Weather by month for Ottawa, the best months to go and how Canada's regions differ, scored from 10 years of climate data.
May, Sep
The highest month scores: comfortable temperatures, little rain and plenty of sun.
Highs 20°C to 22°C · 9–11 rain days
Jun, Jul, Aug
Still good weather, just not quite the top months.
Highs 24°C to 27°C · 13 rain days
Jan, Feb, Mar, Nov, Dec
The weakest weather of the year: too hot, too cold or too wet.
Highs -4°C to 6°C · 11–13 rain days
Weather by month
Average highs and lows, rain days, sunshine and our month score out of 10.
| Month | High / low | Rain days | Sunshine | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | -4°C / -13°C | 11 days (76 mm) | 4.9 h/day | 2.0/10 |
| February | -2°C / -12°C | 12 days (74 mm) | 6.1 h/day | 2.1/10 |
| March | 3°C / -7°C | 12 days (76 mm) | 7.5 h/day | 2.6/10 |
| April | 11°C / 0°C | 13 days (105 mm) | 8.2 h/day | 4.0/10 |
| Best month: May | 20°C / 8°C | 11 days (91 mm) | 10.4 h/day | 7.8/10 |
| June | 24°C / 13°C | 13 days (115 mm) | 10.8 h/day | 7.4/10 |
| July | 27°C / 17°C | 13 days (108 mm) | 12.1 h/day | 7.0/10 |
| August | 25°C / 17°C | 13 days (121 mm) | 10.9 h/day | 7.4/10 |
| Best month: September | 22°C / 13°C | 9 days (76 mm) | 9.5 h/day | 8.1/10 |
| October | 14°C / 7°C | 12 days (104 mm) | 6.4 h/day | 5.3/10 |
| November | 6°C / 0°C | 12 days (76 mm) | 5.0 h/day | 1.9/10 |
| December | 0°C / -6°C | 13 days (88 mm) | 3.8 h/day | 1.4/10 |
Figures for Ottawa; the country's best months are weighted across its cities. Best months are highlighted. How we score months
Month by month
-4°C / -13°C · 11 rain days · 4.9 h sun
Ottawa is deep in winter, with highs of -3.5°C and lows near -12.7°C. There are about 11 rain/precipitation days and just 4.9 hours of sun a day. The score is low at 2 out of 10, rated avoid: this is a month for cold-weather activities rather than sightseeing. New Year's Day falls on the 1st.
-2°C / -12°C · 12 rain days · 6.1 h sun
Cold weather continues, with highs around -2°C and lows of -12.1°C. Sun hours rise slightly to 6.1 and precipitation days stay near 12. The score of 2.1 keeps the avoid verdict: it's tough going for casual travel, though snow lovers may still enjoy it.
3°C / -7°C · 12 rain days · 7.5 h sun
Highs climb to 3.3°C but lows still dip to -6.6°C, so winter has not let go. Precipitation is frequent, around 11.5 days, with 7.5 hours of sun. The score of 2.6 means this month is still rated avoid, as the mix of melting snow and cold can be unpredictable.
11°C / 0°C · 13 rain days · 8.2 h sun
Spring arrives properly, with highs of 11.1°C and lows above freezing at 0.4°C. Rain increases to 105mm over 12.6 days, so pack a waterproof. The score jumps to 4, rated ok. Good Friday falls on 3 April.
20°C / 8°C · 11 rain days · 10.4 h sun
Conditions improve sharply: highs reach 19.5°C, lows 7.9°C, and sun hours climb to 10.4 a day. Rain stays moderate at 91mm over 11 days. This is the top-scoring month at 7.8, rated best. Victoria Day lands on 18 May.
24°C / 13°C · 13 rain days · 10.8 h sun
Summer sets in with highs of 23.7°C and lows of 13.4°C. Rain is heavier, 115mm over almost 13 days, but sun hours are high at 10.8. The score of 7.4 keeps June in the good category for warm-weather travel.
