Climate Chart of Ottawa, Canada
Monthly data: Temperature °C, Rain (mm), Sunshine (h) · 2013–2023
For Ottawa, Canada, the climate data describe 2013–2023.
Climate overview
Temperature
Ottawa’s monthly mean temperature reaches its high in July at 21.6 °C, while the coolest monthly mean is in January at -8.7 °C. These are averages for each month, not daytime maximum temperatures, so they describe the broad temperature pattern rather than the conditions on any particular day. Across the calendar months, the unweighted mean of monthly mean temperatures is 7.1 °C; it is not a day-weighted annual average.
Rain
Mean daily rainfall is highest in June, at 3.70 mm/day, and lowest in January, at 0.87 mm/day. These are average daily amounts, not monthly totals, and the lower monthly mean does not guarantee rain-free days or indicate how often rain falls. The unweighted mean of the monthly mean daily rainfall values is 2.34 mm/day, which provides a broad summary rather than a forecast for a particular visit.
Sunshine
Mean daily sunshine duration peaks in July at 11.80 hours/day, while its low is in December at 3.67 hours/day. Sunshine hours can help frame expectations for outdoor daylight, but they are not measures of day length.
Snow
Snowfall also contributes to the cold-month picture: mean daily snowfall is highest in February at 12.98 mm/day. This is a daily mean, not a monthly accumulation, so it does not specify how much snow will fall on a given day.
Best Travel Time Guide for Ottawa, Canada: Ideal Seasons and Weather Insights
For visitors prioritising lower average rainfall, January is the criterion-based option, with mean daily rainfall of 0.87 mm/day. That average cannot guarantee dry days or quantify rain frequency, so keep flexible plans and bring rain protection if needed. If cooler monthly mean temperatures are the priority, consider January, when the monthly mean is -8.7 °C. It is an average, not a prediction of daytime highs or the temperature on your travel dates, so check forecasts closer to departure and pack for variable conditions.
Prepare for rain if visiting during June, the month with the highest mean daily rainfall at 3.70 mm/day; this does not mean rain falls every day. For outdoor sightseeing guided by average sunshine, July has the highest mean daily duration at 11.80 hours/day, while December has the lowest at 3.67 hours/day. These sunshine averages are not day-length figures, and the rainfall, temperature and sunshine criteria point to different considerations rather than one universally best time to visit.
Climate Data Overview for Ottawa, Canada
Explore the comprehensive climate data for Ottawa, Canada. This detailed table provides valuable insights into temperature variations, precipitation levels, and seasonal changes, helping you understand the unique weather patterns of this region.
| Month | Average: Temperature °C | Rain (mm) / day | Snow (mm) / day | Sunshine (h) / day |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | -8.7 | 0.87 | 11.26 | 4.77 |
| Feb | -7.8 | 0.88 | 12.98 | 5.77 |
| Mar | -2.6 | 1.36 | 7.47 | 7.24 |
| Apr | 5.3 | 2.98 | 3.00 | 8.04 |
| May | 13.6 | 2.62 | 0.08 | 10.27 |
| Jun | 18.3 | 3.70 | 0.00 | 10.38 |
| Jul | 21.6 | 3.36 | 0.00 | 11.80 |
| Aug | 20.5 | 3.28 | 0.00 | 10.52 |
| Sep | 16.7 | 2.46 | 0.00 | 9.01 |
| Oct | 10.1 | 3.47 | 0.50 | 6.11 |
| Nov | 2.0 | 1.88 | 4.60 | 4.82 |
| Dec | -3.6 | 1.25 | 10.10 | 3.67 |
| Average | 7.1 | 2.34 | 4.17 | 7.70 |
