Ottawa in September

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.