Last updated: April 22, 2025
In February, Ottawa experiences a distinct winter climate characterized by a maximum temperature peaking at 11°C (53°F) and a chilling average of -8°C (18°F). This month often sees frigid nights, illustrated by a minimum temperature dropping to -27°C (-16°F). With 81 mm (3.2 in) of precipitation across 12 days, visitors can expect a mix of snow and rain. The month is marked by a high humidity level of 93%, creating a damp cold that underscores the biting reality of Ottawa’s winter. Whether you're enjoying the snowy landscapes or navigating through the chilly urban atmosphere, February’s weather is an essential canvas of the city’s seasonal charm.
In February, Ottawa experiences a slight warming trend as the region transitions from the depths of winter. With average temperatures hovering around -8°C (18°F), the chill remains palpable, but the minimum and maximum temperatures show a marginal increase, ranging from -27°C (-16°F) to 11°C (53°F). This month often serves as a bridge, hinting at the forthcoming spring as temperatures begin to rise compared to January. As the days lengthen and the sun gains strength, residents can look forward to increasingly pleasant weather, making February a dynamic time in Ottawa's winter narrative.
February in Ottawa sees a slight increase in precipitation, with 81 mm (3.2 in) falling over 12 days. This marks an uptick from January's 76 mm and indicates a trend of progressively wetter conditions as winter transitions towards spring. The precipitation becomes more pronounced, preparing the landscape for the upcoming thaw. Interestingly, February's 12 days of precipitation mirror the patterns of both March and April, each soaking the city during this transitional period. As Ottawa gears up for warmer months, these gradual changes set the stage for the vibrant spring awakening ahead, reinforcing the notion that even the coldest months can be quite dynamic.
In February, Ottawa continues to experience a persistent and chilly humidity level of 93%, mirroring January's damp conditions. This consistency in moisture accentuates the city's wintry atmosphere, making the cold feel even more penetrating. As we look ahead to March, a notable drop to 86% begins, signalling the gradual transition towards spring. This shift is reflected in decreasing humidity levels over the coming months, with April at 82%, May dropping to 75%, and summer months settling around the 68%-69% mark. Overall, February's humidity acts as a bridge between winter's cold grip and the warmer, drier days to come, highlighting the seasonal changes in Ottawa’s climate.
As February rolls into Ottawa, residents can expect a noticeable shift in UV exposure, with the UV Index rising to 4, indicating a moderate risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. This change, compared to January's low index of 2, reduces the safe burn time to just 30 minutes. As the days grow longer and stronger sunlight returns, it's essential to be mindful of skin protection during outdoor activities. This trend of increasing UV levels is consistent as we move into spring, foreshadowing even higher indices in March and April. For detailed information about UV levels throughout the year, explore Ottawa UV Index.
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As winter begins to soften its grip, February brings a welcome increase in sunshine to Ottawa with an impressive 156 hours of sunlight, compared to January's mere 111 hours. This uplifting surge hints at the gradual transition towards spring, laying the groundwork for even brighter days ahead. Following February, the sunshine hours continue to climb dramatically, peaking in the summer months, with July basking in a glorious 348 hours. As we move from the chill of winter into the warmth of spring and summer, February serves as a reminder that brighter days are just around the corner, promising a vibrant tapestry of sunlight that embraces the city throughout the year.
In February, Ottawa sees a slight increase in sunshine compared to the bleakness of January, with a 35% chance of sun illuminating the winter landscape. This uptick not only reflects the gradual transition toward spring but also hints at the city's shifting climate patterns. Compared to the 44% likelihood in March, February's sunshine can bring a refreshing sense of anticipation as residents look forward to longer, brighter days. Interestingly, while March peaks with the highest sunshine chance among the winter months, February stands out as a beacon of hope, suggesting that sunnier days are just around the corner.
As February unfolds in Ottawa, daylight begins to stretch its wings, bringing a welcome increase to the hours of sunshine. Transitioning from 9 hours of daylight in January, the month gains an exciting extra hour, reaching 10 hours by the end of February. This upward trend continues as the year progresses, with March basking in 11 hours, and April expanding to a bright 13 hours. Nature's awakening during spring is mirrored by the gradual lengthening of days, showing a reassuring rhythm that lifts spirits after the winter months. With each passing month, Ottawa residents can anticipate even more daylight, as the sun generously contributes to longer evenings, culminating in a glorious 15-hour peak in the summer. The shift in daylight not only signifies the approach of warmer weather but also invigorates the city, encouraging outdoor activities and social gatherings as winter fades away.
