HOTTEST (AVG)
in Canada
#3 / 7
Ottawa, Canada
Ottawa experiences a cold climate, where average temperatures vary from a low of -5°C / 23°F in January to a high of 26°C / 78°F in July.
Rainfall averages about 86 mm / 3.4 inches per month, with the wettest conditions in June (108 mm / 4.3 inches) and the driest in February (59 mm / 2.3 inches).
Sun intensity varies throughout the year, with UV levels reaching 7 in June and falling to 2 in December; strong sun protection is essential during summer months.
Daylight hours range from about 8.8 hours in December to 15.6 hours in June.
Ottawa offers distinct seasons, each with its own character and appeal for different types of travelers.
Today's forecast
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Climate at a glance
The big-picture stats that matter for planning your visit to Ottawa.
Typical range
High / low
Average highs up to 25.8°C and lows down to -13.9°C.
Rain pattern
Wettest month
June averages 108 mm.
UV
Typical peak band
Typical peak UV is Moderate.
Daylight
Seasonal range
Roughly 9 hrs to 16 hrs.
Wind
Typical strength
Average around 11 km/h, peaking in April.
Humidity
Typical range
Generally 65 % to 79 %.
When should I go?
Our top-rated months for visiting Ottawa, based on long-term weather comfort and conditions
Typical weather by month
Compare all monthsTip: click on a card to see detailed daily weather averages for that month.
How Ottawa compares
See how it ranks against the rest of Canada for key metrics.
COOLEST (AVG)
in Canada
#4 / 7
WETTEST (TOTAL)
in Canada
#4 / 7
WINDIEST (AVG)
in Canada
#3 / 7
HIGHEST UV
in Canada
#3 / 7
MOST HUMID
in Canada
#4 / 7
Short term outlook
Visiting soon? Here's the next 7 days of weather for Ottawa, or see an hourly breakdown for the next 14 days.
Frequently asked questions
How does the weather in Ottawa feel over the year?
Across the year, daytime highs average about 11°C (52°F), with nights near 3°C (37°F). Overall it feels cool by day and cold after dark. Daylight is fairly typical, with enough time for sightseeing. Expect a mix of sun and cloud across the year.
When is the best time to visit Ottawa for dry weather?
When is sun exposure strongest in Ottawa?
UV tends to peak in June, when UV levels are often high (around 7). Regular sunscreen and a hat are recommended.
Does it snow in Ottawa?
Yes. Snowfall is possible, and it peaks in December, when averages reach around 1.1 cm. Winters are when you're most likely to see snow on the ground.
Is Ottawa a windy place?
Across the year, average winds sit around 11 km/h (7 mph), with gusts on windier days up to about 58 km/h (36 mph). Overall it is it can feel quite windy at times, particularly when weather systems move through.
How much daylight does Ottawa get?
On average, days offer about 12 hours of daylight. Daylight is fairly typical, with enough time for sightseeing.