Climate

Though Canada’s Capital lies at roughly the same latitude as Bordeaux, France, its climate features much more dramatic extremes. Many think of Canada as the land of ice and snow; but in fact, the country has four dramatic seasons. The Capital region in particular features heavy snowfalls in winter and long, humid summers, with ample rainfall supporting rich agriculture. The area enjoys 2,054 hours of sunshine every year, with measurable rainfall on 113 days and snowfall on 53.

Spring

The snow begins to melt in March, but the temperatures remain cool. While the snow is still on the ground in March, the days are warming up and the nights are cold. Trees begin to bud in April, while early May (with occasional very warm days) is made joyful by an outburst of spring flowers, especially tulips, in city parks.

Summer

The warm months (June to August) tend to be hot and humid, and the days are long.

Fall

Fall is a beautiful and invigorating time, with the first slight chill being felt on early September evenings. By the end of the month, the days are shortening rapidly, and the trees are beginning to turn red, yellow and orange.

Winter

Daylight is short. There may be some light snowfall in late November and early December, but the snows usually do not settle in until late December. The cold weather continues well into March. There are occasional rainy thaws.