Last updated: April 22, 2025
March in Ottawa, Canada, marks the transition from winter's chill to the budding warmth of spring. Temperatures can vary significantly, with a maximum of 20°C (69°F) and a minimum plunging to -24°C (-12°F), showcasing the month’s unpredictable nature. The average temperature sits at a brisk -3°C (27°F). This month also brings considerable precipitation, totaling 87 mm (3.4 in) over 12 days, contributing to the city's characteristic humidity of 86%. As Ottawa shakes off winter's grip, residents experience a blend of warmth and residual cold, making March a month of anticipation and transformation.
In March, Ottawa begins to shed the chill of winter as temperatures show a marked increase. With a minimum temperature of -24°C (-12°F) and an average of -3°C (27°F), residents start to feel hints of spring. The maximum temperatures can reach a pleasant 20°C (69°F), offering the first glimpse of warmth after months of frigid conditions. This month serves as a bridge between the deep cold of winter and the budding warmth of April, reflecting a significant upward trend in temperatures and providing a refreshing escape for those eager to enjoy outdoor activities. As the days lengthen and the sun shines brighter, March in Ottawa is a tantalizing prelude to the vibrant seasons ahead.
March marks a transitional month in Ottawa, where winter gives way to spring, reflected in both the increasing precipitation amount and the number of rainy days. With 87 mm (3.4 in) of precipitation spread over 12 days, March experiences a notable uptick from the previous months, indicating a shift towards more dynamic weather patterns. This rise in precipitation is part of a progressive trend as winter months see lower figures, while spring brings increased moisture, paving the way for the even wetter conditions anticipated in April and May. As Ottawa shakes off the frost, residents can expect a blend of rain and melting snow, a precursor to the vibrant blooms of spring as the landscape awakens.
As winter recedes and spring begins to bloom in Ottawa, March ushers in a noticeable shift in humidity levels, dropping to 86%, a welcome change from the consistent highs of 93% seen in the preceding months of January and February. This decline marks the start of a gradual trend toward lower humidity, with April seeing a further decrease to 82% and May continuing the trend at 75%. The softened humidity levels during March hint at the fresh vibrancy of spring, making the city feel more comfortable and inviting as residents shake off winter's chill. As the months progress toward summer, humidity levels will maintain a steady decline, with July and August averaging around 69% and 67% respectively, offering a pleasant contrast to the heavier air of winter.
As March rolls into Ottawa, residents can expect a moderate UV Index of 5, indicating a slight uptick in sun exposure compared to the winter months. With a burn time of just 30 minutes, it's essential to start becoming vigilant about sun protection as days grow longer and sunnier. This trend continues the transition from winter’s low UV levels, reflecting nature’s awakening. Notably, as we move towards April, the UV Index skyrockets to a very high level of 8, drastically reducing safe exposure to only 15 minutes. So, as spring sets in, be mindful of those rays! For more detailed information, check out the Ottawa UV Index.
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As winter gives way to spring, March in Ottawa shines brightly with an impressive 235 hours of sunshine, marking a significant increase from the 156 hours in February. This surge not only heralds the arrival of warmer days but also sets the stage for the promise of longer daylight hours ahead. As the sun continues to rise higher, April maintains a healthy 227 hours, while May bursts forth with a vibrant 279 hours, culminating in June's peak of 314 hours—the brightest month of the year. This upward trend in sunshine hours reflects the transformation of Ottawa's landscape, inviting residents and visitors alike to relish the gradual thaw and embrace the outdoors as spring unfolds.
As winter fades, March in Ottawa brings a promising shift toward sunnier days, with the likelihood of sunshine rising to 44%. This increase signifies a welcome departure from the frigid months of January and February, which offered only 27% and 35% chance of sunshine, respectively. Interestingly, March not only matches the sunny potential of May but also stands out as a bright spot before April's decline to 36%. The trend suggests that as spring approaches, residents can eagerly anticipate clearer skies, making it an ideal time to embrace outdoor activities and enjoy the burgeoning warmth.
