The climate of Ottawa
Ottawa, nestled in
Kansas, USA, is a city subjected to a Humid subtropical climate in the Köppen Climate Classification, coded as Cfa. This category means that the city does not experience a dry season. The varying climatic parameters such as temperature, rainfall, and sunlight hours mark distinct seasons throughout the year.
A vast temperature range characterizes Ottawa throughout the year, with temperatures fluctuating from 23.9°F (-4.5°C) in winter to 87.4°F (30.8°C) in peak summer. Higher humidity levels accompany these warmer months, escalating from 71% in
February to 79% in
May. Although the city displays a fair share of solar exposure, cloud cover alters from 25% to 44%, influencing the city's weather consequently.
Ottawa's rainfall volume ranges from 0.71" (18mm) to 4.25" (108mm), with noticeable precipitation observed in most months. The city observes considerable snowfall for about six months, with
January being the snowiest month at 1.61" (41mm), and
March just recording 0.67" (17mm). In comparison, wind speeds also vary from 7mph (11.3km/h) to 10.6mph (17.1km/h), indicating a windy start and end to the year, and calm summer months.
The best time to visit Ottawa
Outlining the climatic conditions, the most appropriate time to visit
Ottawa depends on the individual's preference for weather. However,
May to
September can be considered favorable for outdoor activities owing to pleasant temperatures, greater visibility, increased daylight hours, and lower rainfall. During these months, temperatures range from 73°F (22.8°C) to 87.4°F (30.8°C), imparting days filled with warmth and comfort for sightseeing and exploring. Hours of sunshine stretch up to 14.8 hours in
June, amplifying the available daylight for tourism.
The worst time to visit Ottawa
In contrast,
Ottawa's weather from
December to
March might not be ideal for traveling, primarily due to the cold temperature and snowfall.
January exhibits the lowest average temperatures, falling down to 23.9°F (-4.5°C), along with the highest snowfall. This period also showcases minimal daylight hours, with December rendering the least at only 9.8 hours.
Spring weather in Ottawa
In
Ottawa, spring months from
March to
May bring a transformation from cold to warmer temperatures. However, the transformation isn't merely limited to temperature. March witnesses a surge in rainfall from 0.91" (23mm) to 1.81" (46mm). Humidity levels also elevate but remain relatively constant for this season. All the while, daylight hours increase vividly, from 12 hours in March to 14.3 hours in May, offering an extended period to enjoy nature's rejuvenation.
Summer weather in Ottawa
Summers in
Ottawa, typically from
June to
August, are characterized by the highest temperatures of the year. June presents the highest levels of daylight, marking 14.8 hours, while
July brings about the hottest temperatures, averaging around 87.4°F (30.8°C). Rainfall and humidity levels moderate, but the pressure finds stability in these months.
Autumn weather in Ottawa
The arrival of
September signals autumn in
Ottawa, extending until
November. Autumn manifests as a transitional period before winter usurps. The temperature gradually cools down from September's 78.8°F (26°C) to November's 53.6°F (12°C). Concurrently, daylight hours minimize, paving the way for longer nights. Rainfall also decreases, while wind speeds commencing in September escalate, reaching up to 10.1mph (16.3km/h) in November.
Winter weather in Ottawa
December through
February defines winter in
Ottawa. Lower temperatures can be expected during this time, dropping down to 23.9°F (-4.5°C) in
January. These months are also associated with shorter daylight periods, reducing to as little as 9.5 hours in December. The city also experiences snowfall during these months, along with heightened wind speeds, averaging up to 10.4mph (16.7km/h) in February. This transition into the cold season completes Ottawa's seasonal weather cycle, providing an eclectic mix of weather conditions throughout the year.
Weather in January
The year kicks off with
January, the coldest month, as
Ottawa,
Kansas plunges into wintry conditions. Temperatures rarely rise above 38.8°F (3.8°C), making it a chilly month indeed. In comparison to the subsequent month, the winds in January tend to be gustier.
Weather in January »Weather in February
February shows a slight improvement in weather conditions compared to
January.
Ottawa experiences a rise in average temperatures during this month with slighter winds compared to January. Still, residents are encouraged to keep their warm clothing handy.
Weather in February » Weather in March
March symbolizes the onset of spring in
Ottawa. There is a noticeable increase in the average temperature and the daylight hours extend to 12 hours. Despite the transition from the cold winter, residents can still expect a precipitation level of 1.81" (46mm).
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April brings with it some of the most pleasant weather conditions in
Ottawa,
Kansas. The month is characterized by longer daylight hours and increased sunshine duration, which cultivates a warm atmosphere in the city. The rainfall peaks at 2.09" (53mm), painting the city in vibrant hues of spring blossoms.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May marks the beginning of summer in
Ottawa, with temperatures starting to spike significantly. The weather is largely consistent during this month with reduced wind speeds and a consistently high relative humidity level. The most distinguishing feature of May is the heavy rainfall, intensifying the freshness of the city's flora.
Weather in May » Weather in June
In
June,
Ottawa,
Kansas fully embraces summer. Temperatures climb further, and sunlight is in ample supply, making the days long and bright. Despite the intensity of the heat, rainfall events maintain the lush greenery throughout the city.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July is the hottest month in
Ottawa, with temperatures soaring to a peak of 87.4°F (30.8°C). The city enjoys the most daylight during this time, with a little over 14 hours on average. Despite the rising temperatures, residents are treated to a respite in the form of showers, keeping the humidity levels in check.
Weather in July » Weather in August
Following on the heels of the hottest month,
August sees a slight drop in temperatures. While still part of the summer season, the weather begins to show signs of an approaching transition to fall. Although the temperatures are similar to
July, there's a noticeable reduction in the average daylight hours.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September marks the imminent end of the summer season in
Ottawa,
Kansas. There is a significant drop in average temperatures, signaling the beginning of fall. Rainfall subsides towards September, although occasional rain showers can still be seen towards the beginning of the month.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October ushers in the fall in
Ottawa, with a distinct drop in temperatures from the preceding month. Days in October are markedly cooler and shorter, with the average temperatures dipping into the cold territory. Along with this, rainfall also declines sharply as the month progresses.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November sees a continuation in the drop of temperatures, paving the way for winter. Even though the days are shorter, sunshine is still in decent supply. The city receives occasional snowfall towards the end of the month, signaling the arrival of the winter season.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December marks the height of the winter season in
Ottawa,
Kansas. Temperatures drop further and daylight becomes scarce as the days become shorter. Despite the chill, the city enjoys clear weather, for snowfall is fairly low at 0.87" (22mm).
Weather in December »