Canada
Ottawa in December
❄️ Snowy winterCold and some showers. Watch for snow & ice risk.
🎒 Pack: winter coat, gloves & hat
Why December scores 7.2What goes into the score
How it works- Weather comfort5.3
- !Cold (-2°C highs / -10°C lows)
- ✓Comfortable humidity (dew point -9°C)
- ✓Mostly dry (~72 mm rain)
- Air quality10.0
- ✓Good (within WHO guideline) (PM2.5 ~5 µg/m³)
- Seasonal hazards8.5
- !Snow & ice: Average low -10°C
- Safety baseline8.5
- ·Normal precautions
| Dec | May | |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 7.2 Good | 9.3 Excellent |
| Season | ❄️ Snowy winter | 🌷 Spring |
| High / low | -2° / -10° | 20° / 8° |
| Rain | 72 mm | 75 mm |
| Humidity | dew pt -9° | dew pt 8° |
| PM2.5 | 5 µg/m³ | 6 µg/m³ |
Typical-month data: NASA POWER (MERRA-2 reanalysis) 2015–2024 (modelled, not a forecast). Temperatures: Ottawa International Airport weather-station normals. Rainfall: Ottawa International Airport weather-station normals (national met service).
Holidays & crowdsDecember 2026
Long weekendThere's at least one long weekend. Domestic travel picks up and popular spots get busier over those days.
- Christmas Day 25–27 Dec · 3 days off in a row
National holidays only; regional holidays and school breaks aren't included. Source: holidays (open-source public-holiday calendar).
Explore OttawaEvents, sights, food & souvenirs
Check event dates locallyOttawa is Canada's capital, on the Ottawa River across from Gatineau, Quebec. Visitors come for Parliament Hill, national museums, the Rideau Canal and winter festivals.
No major events on our calendar for December.
Coming up later
WinterludeDate variesDates vary; usually the first three weekends of February
A winter festival with ice sculptures, snow play areas and skating.
Why go: Dress for very cold weather and book accommodation early.
Where: Rideau Canal, downtown Ottawa and Gatineau
Canadian Tulip FestivalDate variesDates vary; usually May
Displays of tulips celebrating a gift from the Netherlands after the Second World War.
Why go: One of the prettiest times to visit.
Where: Commissioners Park and around the city
Canada DayEvery year1 July every year
National day celebrations with concerts and fireworks.
Why go: Very crowded; book accommodation well ahead.
Where: Downtown and around Parliament Hill
Parliament Hill
The Gothic Revival parliament buildings overlooking the Ottawa River.
💡 Centre Block is closed for a long renovation; check current tour options in advance.
Rideau Canal
A UNESCO-listed historic canal that becomes a skating route in winter.
💡 Skating depends on ice conditions; check the status before you go.
ByWard Market
A historic market area with food stalls, shops, restaurants and bars.
National Gallery of Canada
The national art museum, with Canadian and Indigenous art and a giant spider sculpture outside.
Canadian Museum of History
A large museum in Gatineau with exhibits on Canadian and Indigenous history.
BeaverTails
Fried flat pastries with sweet toppings, first sold in Ottawa.
💡 ByWard Market and along the canal in winter
Poutine
Fries topped with cheese curds and gravy.
💡 Casual eateries across the city
Shawarma
Wraps of spiced meat, a hugely popular local fast food.
💡 Shawarma shops throughout the city
Maple treats
Maple syrup, maple butter and maple taffy on snow.
💡 ByWard Market and seasonal sugar shacks nearby
Maple syrup
Pure Canadian maple syrup in bottles and cans.
💡 ByWard Market and grocery stores
Indigenous art
Prints, carvings and crafts by Indigenous artists.
💡 Museum shops and galleries