27°C / 17°C · 13 rain days · 12.1 h sun
This is the warmest month, with highs of 26.7°C and lows of 17.1°C. Rain days stay around 13.3, totalling 108mm, alongside the year's best sun hours at 12.1. The score of 7, rated good, reflects strong but humid summer conditions. Canada Day is marked on 1 July.
25°C / 17°C · 13 rain days · 10.9 h sun
Heat continues with highs of 25.2°C and lows of 16.7°C. Rainfall is the year's highest at 121mm over 12.8 days, though sun hours remain strong at 10.9. The score of 7.4 keeps August rated good for travel despite the occasional downpour.
22°C / 13°C · 9 rain days · 9.5 h sun
Temperatures ease to a high of 21.9°C and low of 13.2°C, with rain dropping to just 76mm over 9.3 days, the lowest rain-day count of the year. Sun hours stay decent at 9.5. The score of 8.1 makes this the year's best-rated month. Labour Day falls on 7 September and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on 30 September.
14°C / 7°C · 12 rain days · 6.4 h sun
Autumn cooling continues, with highs of 14.3°C and lows of 6.9°C. Rain returns to 104mm over 12.4 days, and sun hours fall to 6.4. The score drops to 5.3, rated ok, as the cooler, wetter mix takes hold. Thanksgiving is marked on 12 October.
6°C / 0°C · 12 rain days · 5.0 h sun
Winter approaches fast: highs fall to 6.2°C and lows to -0.3°C, with sun hours down to 5. Rain stays frequent at 11.8 days. The score of 1.9 brings back the avoid verdict, as grey skies and falling temperatures make this a tougher travel month.
0°C / -6°C · 13 rain days · 3.8 h sun
Winter is back in full with highs of just 0.2°C and lows of -6.3°C. Sun hours drop to the year's lowest at 3.8, while rain or snow falls on 12.6 days. The score of 1.4 is the year's lowest, rated avoid, though the cold and holiday lights suit those who enjoy a snowy Christmas. Christmas Day is on 25 December.
By trip type
City sightseeing
May and September are the best months for city trips. In Ottawa, May highs reach 19.5°C with 10.4 hours of sun, while September stays mild at 21.9°C with fewer rain days, 9.3, than most other months.
Hiking & nature
September suits hiking well. Ottawa's highs average 21.9°C, lows drop to a comfortable 13.2°C, and rain days fall to 9.3, the lowest of the year, making trails drier and easier to walk.
Events calendar
Public holidays: New Year's Day (1 Jan)
Public holidays: Good Friday (3 Apr)
Public holidays: Victoria Day (18 May)
Public holidays: Canada Day (1 Jul)
Public holidays: Labour Day (7 Sep), National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (30 Sep)
Public holidays: Thanksgiving (12 Oct)
Public holidays: Christmas Day (25 Dec)
Keep planning
FAQ
Yes, July scores 7 out of 10 and is a good month. Ottawa highs reach 26.7°C with lows of 17.1°C, and there are 12.1 hours of sun a day. Rain still falls on about 13 days, with 108mm total, so pack for occasional showers alongside the warmth.
Yes, September is one of the best months, scoring 8.1 out of 10. Ottawa highs average 21.9°C and lows 13.2°C, which is mild and comfortable. Rain drops to just 9.3 days and 76mm, less than most other months, with 9.5 hours of sun daily.
January scores only 2 out of 10, the lowest of the year. Ottawa highs average -3.5°C and lows fall to -12.7°C, with just 4.9 hours of sun a day. Rain or snow days still number around 11, so conditions are cold and dark rather than pleasant for general sightseeing.
May and September are rated best, scoring 7.8 and 8.1 out of 10. In May, Ottawa highs reach 19.5°C with lows of 7.9°C and 10.4 hours of sun. September is milder still at 21.9°C highs with less rain, only 9.3 rain days compared to May's 11.
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