This content was generated using artificial intelligence based on publicly available information. It is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, immigration, or professional advice. Information may be incomplete or outdated. Always verify with official sources before making decisions.
Data Source: Safety, crime, and quality metrics are sourced from Numbeo, a crowd-sourced global database of reported data.
All scores are relative comparisons on a 0-100 scale, where 50 = global average. Higher scores mean better than average, lower scores mean worse than average.
Ottawa has a **humid continental** climate with warm, humid summers and long, cold winters. Long-term climate references for Ottawa show annual mean temperatures around 6.9°C and precipitation near 1068 mm, consistent with a city that has substantial year-round precipitation and strong seasonal contrast.
Summer Average
21°C
Winter Average
-8°C
Climate Type
Humid Continental
Rainy Days
120
Sunny Days
305
Humidity
72%
Spring
March - May
2-15°C
Spring is variable and can shift quickly from cool, wet conditions to mild weather. Rain is common, and late frosts can still occur early in the season.
Moderate rainfall
Summer
June - August
20-27°C
Summer is warm to hot and often humid, with thunderstorms and frequent rainfall. Current conditions can include heavy rain and high humidity, which are consistent with the region’s summer weather patterns.
High rainfall
Autumn
September - November
2-18°C
Autumn is crisp and gradually cools, with decreasing humidity and more frequent overcast periods. Rain remains common, and the first snowfall can arrive late in the season.
Moderate rainfall
Winter
December - February
-12-0°C
Winter is cold and snowy, with persistent freezing temperatures and periodic thaws. Ottawa’s winter climate is strongly continental, with temperatures often well below 0°C.
Moderate rainfall
Loading Weather...
Air Quality
Ottawa
Ottawa offers a stable, high-quality lifestyle defined by its blend of intellectual rigor and outdoor accessibility. As a government and tech hub, it provides a predictable professional environment that appeals to families seeking safety and reliable healthcare. The city’s pace is noticeably more relaxed than Toronto or Montreal, making it an ideal base for those who value community and green space over constant urban intensity.
However, relocation requires balancing this stability against a competitive housing market and the reality of long, harsh winters. While the public infrastructure is dependable, your daily experience will depend heavily on your ability to navigate the seasonal shifts and find a neighborhood that fits your budget.
Advantages
Ottawa
Abundant parks and green spaces
Strong federal job market
Excellent public education system
Rich cultural institutions nearby
Safe, clean neighborhoods
Four distinct seasons
Disadvantages
Ottawa
Brutal winter weather
Limited coworking spaces
High housing costs
Quiet nightlife scene
Government job dependency
Safety & Security in Ottawa
Overall Safety Score
Includes resilience and environmental factors
Good
69
/100
Canada Avg
58
North America Avg
58
Worldwide Avg
56
Crime & Safety Metrics
Thermometer compares Ottawa to Canada averages using different marker styles.Compare:
Ottawa
Canada Average
Safety Index
0510
Moderate
Safety from Crime
0510
Moderate
Safe Alone (Day)
0510
Good
Safe Alone (Night)
0510
Moderate
Safety from Violent Crime
0510
Safe
Safety from Property Crime
0510
Moderate
Environmental & Natural Hazard Risks
Resilience Score: 70/100
No data for Ottawa — showing hazard indicators from nearby Gatineau (~8 km).
