What is the weather like in Ottawa?

If you’re wondering what the weather is like in the capital of Canada, you’ve come to the right place. Ottawa, situated in the east of the country near the Ontario-Quebec border, is known for its unpredictable weather, with temperatures ranging from sweltering summer heat to unexpected winter blizzards. It’s a city with hot and humid summers, cold winters and relatively mild springs and autumns.

The climate in Ottawa is classified as humid continental, with four distinct seasons. Summers in the city tend to be hot and humid with high levels of precipitation due to its location near the Great Lakes, while winters are generally cold and snowy.

No matter when you’re planning your visit, you can expect periods of wet, rainy weather – Ottawa is one of the rainiest cities in Canada, with a total of about 29.4 inches of rainfall a year. The best time for traveling to Ottawa is generally from mid-May until late September, when temperatures are warmer and rainfall is lower.

Summer

Summers in Ottawa are usually hot and humid with lightning-heavy thunderstorms forming almost every day in July and August. Average temperatures in summer range between 61 – 79 degrees Fahrenheit (16 – 26 degrees Celsius). In recent years the city has experienced some sweltering 90-degree days, although this isn’t the norm.

Autumn/Fall

Septembers in Ottawa can be warm and sunny, with temperatures often getting as high as mid-seventies before cooling off towards the end of October. Fog often appears during the mornings and evenings of autumn months in Ottawa.

November can still bring some days that get up to fifty degrees Fahrenheit (ten degrees Celsius) but for most part temperatures sit around freezing (32°F / 0°C).

Winter

Winters in Ottawa are generally cold, characterized by strong winds, bitter temperatures and heavy snowfall. Temperatures average at around twenty degrees Fahrenheit (-7°C) but have been known to go lower when a deep freeze sets in. Snowfall amounts differ from year to year but normally average about fifty-nine inches (1.5m) of snow annually.

Spring

Springs are usually mild and wet, with snowfall regularly occurring through April and into May. Average temperatures range from 33-50°F (1 – 10°C) and rainfall is usually high, averaging around three inches of rain per month throughout March, April, and May.

There is lots of information available from Weather Canada, the Canadian government’s official website dedicated to all things weather and climate related. This website tracks all temperature, precipitation levels and wind conditions for Ottawa and other cities across the country on a daily basis.

Overall, Ottawa’s climate can be unpredictable and often changes quickly throughout any given day, but if you choose to plan a trip to the capital be sure to wear layers regardless of season. With temperatures ranging from stifling humidity and heat in summer to biting winds and snowfall in winter, Ottawa enjoys a varied climate all year round that lends itself to a variety of outdoor activities, no matter the weather.

Insider’s Guide to Ottawa: A Capital City of Canada

Situated in southeastern Ontario, Ottawa is the capital city of Canada, displaying the perfect blend of urban rush and natural delights. Ottawa visitors can encounter an alluring array of exciting events, cultural experiences, historic attractions, and urban exploration. But, before you plan your vacation, it’s essential to know the weather conditions in Ottawa.

About Ottawa Weather

Ottawa mostly experiences a humid continental climate, with hot summers and chilly winters. Summers in Ottawa are warm, with high temperatures ranging between 22°C to 26°C from June to August. Winters, on the other hand, can be quite frigid, with temperatures hovering between -15°C to -5°C from December to February. The city gets occasional rainfall throughout the year, and snowfall occurs in December and January.

Attractions to Visit

1. Parliament Hill: Perched atop a hill, Parliament Hill is the cultural and political hub of Ottawa. It displays an awe-inspiring array of Gothic-style architecture and is home to the country’s House of Commons and Senate.

2. National Gallery of Canada: Art lovers cannot miss out on visiting the National Gallery of Canada. Known to house a variety of Canadian and international artworks, including paintings, sculptures, photographs, and contemporary art.

3. ByWard Market: A bustling attraction, ByWard Market, displays the city’s cultural vibrancy through its food markets, street performers, specialty shops, and restaurants.

4. Rideau Canal: Inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage List, the Rideau Canal is a man-made waterway linked to Ottawa River and Lake Ontario. In summers, you can go on boat rides and catch scenic views, and it transforms into a serene ice-skating rink during winters.

Best Dining Spots

1. Elgin Street Diner: This spot is popular for serving savoury breakfast, including all-day breakfast and nostalgic diner-themed lunch and dinner menu items.

2. Le Café: Nestled in the heart of the National Arts Centre, Le Café is famous for its European-inspired coffee, Brasserie-style lunch, and dinner menu.

3. Cacao 70: Chocolate lovers cannot miss out on Cacao 70, where they get to taste various chocolate-themed dishes such as waffles, fondue, crepes, and smoothies.

Local Cultural Experiences

1. Canadian Museum of History: Situated in Gatineau, just across the Ottawa River, the Canadian Museum of History showcases the country’s history, culture, and geography.

2. National Arts Centre: During your stay in Ottawa, catch a theatre play or concert show at the iconic National Arts Centre, which showcases the country’s top performances.

Local History

The Rideau Canal was built in the 19th century as a way to bypass the area’s treacherous rapids and serve as a military supply route. The canal played a crucial role during World War I and World War II, and the eastern-most section of the canal still serves as a waterway.

Off-The-Beaten-Path

1. Gatineau Park: Located a 15-minutes drive from the downtown area, the Gatineau Park is home to hiking and mountain trails, beaches, campgrounds, and cross-country skiing during winters.

2. Diefenbunker: The Cold War Museum showcases the country’s nuclear history and hidden bunkers in the bustling city tunnels.

In conclusion, Ottawa is a delightful place to visit, regardless of their weather conditions. Whether you are planning to visit historically rich sites, art galleries, dining restaurants, or experiencing the city’s cultural events, Ottawa has something for everyone. So plan your trip today and make the most of what this capital city has to offer.