Ottawa in April
In April, Ottawa averages 11°C (51°F) during the day and 0°C (32°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 17 days of the month see precipitation (117 mm total).
ShoulderConditions are cool — bring a jacket for evenings. Expect daily rain or showers, often in heavy bursts.
April is one of the wetter and less comfortable months in Ottawa. If your dates are flexible, consider a different time of year.
How April compares to the rest of the year in Ottawa
April is in the middle of the year for warmth in Ottawa (7th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (8th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 1°C below the annual average (12°C). April runs 9°C warmer than March (2°C) and warms a further 9°C into May (19°C).
April sunrise & sunset in Ottawa
Times shown for Ottawa local time (America/Toronto), calculated for the 15th of April. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Ottawa — April
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of April, in Ottawa's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Ottawa in April
Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on April's tier (Shoulder) and Ottawa's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — April in Ottawa
Ottawa is in a shoulder season month — fewer crowds, slightly lower prices, and a calmer atmosphere than peak weeks. Most major sights stay open with normal hours, though a handful of seasonal restaurants or boat trips may run reduced schedules. Many regulars consider these months the best time to visit because you trade a small amount of weather reliability for a much more pleasant on-the-ground experience.
Sun & mosquito risk — April in Ottawa
UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.
Ottawa in other months
| 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 | — |
Other cities with similar April weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Ottawa in April →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Ottawa in April?
In April, Ottawa averages a high of 11°C (51°F) and a low of 0°C (32°F) — generally cool.
Does it rain a lot in Ottawa in April?
April is quite rainy in Ottawa, with about 17 rainy days on average.
Is April a good time to visit Ottawa?
April is cool but on the rainy side. It suits travelers who are comfortable with cool weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for Ottawa in April?
Pack a warm jacket and layers, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full April packing list for Ottawa for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.