Ottawa in November
Good time to visit
November is Ottawa's least appealing month - grey, wet, and depressing as winter approaches. It's cheap but there's not much reason to visit unless you're a local.
Weather
November turns grey and damp as Ottawa transitions toward winter. Temperatures drop to single digits with frequent rain that occasionally turns to wet snow. The days grow noticeably shorter, and the fall colors fade to brown.
7°C high-1°C low8 rain days
Crowds & Cost
low crowds
~$95/day average
Events & Festivals
- •Remembrance Day ceremonies
- •Ottawa Wine and Food Show
November Tips
- •Pack waterproof gear - November is wet and unpredictable
- •Indoor attractions like museums become more appealing
- •Hotel rates drop significantly as tourist season ends
All Months
May through October offers the best weather and most activities. Summer temperatures hover around 26°C (79°F), perfect for cycling the pathways or catching festivals like Bluesfest in July. The Rideau Canal opens for boating, and outdoor patios fill with government workers escaping air-conditioned offices. September and October bring spectacular fall colors. The Gatineau Hills, just across the river in Quebec, explode in reds and golds. Temperatures cool to comfortable walking weather, and tourist crowds thin out. May sees the city shake off winter's grip. The Canadian Tulip Festival blooms throughout the month, with over one million tulips planted across the city. Temperatures can swing from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F), so pack layers. Winter divides people. January and February are brutal — temperatures drop to -15°C (5°F) regularly. But the Rideau Canal becomes the world's largest skating rink, Winterlude festival brings ice sculptures to Confederation Park, and cross-country skiing trails open in Gatineau Park. November and December offer shoulder season pricing, but many outdoor attractions close. The Christmas lights on Parliament Hill are spectacular, and indoor attractions like museums have shorter lines.
Ottawa Scores
Solo
7/10
Couples
6/10
Families
9/10
Adventure
4/10
Budget
6/10
Luxury
7/10
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