As March unfolds in Ottawa, Canada, the days begin to noticeably lengthen, with daylight extending to 11 hours—a welcome shift from the darker months. This gradual increase sets the stage for the vibrant spring ahead, as daylight grows more abundant each week. Following a pattern that heralds the warmer seasons, March not only bridges the gap from winter's chill to the invigorating brightness of April, which boasts 13 hours of daylight, but also marks a significant rise from February's 10 hours. This upward trend signals the approach of longer days, culminating in June and July when daylight peaks at 15 hours, inviting outdoor activities and a renewed connection with nature. The steady expansion of daylight is a reminder of the seasonal transformations that characterize life in this beautiful city.
As March sweeps into Ottawa, it brings a noticeable uptick in wind speed, averaging 3.8 m/s (9 mph)—a welcome change from the stillness of winter. This shift marks the season's gradual awakening, with winds picking up compared to the uniform 2.9 m/s seen in both January and February. The brisk March gusts often invigorate the city, signaling the approach of warmer days. Interestingly, as spring unfolds, April sees a slight decline to 3.2 m/s, followed by the calming rhythms of May, which returns to a gentler 2.9 m/s. Overall, March sets a spirited tone, highlighting the dance of transitioning seasons in Canada’s capital.
The weather in Ottawa changes throughout the year, offering a unique experience in each season. Below is a month-by-month comparison of March'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.
March weather in Ottawa shows a significant warming trend compared to January. The average temperature in March is a mild -3°C (27°F), with highs reaching up to 20°C (69°F), while January's average is much colder at -9°C (16°F), peaking at only 10°C (50°F). Additionally, March experiences slightly more precipitation at 87 mm (3.4 in) over 12 days, compared to January's 76 mm (3.0 in) over 9 days. Humidity levels are also slightly lower in March at 86%, while January sees higher humidity at 93%. For more details on January's weather, visit Ottawa weather in January.
In March, the weather shows a noticeable warming trend compared to February, with average temperatures rising from -8°C (18°F) in February to -3°C (27°F) in March. The minimum temperature in March is a marginally less frigid -24°C (-12°F), compared to February's colder -27°C (-16°F). While both months experience similar precipitation over 12 days, March sees a slightly higher total of 87 mm (3.4 in) compared to February's 81 mm (3.2 in). Despite the warmer temperatures in March, humidity remains high at 86%, though it is slightly lower than February's 93%. For those interested in more details about February's weather, you can visit Ottawa weather in February.
March and April exhibit notable contrasts in weather patterns. In March, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of -24°C (-12°F) to a maximum of 20°C (69°F), with an average of -3°C (27°F). The month experiences 87 mm (3.4 in) of precipitation over 12 days and maintains a high humidity level of 86%. In April, temperatures rise significantly, with a minimum of -12°C (10°F) and a maximum of 27°C (81°F), averaging 5°C (42°F). Precipitation increases to 112 mm (4.4 in) over the same number of days, while humidity decreases slightly to 82%. For further details on the conditions, check Ottawa weather in April.
March and May showcase a striking contrast in weather. In March, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of -24°C (-12°F) to a maximum of 20°C (69°F), with an average temperature of -3°C (27°F). The month experiences a substantial amount of precipitation, with 87 mm (3.4 in) falling over 12 days and high humidity at 86%. In comparison, May brings much milder conditions, with temperatures oscillating from a low of -3°C (26°F) to a sweltering high of 35°C (95°F), averaging around 13°C (56°F). Rainfall slightly increases to 117 mm (4.6 in) over 14 days, accompanied by lower humidity at 75%. For more detailed information, visit Ottawa weather in May.
March weather in Ottawa is characterized by a wide temperature range, with nighttime lows plunging to -24°C (-12°F) and an average daytime high of just 20°C (69°F). The month experiences significant precipitation, totaling 87 mm (3.4 in) over approximately 12 days, along with high humidity levels at 86%. In contrast, June offers a much warmer climate, where temperatures range from a minimum of 2°C (36°F) to a comfortable average of 18°C (65°F), peaking at 32°C (91°F). While June sees slightly more precipitation at 98 mm (3.9 in) over 13 days, the humidity drops to 68%, making it feel less muggy than in March. For more detailed insights, you can check Ottawa weather in June.
March presents a chilly landscape, with temperatures ranging from a frigid minimum of -24°C (-12°F) to a relatively mild maximum of 20°C (69°F), averaging around -3°C (27°F). The month sees significant precipitation of 87 mm (3.4 in) over 12 days, and the humidity is notably high at 86%, contributing to the damp and cold atmosphere.
