Ottawa in October
In October, Ottawa averages 14°C (57°F) during the day and 6°C (44°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 18 days of the month see precipitation (115 mm total).
ShoulderConditions are cool — bring a jacket for evenings. Expect daily rain or showers, often in heavy bursts.
October is one of the wetter and less comfortable months in Ottawa. If your dates are flexible, consider a different time of year.
How October compares to the rest of the year in Ottawa
October is in the middle of the year for warmth in Ottawa (6th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (6th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 2°C above the annual average (12°C). October runs 7°C cooler than September (21°C) and cools 8°C in November (5°C).
October sunrise & sunset in Ottawa
Times shown for Ottawa local time (America/Toronto), calculated for the 15th of October. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Ottawa — October
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of October, in Ottawa's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Ottawa in October
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 October's tier (Shoulder) and Ottawa's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — October 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 — October 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 October weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Ottawa in October →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Ottawa in October?
In October, Ottawa averages a high of 14°C (57°F) and a low of 6°C (44°F) — generally cool.
Does it rain a lot in Ottawa in October?
October is quite rainy in Ottawa, with about 18 rainy days on average.
Is October a good time to visit Ottawa?
October 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 October?
Pack a warm jacket and layers, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full October packing list for Ottawa for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.