Spring in Ottawa always feels like one of the biggest seasonal changes of the year. Average high temperatures jump from near freezing in early March to comfortable highs in the low 70s Fahrenheit by late May. Snow disappears pretty quickly, rainfall picks up, and daylight stretches a bit longer every week, so you really notice the season shifting.
You’ll get a mix of cool mornings and mild afternoons, plus a steady increase in sunshine as spring rolls on. Clouds start to break up, and rain takes over from the snow that ruled winter. By late spring, the days are long, the air is warmer, and being outside feels way more appealing.
If you’re curious about how much rain to expect, how windy it gets, or when the growing season really kicks off, Ottawa’s spring weather has some clear trends. Knowing the details can help you plan for sightseeing, gardening, or just getting outside without too many surprises.
Overview of Spring Weather in Ottawa
Spring in Ottawa shifts steadily from freezing winter to mild, comfortable weather. You’ll notice longer days, less cloud cover, and a fast change in precipitation from snow to rain as the weeks pass.
Defining the Spring Season in Ottawa
In Ottawa, spring runs from March through May. During this stretch, daily highs climb from about 30°F (-1°C) in early March to around 71°F (22°C) by late May. Nighttime lows rise from roughly 14°F (-10°C) to 52°F (11°C).
This is also when the growing period really begins. By late April, non-freezing days become common, and the frost-free window usually lasts into October. For gardeners or anyone itching to plant something outside, this transition matters—it’s when you can finally start without worrying about frost.
Daylight increases fast too. By the end of May, you get over four extra hours of sunlight compared to early March. The longer days open up more chances for outdoor activities and help warm the ground after months under snow.
Transition from Winter to Spring
The move from winter to spring in Ottawa feels pretty dramatic. Early March still has a wintry vibe, with snow on the ground and daytime highs often stuck below freezing. By April, snow melts away, and rain takes over as the main type of precipitation.
Precipitation patterns change quickly. In March, you might still see a mix of snow and rain, but by May, rain is in charge, with an average of 2–3 inches falling over a 31-day period. Snowfall, which averages more than 10 inches in March, drops off to almost nothing by late spring.
Winds settle down as well. Average speeds drop from about 7 mph in early March to 4 mph by May. This calmer weather, plus milder temperatures, makes it a lot nicer to be outside compared to those harsh winter winds.
General Climate Characteristics
Spring in Ottawa stands out for rapid warming, longer daylight, and changing skies. Cloud cover drops from about 65% in March to just over 50% in May, so you get more clear or partly clear days as the season moves along.
Humidity stays pretty comfortable. The chance of muggy air is basically zero in early spring and only creeps up to about 4% by late May. For most people, the air feels fresh and not too damp.
Solar energy ramps up fast. By late May, Ottawa gets about 6 kWh of solar energy per square meter per day, which is double what it gets in early March. That extra sunlight boosts plant growth and makes everything outdoors a bit brighter, helping spring turn into Ottawa’s warmer months.
Monthly Average Temperatures in Spring
Spring in Ottawa brings steady warming, changing from freezing conditions in March to mild and pleasant weather by May. There’s more daylight, fewer cloudy days, and a gradual rise in daily highs, so being outside just keeps getting easier.
March Temperature Trends
March in Ottawa still feels a lot like winter. Average daily highs hover near 2°C (36°F), and lows often drop to about -7°C (19°F). Snow cover sticks around, and icy mornings are just part of the deal.
Daytime temperatures bounce around, with some days climbing above freezing and others dipping well below. This freeze-thaw cycle can make streets slushy and sidewalks icy. If you’re heading outside, waterproof boots and warm layers are a must.
By late March, you might start to notice a few more mild afternoons. Still, you’ll need a winter coat, since nights stay cold. The shift to spring is slow, and the city usually gets a mix of snow, rain, and the occasional sunny break.
April Temperature Trends
April brings a clearer move into spring. Average highs climb to about 11°C (52°F), and lows hang around 1°C (34°F). Snowfall drops off, and rain showers take over, helping melt the last stubborn snowbanks.
