Ottawa in August

In August, Ottawa averages 25°C (77°F) during the day and 16°C (62°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 18 days of the month see precipitation (108 mm total).

High season

Conditions are comfortable for sightseeing without being sweltering. Expect daily rain or showers, often in heavy bursts.

August offers comfortable temperatures in Ottawa, with some rain to plan around.

25°C
Avg high
16°C
Avg low
18
Rain days
108 mm
Rainfall

How August compares to the rest of the year in Ottawa

2nd
warmest month of the 12
5th
wettest month of the 12
10%
of yearly rainfall falls in August
14 h 8 min
daylight on the 15th

August is one of the warmest months in Ottawa (2nd of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (5th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 13°C above the annual average (12°C). August runs 1°C cooler than July (26°C) and cools 4°C in September (21°C).

August sunrise & sunset in Ottawa

🌅
Sunrise (15th)
6:03 AM
🌇
Sunset (15th)
8:11 PM
Day length
14 h 8 min

Times shown for Ottawa local time (America/Toronto), calculated for the 15th of August. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.

Photography light in Ottawa — August

Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of August, in Ottawa's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).

🌅 Blue hour (AM)
5:03 AM – 5:43 AM
🌄 Golden hour (AM)
5:43 AM – 6:43 AM
🌇 Golden hour (PM)
7:31 PM – 8:31 PM
🌆 Blue hour (PM)
8:31 PM – 9:11 PM
Milky Way galactic core
Fair
Core only briefly above the horizon — a marginal month even from dark sites near Ottawa.

📅 When to book — Ottawa in August

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 August's tier (High season) and Ottawa's popularity.

✈ Flights — lead time
2-3 months
Prices are above off-season but not the absolute peak. Tuesday/Wednesday departures are usually cheaper than weekend ones.
🏨 Lodging — lead time
2-3 months
Wide selection still available at this lead time. Premium properties book first; consider 'last-minute deal' availability at 2-week mark if your dates are flexible.

Crowds & pricing — August in Ottawa

High season

This is a busy month in Ottawa — not the absolute peak, but tourist numbers are clearly elevated. You'll feel it at headline attractions on weekends and in the historic centre, though side streets and lesser-known sights stay manageable. Prices are above off-season but not at their summit. A good week for first-time visitors who want everything open without the worst of the crush.

Why this tier: comfortable tourism weather Northern Hemisphere summer holidays

Sun & mosquito risk — August in Ottawa

☀️ UV Index (noon, 15th)
10.5
Very high
Limit sun exposure between 11 AM and 3 PM; SPF 30-50, reapply every 90 minutes outdoors.
🦟 Mosquito risk
●●●●○
High
Peak mosquito activity. DEET 30%+, long sleeves at dawn/dusk, sleep under nets if rural.

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

MonthAvg highAvg lowRainfallRain daysSnow 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 August weather

🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Ottawa in August →

Frequently asked questions

How hot is Ottawa in August?

In August, Ottawa averages a high of 25°C (77°F) and a low of 16°C (62°F) — generally warm.

Does it rain a lot in Ottawa in August?

August is quite rainy in Ottawa, with about 18 rainy days on average.

Is August a good time to visit Ottawa?

August is warm but on the rainy side. It suits travelers who are comfortable with warm weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.

What should I pack for Ottawa in August?

Pack light layers for warm days and cooler evenings, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full August packing list for Ottawa for a complete, climate-based checklist.

Open Ottawa on the interactive map

Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.