Ottawa · December
Run in the midday.
Cold: average high 32°F, low 21°F. Layering becomes the workout. Humidity averages 77% — the limiting factor on most runs. Expect 16 rain days — plan around the radar. Subfreezing mornings mean midday is the only reliably runnable window. Layer up and watch for wind chill.
Avg high / low
32° / 21°F
Humidity
77%
Rain days
16/mo
Wind
11 mph
What December feels like in Ottawa
Sunrise
08:35
Mid-month average
Sunset
17:22
Mid-month average
Time-of-day breakdown
Morning
Coolest, driest air of the day. The window before sunrise is the most reliable comfortable hour.
Midday
Often the warmest few hours of a cold day. If you can only run once, midday gives you the most temperate window.
Evening
Cold drops back in fast after sunset. Tight window — done before headlamp territory.
What to wear running in Ottawa in December
The kit for December in Ottawa: cold-weather layers, gloves, and ear coverage on most mornings, a water-resistant cap or jacket on standby.
December vs the surrounding months
vs November
-10° avg high
+1 rain days
Ottawa in November →
December
32°F avg high
16 rain days
Best: midday
vs January
+8° avg high
+1 rain days
Ottawa in January →
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time of day to run in Ottawa in December?+
Midday. Subfreezing mornings mean midday is the only reliably runnable window. Layer up and watch for wind chill.
What's the average temperature in Ottawa in December?+
Average high 32°F, average low 21°F.
How does December compare to surrounding months in Ottawa?+
Compared to November (avg high 42°F), December is cooler. Compared to January (avg high 24°F), December is warmer.
Does it rain often in Ottawa in December?+
Expect about 16 measurable rain days in December, on average.