You’ll see longer daylight hours and more comfortable afternoons. Lots of locals get outside for cycling and walking along the Ottawa River paths. Mornings and evenings can still be chilly, so a light jacket or some layers come in handy.
April’s weather can be all over the place—some days are warm enough for short sleeves, while others call for a heavier coat. Rain gear is smart to have around, since the month usually brings several days with measurable precipitation.
May Temperature Trends
May brings the real warmth of spring. Average highs reach about 20°C (68°F), and lows stay near 9°C (48°F). Frost is rare now, and you’ll see plants and trees in full green.
Sunshine is more consistent, and cloudy days are fewer compared to earlier in spring. Outdoor patios open up, and festivals take advantage of the milder weather. Light clothes work during the day, though you might want a sweater for the evening.
Rain is still part of the forecast, but you’ll get longer dry stretches too. May really kicks off Ottawa’s outdoor season, with great conditions for exploring parks, gardens, and city neighborhoods on foot.
Spring Precipitation Patterns
In Ottawa, spring brings a clear shift from snow to rain as temperatures climb. You can expect moderate rainfall, lingering snow early on, and a fair number of days with measurable precipitation.
Rainfall Amounts by Month
Rainfall goes up steadily through the spring. In March, precipitation often comes as a mix of snow and rain, averaging around 50–60 mm. By April, rain becomes more common, with totals near 70 mm. May is usually wetter, averaging 80–90 mm, making it one of the rainier spring months.
Rain usually falls as light to moderate showers, not heavy downpours. May often feels wetter because of higher totals and longer rain events.
Here’s a quick look at average rainfall:
| Month | Average Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|
| March | ~55 mm |
| April | ~70 mm |
| May | ~85 mm |
This steady rise in rainfall helps Ottawa’s landscapes turn green by late spring.
Snowfall During Spring
Snowfall still matters in early spring. In March, you can expect an average of 20–30 cm of snow, though some years bring more. Snowfall usually drops off quickly by early April, with totals falling to around 5–10 cm. By May, measurable snow is rare, though a light dusting can still happen in odd years.
The switch from snow to rain happens fast once daytime highs stay above freezing. Roads and sidewalks can still be icy in March, but things improve quickly by mid-April.
Here’s a rough breakdown of average snowfall:
| Month | Average Snowfall (cm) |
|---|---|
| March | ~25 cm |
| April | ~7 cm |
| May | Trace |
You’ll want to prepare for winter-like conditions in March, but by May, it’s definitely spring.
Number of Wet Days
Wet days count both rain and snow. In March, Ottawa averages about 12–13 days with measurable precipitation. April is about the same, with 11–12 days. By May, it ticks up a bit to about 13–14 days, with most of these being rain.
Precipitation is spread pretty evenly across each month, so you might get light showers every few days instead of long dry spells.
Here’s a quick count of wet days:
- March: ~12
- April: ~12
- May: ~13–14
If you’re visiting in April or May, pack some rain gear. In March, be ready for both snow and rain.
Sunshine and Daylight in Spring
Spring in Ottawa brings a steady boost in both daylight and sunshine. Short, dark days in March give way to much brighter and longer days by late May. These changes really shape how much time you can spend outside and how quickly the city warms up.
Average Daily Sunshine Hours
Ottawa gets a moderate amount of sunshine in spring, and the average goes up as the season rolls on. In March, you’ll get about 4 to 5 hours of sunshine per day, and by May, it’s closer to 7 hours daily. This jump comes from less cloud cover and more high-pressure systems.
Ottawa’s climate records show about 2,087 hours of sun annually, so spring makes up a good chunk of that. April can be unpredictable, with a mix of sunny days and overcast ones, but May is usually much sunnier.
If you’re planning outdoor activities, you can count on more reliable sunshine later in the season. Early spring can still feel cloudy, but by May, you’ll often get several clear days in a row. Late spring is a great time to enjoy Ottawa’s parks and riverside trails.
Changes in Day Length
Daylight hours climb fast during spring in Ottawa. In early March, the sun rises around 6:30–7:00 AM and sets near 6:00 PM, giving about 11 hours of daylight. By late May, sunrise is closer to 5:15 AM and sunset is almost 8:45 PM, so you get more than 15 hours of daylight.
