Ottawa Weather Information

Canada's Capital City has a lot to be proud of, and Ottawa's weather during four distinct seasons help visitors get a true taste of Ontario!

SUMMER IN OTTAWA

Summer days are great for wandering along the historic Rideau Canal, for observing the locks as they lift boats up and down, or for joining the city-wide celebration on Canada Day (July 1). Days are warm, with highs around 26 degrees C (80 degrees F), so visitors will want to pack short-sleeved tops and shorts; nighttime lows can fall to 26 degrees C (29 degrees F) even in summer, making long pants and coats necessary for evening outings. July and August are the two rainiest months of the year in Ottawa, when 88 to 92 mm (3.5 to 3.6 inches) of rain falls each month.

FALL IN OTTAWA

Fall in Ottawa is warm for the early part, but by October, the first snow has fallen. This is the time of year to enjoy the bounty of the harvest, and also to attend the many seasonal festivals and events, such as the Annual Original Rural Ramble, Haunting Season, the Great Pumpkin Weigh-Off, and Harvest Weekends. Autumn highs are typically around 15 degrees C (41 to 69 degrees F), while overnight lows are around -2 to 9 degrees C (28 to 48 degrees F). Travelers should bring shorts and short-sleeves for the warmest fall days, but as the season progresses, the need arises for long pants and long sleeves, as well as a jacket or lightweight coat.

WINTER IN OTTAWA

Winters in Ottawa are snowy and cold, but this is one of the prettiest and most active times of the year. Daytime highs are around -6 degrees C (21 degrees F), with lows at -15 degrees C (4.8 degrees F). January features the most snowfall of any month -- 50 cm (20 inches) ' while February has the highest total snow accumulation ' 31 cm (12 inches). Wintertime recreation includes cross country and downhill skiing; skating at Rideau Canal, the world's longest skating rink; and snowmobiling on some of Ontario's 28,500 miles of groomed snowmobile trails.

SPRING IN OTTAWA

Spring is pleasant as temperatures begin to rise and the snow melts away. Springtime highs are typically around 10 degrees C (51.4 degrees F), while lows are still cold: 0.9 degrees C (33.6 degrees F). Visitors should bring lots of long sleeved tops, as well as long pants and a lightweight jacket. This is a great time of year to visit the National Aviation Museum for a ride in a bi-plane, or to take in some history, culture at the Parliament Buildings, the National Gallery of Canada, or the Canadian Museum of Civilization.