Ottawa
Ottawa
Canada
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Ottawa, Canada’s capital, is a city defined by its dramatic seasonal shifts and vibrant national celebrations. Located at the confluence of three rivers, it offers a humid continental climate that tra...
About Ottawa
Ottawa, Canada’s capital, is a city defined by its dramatic seasonal shifts and vibrant national celebrations. Located at the confluence of three rivers, it offers a humid continental climate that transforms the cityscape from a snowy winter wonderland to a blooming garden city. Unlike the milder coastal vibes of Vancouver or the bustling skyscraper-heavy skyline of Toronto, Ottawa maintains a historic, accessible charm centered around Parliament Hill and the Rideau Canal. Travelers typically flock here for the massive festivals of summer and the unique winter experiences, but the shoulder seasons offer their own rewards with fewer crowds and stunning natural colors. Whether you are visiting for political history, outdoor adventure, or world-class museums, timing your trip is essential to navigate the city's extreme temperature swings.
Fly from Halifax, or anywhere in Atlantic Canada, and discover Ottawa at its best. We'll show you when to go, what to see, and where to eat, so you can simply enjoy the journey.
March to May
Spring
June to August
Summer
September to October
Fall
November to February
Winter
What's Included
Seasonal Guide
Complete 12-month breakdown with weather, crowds & pricing
Flights from Halifax
Routes: Halifax — Ottawa, or via major hubs from Atlantic Canada
Neighborhoods
4 curated areas to stay, from budget to luxury
Budget Guide
CAD (Canadian Dollar) daily budgets: $80–$110/day to $450+/day
At a Glance: When to Visit Ottawa
Best Overall
May–June, September–October
Cheapest
January, November
Busiest
July, February
Best Weather
June–August
For Events
May (Tulips) and July (Canada Day)
For Families
February (Winterlude) and July
For Couples
September (Fall Colors)
Budget Travel
November and March
From Atlantic Canada
Halifax to Ottawa.
Month by month.
Everything you need to know about travelling from Canada to Ottawa — the best seasons, what to pack, and how to save.
Month-by-Month Guide to Ottawa
January
Average temps: -6°C to -15°C (21°F to 5°F). Significant snowfall and limited sunshine.
“Best for budget travelers who don't mind the extreme cold and want the museums to themselves.”
February
Average temps: -4°C to -13°C (25°F to 9°F). High snow accumulation and crisp, cold air.
“The best month for winter enthusiasts to experience Canada's premier winter festival.”
March
Average temps: 2°C to -6°C (36°F to 21°F). Slushy conditions as snow begins to melt; frequent rain.
“Best for those seeking a 'sweet' experience at sugar shacks while enjoying low hotel rates.”
April
Average temps: 11°C to 1°C (52°F to 34°F). Unpredictable weather with a mix of sun and spring showers.
“A transition month best for travelers who enjoy quiet city walks before the tourist surge.”
May
Average temps: 19°C to 8°C (66°F to 46°F). Pleasant spring weather with blooming flowers.
“The most beautiful month to visit; perfect for photographers and garden lovers.”
June
Average temps: 24°C to 13°C (75°F to 55°F). Warm, sunny days and comfortable nights.
“Best for music lovers and those who want summer weather without the July humidity.”
July
Average temps: 27°C to 16°C (81°F to 61°F). Hot and humid with occasional afternoon thunderstorms.
“The peak of summer tourism; best for those wanting to experience Canada's biggest party.”
August
Average temps: 25°C to 14°C (77°F to 57°F). Warm and sunny; slightly less humid than July.
“Ideal for families and outdoor adventurers enjoying the tail end of summer.”
September
Average temps: 20°C to 10°C (68°F to 50°F). Refreshing, cool air and low humidity.
“The 'Goldilocks' month; the best weather for sightseeing without the crowds.”
October
Average temps: 13°C to 4°C (55°F to 39°F). Crisp autumn days; first frost usually occurs.
“A must for nature lovers and those seeking the dramatic colors of the Canadian fall.”
November
Average temps: 5°C to -2°C (41°F to 28°F). Grey, cloudy, and chilly with early snow flurries.
“Best for indoor cultural exploration and budget-conscious travelers.”
December
Average temps: -2°C to -9°C (28°F to 16°F). Snowy and festive with limited daylight.
“Perfect for those seeking a classic, snowy North American Christmas atmosphere.”
Festivals & Events in Ottawa
Winterlude
A celebration of Canada's northern climate with ice carvings, snow slides, and canal skating.
