Ottawa Holiday Weather Overview
Ottawa is the capital city of Canada, and its 4th largest city, situated in Southern Ontario. Ottawa is renowned for its world class museums, miles of cycle paths and its diverse calendar of festivals, making it a fabulous destination at any time of the year.
Ottawa in Spring
Spring in Ottawa runs from around March to late May, and it's a very pleasant time of year to visit the capital. Temperatures start to warm up from March onwards, but you should take a sweater or a jacket as the weather can be unpredictable.
During spring the greenery and flowers in Ottawa's parks start to burst into life, and in May the famous Tulip Festival takes place. The largest of its kind in the world, over 1 million tulips bloom in spectacular displays at this time, and the festival encompasses food, music and culture too.
Ottawa in Summer
When you think of Ottawa weather, you probably think of cold, but summers in Ottawa are actually rather hot. Daytime temperatures of 30°C are quite common, and the city can be packed in July and August, making it rather a sticky experience all round. However, there's lots to see and do in Ottawa in the summer, with many festivals and Canada Day in particular being well celebrated.
Stroll along Parliament Hill or picnic along the Rideau Canal - if temperatures get too hot for you, you could always cool off inside the National Gallery of Canada, or any one of numerous museums and galleries - little ones will love the Canadian Children's Museum.
Ottawa in Autumn
In September and October temperatures in Ottawa range from a comfortable 20°C to a chilly 3°C, so it's wise to bring layered clothing. The city is beautiful at this time as the autumn colours come to life, and there are still lots of festivals going on, including a major animation festival and the Canadian Folk Music Awards.
It can rain fairly steadily during autumn in Ottawa, but don't let that put you off. When the skies are clear, the air is brisk and clean and the city seems to sparkle in the autumn sunlight.
Ottawa in Winter
Winter weather in Ottawa is quite severe. Expect snow - lots of it - and temperatures which can plummet down to -20oc at night. However, all of that snow and ice is an excuse for Ottawa residents and visitors to come out to play - the Rideau canal freezes over and is usually busy with people skating, a very picturesque scene indeed with the gothic splendour of Chateau Laurier in the backdrop.
In February, Ottawa plays host to the Winterlude festival, which draws hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. There is a huge ice sculpture competition, and a massive snow park with snow slides, ice rinks and slides.
Make sure you bring a warm hat and gloves - and then get outside into the winter weather and enjoy!
Best months to visit Ottawa?
July and August are the best month to go for holiday or travel to Ottawa. The Ottawa weather averages gathered from Ottawa weather forecast and Ottawa weather history also forecast these months temperature to be around 26°c and average of 219 hours of sunshine in a month.
Coldest months of Ottawa?
January and February are the coldest months with temperature at around -14°c.
Which months receive most rainfall in Ottawa?
August and October receive most rainfall with precipitation count of 117.87mm.
Travelling to Ottawa? Check out our Weather averages of Ottawa to better plan your holiday or travel.
If you would just like to know what the weather was for a past dates for research or education or you are just curious then visit our historical weather of Ottawa section.