In stark contrast, July offers a much warmer climate, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 8°C (47°F) to a sweltering maximum of 35°C (96°F), averaging 21°C (70°F). Although July has a higher total precipitation of 114 mm (4.5 in) over the same number of days, the humidity drops to a more comfortable 69%. For a closer look at Ottawa's weather in July, you can explore Ottawa weather in July.
In March, temperatures in Ottawa can plunge as low as -24°C (-12°F), while the average hovers around a chilly -3°C (27°F), with a maximum reaching 20°C (69°F). The month experiences significant precipitation at 87 mm (3.4 in) over 12 days, accompanied by high humidity levels at 86%. In contrast, August sees a noteworthy warming trend with minimum temperatures around 7°C (45°F) and an average of 20°C (68°F), peaking at 32°C (89°F). Although precipitation increases slightly to 94 mm (3.7 in) over 13 days, the humidity drops to a more comfortable 67%. For more detailed insights, you can check out Ottawa weather in August.
March and September in Ottawa present a stark contrast in weather. In March, temperatures can plunge as low as -24°C (-12°F) but can also reach a warmer maximum of 20°C (69°F), with an average of around -3°C (27°F). The month is characterized by high humidity at 86%, and precipitation occurs on about 12 days, totaling 87 mm (3.4 in). In contrast, September sees more moderate temperatures, ranging from a minimum of 0°C (31°F) to a comfortable maximum of 32°C (90°F), with an average around 15°C (60°F). It experiences slightly lower precipitation at 79 mm (3.1 in), spread over 11 days, and a drop in humidity to 72%. For more detailed information about September weather, check out Ottawa weather in September.
March and October present contrasting weather patterns. In March, temperatures can be quite frigid, with a minimum of -24°C (-12°F) and an average of -3°C (27°F), while occasionally reaching a maximum of 20°C (69°F). The month sees around 87 mm (3.4 in) of precipitation spread over 12 days, coupled with high humidity at 86%. In contrast, October enjoys milder temperatures, averaging 9°C (48°F) and peaking at 27°C (81°F), though it also dips as low as -6°C (22°F). It's a wetter month, with precipitation totaling 132 mm (5.2 in) over the same number of days, and a slightly lower humidity of 83%. For more details on the specific conditions, visit Ottawa weather in October.
March and November both exhibit cold temperatures, but they mark different points in the seasonal transition. In March, temperatures range from a minimum of -24°C (-12°F) to an average of -3°C (27°F), with a maximum of 20°C (69°F). This month experiences about 87 mm (3.4 in) of precipitation, spread over 12 days, and has a humidity level of 86%. In contrast, November sees slightly warmer conditions, with temperatures ranging from -19°C (-2°F) as the minimum to an average of 0°C (33°F), and a maximum of 22°C (71°F). This month has a little more precipitation at 97 mm (3.8 in) over 14 days, with humidity rising to 88%. For a detailed look at November weather, you can visit Ottawa weather in November.
When comparing the weather between March and December, notable differences emerge in both temperature and precipitation. In March, the temperatures range from a minimum of -24°C (-12°F) to a maximum of 20°C (69°F), with an average of -3°C (27°F). This month typically sees around 87 mm (3.4 in) of precipitation over 12 days, accompanied by a humidity level of 86%. In contrast, December is noticeably colder, with temperatures dipping as low as -29°C (-20°F) and only reaching a maximum of 14°C (58°F), averaging -5°C (22°F). Precipitation is slightly less at 80 mm (3.2 in), also over 12 days, and humidity is a touch higher at 89%. For more detailed information, you can visit Ottawa weather in December.
As March unfolds in Ottawa, the city transitions from the biting chill of winter to the first whispers of spring. With temperatures ranging from a brisk -24°C to a mild 20°C, the variability in weather can be striking, offering both frosty mornings and pleasantly warm afternoons. The average temperature hovers around -3°C, emphasizing the gradual thaw of the season. March also brings its share of precipitation, with nearly half of the month experiencing rain or snow, contributing to a humidity level of 86%. This mix of conditions distinguishes March from other months, as it serves as a bridge between winter's end and spring's promise. For more insights on how Ottawa's climate unfolds throughout the year, visit Ottawa Climate.