Hotels in the downtown core sell out months in advance; book early.Canadian Tulip Festival
Millions of tulips bloom to commemorate the historic bond between Canada and the Netherlands.
High traffic around Dows Lake; use public transit or bikes.Canada Day
The biggest national party with concerts, fireworks, and massive crowds on Parliament Hill.
Extreme impact; many streets closed; hotels charge premium rates.RBC Bluesfest
One of the largest international music festivals in North America.
Lebreton Flats area becomes very busy; high demand for mid-range hotels.CityFolk
A folk and indie music festival held at the historic Lansdowne Park.
Moderate; Glebe neighborhood becomes vibrant and busy.Ottawa Race Weekend
Canada's largest running event, featuring a marathon and 10k through city streets.
Major road closures throughout the downtown and residential areas.Christmas Lights Across Canada
A festive display of lights and a multimedia show on the Parliament buildings.
Low impact on prices, but brings locals into the downtown core at night.Ottawa Jazz Festival
Top-tier international jazz artists perform in Confederation Park.
Moderate; brings a sophisticated crowd to the downtown hotels.Budget Guide: How Much Does It Cost to Visit Ottawa?
CAD (Canadian Dollar)
Daily Budget
Peak
$250–$400/night
Off-Peak
$140–$220/night
Prices are highest during July (Canada Day), May (Tulip Festival), and February (Winterlude). November and March offer the deepest discounts on accommodation.
Where to Stay in Ottawa by Season
ByWard Market
Moderate to HighSummer
The heart of Ottawa's nightlife and dining. Best for those who want to be in the center of the action.
The Glebe
ModerateFall
A charming residential area near Lansdowne Park with boutique shops and beautiful foliage.
Downtown / Centretown
HighWinter
Close to the Rideau Canal and Parliament. Ideal for walking to Winterlude events.
Westboro
ModerateSpring
Trendy area with great outdoor access and yoga studios; less touristy than the market.
What to Pack for Ottawa
Spring
Pro tip: The 'thaw' can be messy; choose footwear that handles puddles well.
Summer
Pro tip: Humidity can make 27°C feel like 35°C; stay hydrated.
Fall
Pro tip: Mornings are cold but afternoons can be warm; layers are your best friend.
Winter
Pro tip: Avoid cotton base layers; wool or synthetic materials keep you much warmer in sub-zero temps.
FAQs: Visiting Ottawa
What is the best month to visit Ottawa?
May is often considered the best month due to the Canadian Tulip Festival and pleasant temperatures. September is a close second for its stunning fall foliage and comfortable weather.
When is the cheapest time to fly to Ottawa?
November and January (outside of holiday weeks) typically offer the lowest airfares and hotel rates.
What is the weather like in Ottawa in July?
Expect hot and humid conditions with average highs of 27°C (81°F). Afternoon thunderstorms are common, but the evenings are perfect for outdoor events.
Is Ottawa worth visiting in winter?
Yes, especially in February during Winterlude. While it is very cold, the unique experience of skating on the Rideau Canal and the festive atmosphere make it worthwhile.
When does the Rideau Canal usually open for skating?
Typically from early January to early March, but it is strictly weather-dependent and requires a long stretch of sub-zero temperatures.
How many days do I need in Ottawa?
3 to 4 days is usually enough to see the major museums, Parliament Hill, and explore a few key neighborhoods.
Is Ottawa more expensive than Toronto?
Generally, no. Ottawa is slightly more affordable than Toronto or Vancouver in terms of both accommodation and dining, except during major national holidays.
When can I see the fall colors in Ottawa?
The peak is usually between the first and third weeks of October, particularly in the nearby Gatineau Park.
Does Ottawa get a lot of snow?
Yes, Ottawa is one of the snowiest capitals in the world, receiving an average of 224cm (88 inches) of snow annually.
What is the best time for outdoor activities like rafting?
The Ottawa River offers world-class rafting from late May through early September, with the biggest rapids usually occurring in June.
Also Consider: Other Destinations in Canada
Toronto
Toronto offers a more cosmopolitan, big-city energy with a slightly milder winter than Ottawa's frozen capital vibes.
Vancouver
Vancouver provides a temperate, rainy climate and ocean access, a stark contrast to Ottawa's continental extremes and snowy winters.
Montreal
Just two hours away, Montreal shares Ottawa's climate but offers a more distinctly European, Francophone culture and nightlife.
Calgary
Calgary serves as the gateway to the Rockies with a drier climate, offering a more mountain-focused adventure compared to Ottawa's political and historic focus.
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