Does Ottawa get a lot of snow? A Comprehensive Guide to the Winter Season
Now, if you’ve never experienced the joy (or pain, depending on how you see it) of a true Canadian winter, you most likely have some questions about it so you can prepare accordingly.
Fear not, I’m your guide for the day and I’ve got you covered like a warm woolly scarf!
I’ve gathered the most common questions to build this comprehensive guide, ensuring you’re armed and ready for whatever the snow-filled days may bring.
From the question of whether polar bears actually stroll down our streets to the more practical inquiry of just how many inches of snow might accumulate on the ground (okay, maybe not the first question, but you get the idea), this guide is your go-to survival kit for the impending snowpocalypse.
What is the average snowfall in Ottawa?
According to Climates to Travel, the average snowfall in Ottawa per year is 175 cm, which is undeniably harsh. However, in contrast to St. John’s, Newfoundland, the snowiest city in Canada that has 335 cm of snow per year, it’s practically mild!
What’s the average temperature in Ottawa during the snowy season?
-2.25°C is the average temperature in Ottawa during the snowy season. This is according to data found on National Centres For Environmental Information.
When does snow usually start to fall in Ottawa?
Snow usually starts to fall in Ottawa during November and lasts until May the following year.
Which month snows the most in Ottawa?
According to WeatherSpark, December sees the most snow in Ottawa averaging 31.75 inches of snowfall.
For comparison, in October it’s 1 cm, November 12.4 cm, January and February 28 cm, March 19.6 cm, April 4.3 cm, and May with 0.25 cm.
What is the highest snowfall in Ottawa?
The highest recorded snowfall in Ottawa was 463.8 cm of snow in 1887, which is 38.45% more than the usual.
Does Ottawa experience snowstorms?
Ottawa experiences snowstorms annually with frequent storms throughout the winter months, particularly in January and February.