Ottawa in May
In May, Ottawa averages 19°C (67°F) during the day and 8°C (46°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 16 days of the month see precipitation (73 mm total).
ShoulderConditions are comfortable for sightseeing without being sweltering. Expect daily rain or showers, often in heavy bursts.
May offers comfortable temperatures in Ottawa, with some rain to plan around.
How May compares to the rest of the year in Ottawa
May is in the middle of the year for warmth in Ottawa (5th of 12) and one of the driest months (11th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 8°C above the annual average (12°C). May runs 9°C warmer than April (11°C) and warms a further 4°C into June (24°C).
May sunrise & sunset in Ottawa
Times shown for Ottawa local time (America/Toronto), calculated for the 15th of May. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Ottawa — May
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of May, in Ottawa's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Ottawa in May
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 May's tier (Shoulder) and Ottawa's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — May 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.
Why this tier: comfortable tourism weather
Sun & mosquito risk — May 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 May weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Ottawa in May →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Ottawa in May?
In May, Ottawa averages a high of 19°C (67°F) and a low of 8°C (46°F) — generally mild and pleasant.
Does it rain a lot in Ottawa in May?
May is quite rainy in Ottawa, with about 16 rainy days on average.
Is May a good time to visit Ottawa?
May is mild and pleasant but on the rainy side. It suits travelers who are comfortable with mild and pleasant weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for Ottawa in May?
Pack light layers for warm days and cooler evenings, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full May packing list for Ottawa for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.