Ottawa weather in January
January is one of the least pleasant months in Ottawa: highs of -6°C (20°F) and about 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain on average. Nights average -16°C (3°F) and cloud cover 70% (NASA POWER, 2001–2025 averages). It is the 2nd driest month of the year and the coolest. Compared with December, it is cooler and drier; February brings highs of -5°C (23°F) and 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain.
Is January a good time to visit Ottawa?
least pleasant month Weather score 36/100.
January is one of the least pleasant months for weather in Ottawa. For better conditions, consider May–Sep.
Does it rain a lot in Ottawa in January?
Some rain is normal: about 61 mm (2.4 in) falls in an average January. It is the 2nd driest month of the year.
How warm is Ottawa in January?
Days average -6°C (20°F) and nights -16°C (3°F).
Ottawa weather by month
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Cloud | Weather |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | -6°C (20°F) | -16°C (3°F) | 61 mm | 70% | least pleasant |
| February | -5°C (23°F) | -15°C (4°F) | 55 mm | 67% | least pleasant |
| March | 2°C (35°F) | -9°C (16°F) | 64 mm | 64% | least pleasant |
| April | 11°C (51°F) | -1°C (31°F) | 85 mm | 65% | fair |
| May | 19°C (65°F) | 7°C (44°F) | 85 mm | 64% | best |
| June | 23°C (74°F) | 12°C (54°F) | 104 mm | 61% | best |
| July | 26°C (78°F) | 15°C (60°F) | 98 mm | 56% | best |
| August | 25°C (77°F) | 14°C (58°F) | 88 mm | 56% | best |
| September | 21°C (71°F) | 10°C (50°F) | 87 mm | 54% | best |
| October | 13°C (55°F) | 3°C (38°F) | 99 mm | 68% | fair |
| November | 5°C (41°F) | -3°C (27°F) | 73 mm | 72% | least pleasant |
| December | -3°C (27°F) | -11°C (12°F) | 80 mm | 76% | least pleasant |
Sources: 2001–2025 monthly averages from NASA POWER (MERRA-2 reanalysis). Page updated . How we rate months