In Ottawa, the February winds gently mirror those of January, maintaining an average speed of 2.9 m/s (7 mph). This consistency suggests a transitional phase as winter grips the city, with the winds remaining relatively calm compared to the gusts that follow in March, where speeds increase to 3.8 m/s (9 mph). As spring approaches, these breezes herald change, differing noticeably from the milder temperatures of July and August, which see the winds tapering off to their annual lows of 2.4 m/s (5 mph). Overall, February's steady winds set the stage for the shifting seasons ahead, reflecting both the cold resilience of winter and the promise of renewal that spring brings.
The weather in Ottawa changes throughout the year, offering a unique experience in each season. Below is a month-by-month comparison of February's weather with other months, highlighting differences in temperature, precipitation, and other key factors. Click on each section to discover seasonal trends in Ottawa and find detailed weather information for every month.
February generally offers milder conditions compared to January. While both months experience extremely low temperatures, February's minimum temperature is slightly warmer at -27°C (-16°F) compared to January's -32°C (-26°F). The average temperatures are comparable, with February averaging -8°C (18°F) and January just a touch colder at -9°C (16°F). Furthermore, February sees slightly more precipitation, with 81 mm (3.2 in) over 12 days, compared to January's 76 mm (3.0 in) across 9 days. The humidity remains unchanged at 93% for both months. For more detailed information on January's weather in Ottawa, you can visit Ottawa weather in January.
February and March both showcase the lingering chill of winter, but March gradually begins to present a more temperate climate. In February, temperatures can dip as low as -27°C (-16°F) with an average of -8°C (18°F) and a maximum of 11°C (53°F). Precipitation for the month totals 81 mm (3.2 in) over 12 days, with humidity remaining high at 93%. In contrast, March witnesses a slight warming trend, with minimum temperatures around -24°C (-12°F), an average of -3°C (27°F), and highs reaching up to 20°C (69°F). Precipitation slightly increases to 87 mm (3.4 in), also spread over 12 days, but humidity drops to 86%. For a more detailed look at the weather patterns, visit Ottawa weather in March.
February and April present striking contrasts in weather. February typically experiences much colder temperatures, with lows reaching -27°C (-16°F) and average temps around -8°C (18°F). In contrast, April warms up significantly, with minimum temperatures of -12°C (10°F) and an average of 5°C (42°F), peaking at a pleasant 27°C (81°F). While both months receive precipitation on around 12 days, April sees a slight increase in rainfall to 112 mm (4.4 in), compared to February's 81 mm (3.2 in). Additionally, humidity levels are higher in February at 93%, dropping to 82% in April. To explore more about Ottawa's climate in April, visit Ottawa weather in April.
February and May present starkly contrasting weather conditions. In February, temperatures can plummet as low as -27°C (-16°F), with an average of -8°C (18°F) and a maximum of 11°C (53°F). The month is characterized by high humidity levels at 93% and a precipitation of 81 mm (3.2 in) over approximately 12 days. In contrast, May offers a significant warming trend, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -3°C (26°F) to a peak of 35°C (95°F) and an average of 13°C (56°F). Although it experiences slightly more precipitation at 117 mm (4.6 in) over 14 days, the humidity is lower at 75%, making May feel much more comfortable. For more details on this month's climate, check out Ottawa weather in May.
February and June present starkly contrasting weather patterns. In February, temperatures plunge to a chilling low of -27°C (-16°F) with an average of -8°C (18°F) and occasionally reaching a maximum of 11°C (53°F). The month is characterized by high humidity at 93% and considerable precipitation of 81 mm (3.2 in) over 12 days. In stark contrast, June features a much milder climate, showcasing a minimum temperature of 2°C (36°F) and reaching an average of 18°C (65°F), with highs soaring up to 32°C (91°F). Although June receives slightly more precipitation at 98 mm (3.9 in) over 13 days, the humidity is significantly lower at 68%. For more details on weather conditions, check out Ottawa weather in June.
