | 71% |
| July | 80° | 63° | 13 | 4.2 in | 12.0 h/day | 72% |
| August | 77° | 62° | 13 | 4.8 in | 10.8 h/day | 76% |
| September | 71° | 55° | 9 | 3.0 in | 9.5 h/day | 76% |
| October | 57° | 44° | 12 | 4.1 in | 6.4 h/day | 77% |
| November | 43° | 31° | 12 | 3.0 in | 5.0 h/day | 76% |
| December | 32° | 20° | 12 | 3.5 in | 3.8 h/day | 78% |
Ottawa month by month
Ottawa weather in January
January brings highs around 25°F (-4°C), lows near 8°F (-13°C), about 11 wet days and roughly 8 snowy days - typically the coldest month of the year in Ottawa.
Ottawa weather in February
February brings highs around 28°F (-2°C), lows near 9°F (-13°C), about 12 wet days and roughly 8 snowy days - typically the driest month of the year in Ottawa.
Ottawa weather in March
March brings highs around 37°F (3°C), lows near 20°F (-7°C), about 11 wet days and roughly 5 snowy days.
Ottawa weather in April
April brings highs around 51°F (11°C), lows near 32°F (0°C), about 13 wet days and roughly 2 snowy days.
Ottawa weather in May
May brings highs around 67°F (19°C), lows near 46°F (8°C), about 11 wet days.
Ottawa weather in June
June brings highs around 74°F (23°C), lows near 56°F (13°C), about 13 wet days.
Ottawa weather in July
July brings highs around 80°F (27°C), lows near 63°F (17°C), about 13 wet days - typically the hottest month and the sunniest month of the year in Ottawa.
Ottawa weather in August
August brings highs around 77°F (25°C), lows near 62°F (17°C), about 13 wet days - typically the wettest month of the year in Ottawa.
Ottawa weather in September
September brings highs around 71°F (22°C), lows near 55°F (13°C), about 9 wet days.
Ottawa weather in October
October brings highs around 57°F (14°C), lows near 44°F (7°C), about 12 wet days.
Ottawa weather in November
November brings highs around 43°F (6°C), lows near 31°F (-1°C), about 12 wet days and roughly 3 snowy days.
Ottawa weather in December
December brings highs around 32°F (0°C), lows near 20°F (-7°C), about 12 wet days and roughly 7 snowy days.
Seasons in Ottawa
Spring (March through May)
Spring in Ottawa runs cold, with daytime highs averaging 52°F (11°C) and nights around 33°F (0°C); expect showers on roughly 34 days across the season, plus around 8 snowy days.
Summer (June through August)
Summer in Ottawa is mild and warm, with daytime highs averaging 77°F (25°C) and nights around 60°F (16°C); expect showers on roughly 38 days across the season.
Fall (September through November)
Fall in Ottawa is mild, with daytime highs averaging 57°F (14°C) and nights around 43°F (6°C); expect showers on roughly 33 days across the season, plus around 4 snowy days.
Winter (December through February)
Winter in Ottawa brings deep cold, with daytime highs averaging 28°F (-2°C) and nights around 12°F (-11°C); expect showers on roughly 35 days across the season, plus around 23 snowy days. Wind makes those temperatures feel harsher than they sound - pair the forecast winds with the wind speed converter to judge conditions on exposed skin.
Climate questions, answered
What is the average temperature in Ottawa?
Is Ottawa hot in summer?
Is Ottawa cold in winter?
How many rainy days does Ottawa get in a year?
Best time to visit Ottawa
The best time to visit Ottawa is generally May to October, when this window offers the warmest, brightest days of the year. Daytime temperatures in that window typically sit near 71°F (22°C).
Pack for Ottawa with a heavy insulated coat, hat and gloves for winter; a compact umbrella or rain shell - showers are a regular feature. Evenings can feel noticeably cooler than afternoons - July nights average 63°F (17°C).
Ottawa temperature records (2015-2024)
Derived from ERA5 reanalysis data, 2015–2024. Official station records may differ.