Ottawa, Ontario Weather by Month and Climate Averages

How much rain does Ottawa get?

Ottawa gets 922 mm of precipitation in an average year, spread over about 155 days with measurable rain. That is more rainy days than 76% of Canada.

June is the wettest month, with 95 mm. February is the driest, with 49 mm. December has the most rainy days, about 16.

The longest dry spell in the last five years lasted 14 days, to October 5, 2023.

Does it snow in Ottawa?

The snowiest winter on record is 1970–71, with 388 cm.

The most recent measurable snow at the station fell on February 25, 2024.

Ottawa weather by month

Ottawa weather in January

In January, Ottawa averages a high of -5°C and a low of -13°C. It gets 65 mm of precipitation over about 15 rainy days. The sun is out about 26% of daylight hours. The January record high is 12°C (2013) and the record low is -35°C (1981).

Ottawa weather in February

In February, Ottawa averages a high of -3°C and a low of -13°C. It gets 49 mm of precipitation over about 12 rainy days. The sun is out about 32% of daylight hours. The February record high is 16°C (2024) and the record low is -33°C (1971).

Ottawa weather in March

In March, Ottawa averages a high of 3°C and a low of -7°C. It gets 60 mm of precipitation over about 11 rainy days. The sun is out about 32% of daylight hours. The March record high is 27°C (2012) and the record low is -28°C (2003).

Ottawa weather in April

In April, Ottawa averages a high of 12°C and a low of 2°C. It gets 77 mm of precipitation over about 12 rainy days. The sun is out about 36% of daylight hours. The April record high is 31°C (1990) and the record low is -15°C (1982).

Ottawa weather in May

In May, Ottawa averages a high of 19°C and a low of 8°C. It gets 78 mm of precipitation over about 13 rainy days. The sun is out about 42% of daylight hours. The May record high is 35°C (2010) and the record low is -3°C (1978). May is one of the most comfortable months to visit.

Ottawa weather in June

In June, Ottawa averages a high of 24°C and a low of 13°C. It gets 95 mm of precipitation over about 13 rainy days. The sun is out about 38% of daylight hours. The June record high is 36°C (1988) and the record low is 2°C (1986).

Ottawa weather in July

In July, Ottawa averages a high of 27°C and a low of 16°C. It gets 92 mm of precipitation over about 12 rainy days. The sun is out about 44% of daylight hours. The July record high is 37°C (2020) and the record low is 5°C (1982).

Ottawa weather in August

In August, Ottawa averages a high of 26°C and a low of 14°C. It gets 87 mm of precipitation over about 12 rainy days. The sun is out about 40% of daylight hours. The August record high is 37°C (2001) and the record low is 3°C (1976). August is one of the most comfortable months to visit.

Ottawa weather in September

In September, Ottawa averages a high of 21°C and a low of 11°C. It gets 87 mm of precipitation over about 12 rainy days. The sun is out about 45% of daylight hours. The September record high is 36°C (2002) and the record low is -3°C (2000). September is one of the most comfortable months to visit.

Ottawa weather in October

In October, Ottawa averages a high of 13°C and a low of 4°C. It gets 89 mm of precipitation over about 14 rainy days. The sun is out about 35% of daylight hours. The October record high is 31°C (2023) and the record low is -7°C (1972).

Ottawa weather in November

In November, Ottawa averages a high of 6°C and a low of -2°C. It gets 70 mm of precipitation over about 14 rainy days. The sun is out about 32% of daylight hours. The November record high is 24°C (2022) and the record low is -21°C (2018).

Ottawa weather in December

In December, Ottawa averages a high of -2°C and a low of -8°C. It gets 72 mm of precipitation over about 16 rainy days. The sun is out about 19% of daylight hours. The December record high is 17°C (2012) and the record low is -32°C (1980).

Sunshine, humidity and wind in Ottawa

September is the sunniest month in Ottawa, with sunshine about 45% of daylight hours. December is the cloudiest, at 19%. Over the year the sun shines about 35% of daylight hours. Ottawa is cloudier than 60% of Canada.

Humidity peaks in December at 80% and is lowest in May at 57%.

Ottawa has about 5 days a year above 32°C. Ottawa is hotter than 70% of Canada.

First and last freeze in Ottawa

The first fall freeze in Ottawa typically comes around October 7, and the last spring freeze around April 29. That leaves a frost-free growing season of about 161 days.

Ottawa weather records

The hottest temperature on record at the Ottawa station is 37°C, on August 9, 2001. The coldest is -35°C, on January 4, 1981.

The wettest day on record brought 109 mm of rain, on September 9, 2004.

45 all-time records have been set at the station since 1970.

The annual mean temperature has changed by +0.4°C per decade since 1970.

The best time to visit Ottawa

The most comfortable time to visit is typically May and August to September, when daytime highs sit near 22°C.

Winter (December–February) is cold, with average highs around -3°C and lows near -12°C. Snow is possible.

Spring (March–May) is chilly, with average highs around 11°C and lows near 1°C.

Summer (June–August) is warm, with average highs around 26°C and lows near 15°C. It can feel humid.

Autumn (September–November) is mild, with average highs around 14°C and lows near 4°C.

Ottawa climate questions

How much rain does Ottawa get?

Ottawa gets 922 mm of precipitation in an average year, over about 155 rainy days.

What is the wettest month in Ottawa?

June is the wettest month in Ottawa, with 95 mm. February is the driest, with 49 mm.

How many rainy days does Ottawa have a year?

Ottawa has about 155 days with measurable rain in an average year. December has the most, about 16.

What is the hottest month in Ottawa?

July is the warmest month in Ottawa, with an average high of 27°C.

What is the coldest month in Ottawa?

January is the coldest month in Ottawa, with an average low of -13°C.

What is the record high temperature in Ottawa?

The record high at the Ottawa station is 37°C, set on August 9, 2001. The record low is -35°C, on January 4, 1981.

What is the sunniest month in Ottawa?

September is the sunniest month in Ottawa, with sunshine about 45% of daylight hours. December is the cloudiest.

When is the first frost in Ottawa?

The first fall freeze in Ottawa typically comes around October 7. The last spring freeze is around April 29.

What is the best time to visit Ottawa?

The most comfortable time to visit is typically May and August to September, when daytime highs sit near 22°C.