February and July present starkly contrasting weather conditions. In February, temperatures can plummet to a minimum of -27°C (-16°F), with an average of -8°C (18°F) and a maximum of 11°C (53°F). The month sees an average precipitation of 81 mm (3.2 in) over 12 days, accompanied by a high humidity level of 93%. In contrast, July brings much warmer weather, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 8°C (47°F) to a maximum of 35°C (96°F), averaging 21°C (70°F). The precipitation increases slightly to 114 mm (4.5 in) over the same number of days, but the humidity drops to a more comfortable 69%. For a more detailed weather overview, check out Ottawa weather in July.
February and August present starkly contrasting weather patterns. In February, temperatures can plummet as low as -27°C (-16°F), with an average of -8°C (18°F) and maximums reaching only up to 11°C (53°F). The month is characterized by high humidity at 93% and significant precipitation of 81 mm (3.2 in) over 12 days. In contrast, August enjoys milder conditions with minimum temperatures of 7°C (45°F), an average of 20°C (68°F), and maximums soaring to 32°C (89°F). This month also sees slightly increased precipitation at 94 mm (3.7 in) over 13 days, but with much lower humidity at 67%. For more details about the warm weather in August, check out Ottawa weather in August.
February and September in Ottawa present starkly contrasting weather conditions. In February, temperatures can plummet to a minimum of -27°C (-16°F), with an average of -8°C (18°F) and a maximum of 11°C (53°F), accompanied by high humidity levels of 93% and significant precipitation over 12 days, totaling 81 mm (3.2 in). In contrast, September offers a much milder climate, featuring a minimum temperature of 0°C (31°F) and an average of 15°C (60°F), reaching highs of 32°C (90°F) on warmer days. Precipitation in September is similar, totaling 79 mm (3.1 in) over 11 days, but with much lower humidity at 72%. For more detailed information, visit Ottawa weather in September.
February and October present starkly contrasting weather patterns. In February, temperatures plunge to a minimum of -27°C (-16°F) and hover around an average of -8°C (18°F), with a maximum of only 11°C (53°F). The month is characterized by high humidity at 93% and substantial precipitation of 81 mm (3.2 in) across 12 days. In contrast, October boasts milder temperatures, with a minimum of -6°C (22°F) and an average of 9°C (48°F), peaking at 27°C (81°F). While October experiences more rainfall, totaling 132 mm (5.2 in) over the same number of days, its humidity is slightly lower at 83%. For more insights into what to expect, check out Ottawa weather in October.
February and November present contrasting weather conditions in terms of temperature and precipitation. In February, temperatures can drop to a chilling minimum of -27°C (-16°F) and typically hover around an average of -8°C (18°F), while occasionally peaking at 11°C (53°F). The month sees significant precipitation over about 12 days, totaling 81 mm (3.2 in) and accompanied by high humidity at 93%. Conversely, November experiences milder temperatures with a minimum of -19°C (-2°F) and an average of 0°C (33°F), rising to a maximum of 22°C (71°F). Precipitation in November totals 97 mm (3.8 in) across 14 days, but with somewhat lower humidity at 88%. For further details on November weather, check Ottawa weather in November.
February and December in Ottawa exhibit strikingly cold temperatures, but February tends to be slightly milder on average. In February, temperatures range from a minimum of -27°C (-16°F) to a maximum of 11°C (53°F), with an average temperature of -8°C (18°F). In contrast, December typically sees even lower temperatures, with a minimum of -29°C (-20°F) and an average of -5°C (22°F), though it can reach a maximum of 14°C (58°F). Both months experience similar levels of precipitation, around 80-81 mm (3.2 in), over approximately 12 days, but February has a higher humidity level at 93% compared to December’s 89%. For more detailed insights, you can check Ottawa weather in December.
February in Ottawa presents a stark contrast to milder months, with its chilly average temperatures and significant humidity creating a crispness in the air. While the maximum temperature can reach a relatively balmy 11°C, a sharp drop to -27°C at times emphasizes the month’s unpredictable nature. With around 12 days of precipitation totaling 81 mm, residents often experience a mix of snow and rain, contributing to the notable humidity levels of 93%. This unique weather pattern makes February a month of adaptation, where the city braves the cold before gently transitioning into the warmth of spring. For a deeper understanding of how February fits into Ottawa's overall climate, visit Ottawa Climate.