Weather in Ottawa
What's the weather like in Ottawa?
Ottawa has a wide swing between hot summers and cold winters and moderate rainfall spread across the year. Average daytime highs range from -4°C (24°F) in January to 26°C (79°F) in July, with overnight lows around -14°C (7°F) and 17°C (62°F) respectively.
For comfortable sightseeing temperatures (18–26°C daytime highs), the best months to visit Ottawa are May through September.
Quick facts
- Country
- 🇨🇦 Canada
- Region
- North America
- Time zone
- America/Toronto
- Coordinates
- 45.422, -75.697
Monthly climate
Long-run averages for each month of the year.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | -4°C / 24°F | -14°C / 7°F | 73 mm | 18 | — |
| February | -3°C / 26°F | -13°C / 9°F | 77 mm | 17 | — |
| March | 2°C / 36°F | -7°C / 19°F | 78 mm | 18 | — |
| April | 11°C / 51°F | 0°C / 32°F | 117 mm | 17 | — |
| May | 19°C / 67°F | 8°C / 46°F | 73 mm | 16 | — |
| June | 24°C / 74°F | 13°C / 56°F | 119 mm | 18 | — |
| July | 26°C / 79°F | 17°C / 62°F | 100 mm | 18 | — |
| August | 25°C / 77°F | 16°C / 62°F | 108 mm | 18 | — |
| September | 21°C / 70°F | 13°C / 55°F | 78 mm | 15 | — |
| October | 14°C / 57°F | 6°C / 44°F | 115 mm | 18 | — |
| November | 5°C / 42°F | -1°C / 30°F | 74 mm | 17 | — |
| December | 0°C / 32°F | -7°C / 20°F | 83 mm | 17 | — |
Ottawa by month
Detailed weather for any specific month:
Cities with a similar climate to Ottawa
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Ottawa?
The most comfortable months in Ottawa are usually May, June, September, when average highs sit near 18–26°C (64–79°F) with relatively little rain. See the full month-by-month breakdown for the exact figures.
What is the hottest month in Ottawa?
July is typically the hottest month in Ottawa, averaging a high of 26°C (79°F).
What is the coldest month in Ottawa?
January is usually the coldest, with average lows around -14°C (7°F).
Does it snow in Ottawa?
Snow is rare in Ottawa; the climate data shows essentially no snowfall across the year.
Live forecast, sunrise/sunset, and more.