This change adds over 4 hours of usable daylight across the three months. The biggest jumps happen in March and April, when each day grows by nearly three minutes. By May, the pace slows, but days are already long enough to stretch your plans well into the evening.
Longer days help the city warm up faster. More daylight means more solar heating, which melts snow sooner and helps spring plants get going. For visitors, those extra hours mean more time to explore landmarks, bike along the Rideau Canal, or just enjoy late evening walks without worrying about sunset.
Humidity and Wind Conditions
Spring in Ottawa brings a steady change in both humidity and wind. The air feels less damp as the season goes on, and breezes range from light to moderate depending on the day. These shifts affect comfort, outdoor plans, and even how fast the snow dries up.
Typical Humidity Levels
Humidity in Ottawa during spring usually starts higher in March and drops by late May. Early on, melting snow and cooler air keep relative humidity around 70–80%. By May, warmer temperatures help bring the average down to about 60–65%.
You might notice mornings feel a bit more humid, especially after a cool night. By afternoon, humidity usually dips, making it more comfortable to be outside. This daily swing is normal in Ottawa’s climate.
Compared to summer, spring humidity almost never feels oppressive. Still, wet ground and frequent April rain can make the air feel heavier than it is. If you have allergies, the mix of moderate humidity and spring pollen can be a bit rough.
Common Wind Speeds
Ottawa’s spring winds usually feel pretty moderate, hanging around 12–18 km/h (7–11 mph) on average. Most days, you’ll notice breezes coming in from the west or northwest, especially right after a cold front sweeps through.
In March and April, stronger gusts show up more often since the weather gets a bit wild. By May, things calm down a little, but storms sometimes roll in and push gusts above 30 km/h (19 mph) for a short while.
Wind really helps dry out soggy ground and gets rid of leftover snow. It also changes how the temperature actually feels when you’re outside.
A mild 15°C day? It can feel way cooler if the wind keeps blowing, so honestly, layering up is smart when you head out.
Notable Spring Weather Events
Spring in Ottawa can flip the script on you fast, and that can mess with your plans. One day it’s warm, the next you might see snow lingering, which definitely affects travel, outdoor fun, or even when you get your hands dirty in the garden.
Sudden Temperature Changes
Big temperature swings happen all the time in Ottawa’s spring. Highs might start near freezing in early March and shoot up to over 70°F by late May, but don’t expect a smooth ride.
You could wake up to frost and then need sunglasses by the afternoon.
Ottawa sits in a continental climate zone, far from any ocean that might keep things steady. Arctic air sometimes drops in during March and April, but as weeks go by, warm southern air wins out more often.
Picture this: the week kicks off with highs around 40°F, and by the weekend, you’re sweating in 65°F sunshine.
These wild changes mean you have to think twice about what you wear, watch for icy patches on roads, and wonder if your favorite trail is a mud pit or finally dry.
Key impacts of quick shifts:
- Roads and sidewalks can freeze up overnight after a mild day.
- Outdoor events might need a backup plan indoors.
- Gardeners often wait for a real stretch of warmth before planting.
Late Snowfalls
Winter doesn’t always mean the end of snow in Ottawa. Honestly, you can still see measurable snowfall well into April, and even those light flurries sometimes pop up in early May.
Sometimes early spring storms dump several inches, especially if the cold air just won’t leave. It’s always a bit of a guessing game.
As the season moves forward, snowfall drops off fast. In March, over 10 inches can still pile up, but by late May, snow just doesn’t really happen anymore.
The odds of getting a day with only snow go from about 13% in early March to basically zero by the end of spring.
Late-season snow loves to mess with travel plans and can really slow down outdoor activities. Slush on the ground makes walking and cycling a pain, too.
If you’re thinking about visiting in April, definitely bring shoes that can handle both wet and snowy sidewalks.
For people living here, late snow means the growing season gets off to a slow start. Lawns and gardens might just sit there, waiting for warmth, and farmers sometimes have to hold off on planting until the ground finally thaws.