Month guide · Ottawa · Canada
Ottawa in October
What October is really like in Ottawa: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: – Wladyslaw [Disk.], CC BY-SA 3.0
![– Wladyslaw [Disk.]](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ottawa_-_ON_-_National_Gallery_of_Canada.jpg){kind=link}
Quick answer
October is one of the best months to visit Ottawa. Expect average highs of 13°C (55°F), lows of 3°C (37°F), about 12 rainy days and roughly 10.8 hours of daylight. Peak fall colour in the Gatineau Hills early in the month; crisp days and the first frosts.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 13°C (55°F) / 3°C (37°F)
- Rainy days
- About 12
- Daylight
- About 10.8 hours
- Crowds
- Moderate
- Hotel prices
- Average
Weather in October
October is the 6th-warmest month in Ottawa: days average 13°C (55°F) against a yearly average high of 11°C (52°F), and nights fall to about 3°C (37°F). Rain falls on roughly 12 of its 31 days. Compared with September (20°C (68°F)), October is cooler; by November highs drop to around 5°C (41°F).
- Sunrise (15 October)
- About 07:19
- Sunset (15 October)
- About 18:18
- Daylight
- About 10.8 hours
Autumn (September–November). Bright fall colour in Gatineau Park from late September, comfortable sightseeing weather and lower prices; grey and cold by November.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, October rates 3 for crowds (the peak is July at 5) and 3 for hotel prices (highest in July). Prices sit in the middle of the year's range.
Events in October
- Thanksgiving weekend, when Gatineau Park is at its busiest for leaf-viewing (second Monday of October)
Dates move from year to year. Check the organiser’s site before booking travel around an event.
What to do in October
With frequent rain, plan around indoor sights and keep outdoor time flexible.
Waterfront · Downtown and Parliament Hill
Rideau Canal and the Ottawa Locks
Opened in 1832 and listed by UNESCO, the 202 km canal still runs from Ottawa to Kingston.
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Iconic
- History
- Free
- Outdoors
- Photo spot
Experience · Rideau Canal
Rideau Canal Skateway
Check the National Capital Commission's ice status before you plan around it; the best conditions are usually from mid-January to mid-February.
- Time needed
- 1–3 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Iconic
- Free
- Active
- Kids
- Couples
Landmark · Downtown and Parliament Hill
National War Memorial and Confederation Square
The granite arch and bronze figures of The Response stand in Confederation Square, with the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at their base.
- Time needed
- 20–30 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- History
- Free
- Iconic
Market · ByWard Market and Lowertown
ByWard Market
Come in the morning for the outdoor vendors, and return in the evening for patios and bars.
- Time needed
- 1–3 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Food
- Shopping
- Free
- After dark
What to pack
For highs near 13°C, lows near 3°C and 12 wet days: layers, a warm sweater and a jacket for cool evenings; a compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; comfortable walking shoes.
Is October a good time to visit Ottawa?
One of the best months to visit Ottawa, with a notable event on the calendar. The other best months are May–June and September. Compare every month.
Ottawa in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is October a good time to visit Ottawa?
It is one of the best months to visit Ottawa. Peak fall colour in the Gatineau Hills early in the month; crisp days and the first frosts.
+How warm is Ottawa in October?
Average highs are around 13°C (55°F) and lows around 3°C (37°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Ottawa in October?
Expect rain on about 12 days of the month, so pack for wet weather.