March weather forecast
Ottawa, Canada

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A view of The Parliament Hill from the Ottawa River in Ottawa, Canada
A view of The Parliament Hill from the Ottawa River in Ottawa, Canada

Weather in March

March in Ottawa signals the advent of spring with slight optimism in the air. From the frigid grip of February, temperatures get a significant boost to near freezing, rising on both high and low ends. A visible increase is placed on daylight hours and sunshine, significantly reducing the power of cold winter winds. The weather conditions are marking a slow transition from winter, experienced as a gradual lift from the season's chill.

Temperature

As Ottawa transitions into March, a rise in the average high-temperature is observed, moving from a subzero cold -4.9°C (23.2°F) in February to a wintry 0.8°C (33.4°F). The average low-temperature during March nights is a subzero cold -6.8°C (19.8°F).

Humidity

The average relative humidity in March is 87%.

Rainfall

In Ottawa, in March, during 10.1 rainfall days, 59mm (2.32") of precipitation is typically accumulated. Throughout the year, there are 149.6 rainfall days, and 772mm (30.39") of precipitation is accumulated.

Snowfall

January through May, October through December are months with snowfall. In Ottawa, in March, snow falls for 13.9 days, with typically accumulated 170mm (6.69") of snow. In Ottawa, during the entire year, snow falls for 83.3 days and aggregates up to 1135mm (44.69") of snow.

Daylight

In Ottawa, the average length of the day in March is 11h and 57min.
On the first day of the month, sunrise is at 6:39 am and sunset at 5:50 pm EST. On the last day of March, sunrise is at 6:43 am and sunset at 7:30 pm EDT.
Note: On Sunday, 10. March 2024, at 2:00 am, Daylight Saving Time starts, and the time zone changes from EST to EDT. Daylight Saving Time lasts until Sunday, 03. November 2024, at 2:00 am; consequently, the time zone reverts from EDT to EST.

Sunshine

The average sunshine in March is 4.6h.

UV index

In March, the average daily maximum UV index is 2. A UV Index of 2, and less, symbolizes a minimal health hazard from exposure to the Sun's UV rays for the ordinary person.
Note: A typical high UV index of 2 in March suggests the following recommendations:
While most people can stay under the sun for an hour without burning, children must always be guarded against sun exposure. The solar radiation is most powerful near the mid-day, so the exposure to the direct Sun should be reduced accordingly. Clothes that are both tight-knit and comfortably loose are prime choices for sun protection. Take precaution! The reflection from snow can almost double the UV radiation of the Sun.

Frequently asked questions

How cold is it in Ottawa in March?

March temperatures in Ottawa, Canada, vary between a high-temperature of 0.8°C (33.4°F) and a low-temperature of -6.8°C (19.8°F).

What is the average humidity in March in Ottawa?

In Ottawa, Canada, the average relative humidity in March is 87%.

How many days does it rain in March in Ottawa?

In March, the rain falls for 10.1 days. Throughout March, 59mm (2.32") of precipitation is accumulated.

How much does it snow in Ottawa in March?

In March, in Ottawa, Canada, it is snowing for 13.9 days. Throughout March, 170mm (6.69") of snow is accumulated.

What is the average length of the day in March in Ottawa?

In March, the average day length in Ottawa, Canada, is 11h and 57min.

What time are sunrise and sunset in March in Ottawa?

In March, on the first day of the month, sunrise is at 6:39 am and sunset at 5:50 pm EST. On the last day of the month, sunrise is at 6:43 am and sunset at 7:30 pm EDT.

When does Daylight Saving Time (DST) start in March in Ottawa?

On Sunday, 10. March 2024, at 2:00 am, Daylight Saving Time starts in Ottawa, and the time zone changes from EST to EDT. DST ends on Sunday, 03. November 2024, at 2:00 am.

How long on average sun shines in March in Ottawa?

In Ottawa, the average sunshine duration in March is 4.6h.

How high is the UV index in March in Ottawa?

In Ottawa, the average daily maximum UV index in March is 2. A UV Index estimate of 2, and below, represents a low health risk from unprotected exposure to UV radiation.
Average humidity
Average rainfall days
Average snowfall days
Average daylight
Average sunshine
Average sunshine days
Average UV index
Average cloud cover
Average visibility

Average temperature in March
Ottawa, Canada

Average temperature in March - Ottawa, Canada
  • Average high temperature in March: 0.8°C

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (25.3°C).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (-6.3°C).

  • Average low temperature in March: -6.8°C

The month with the highest average low temperature is July (14.5°C).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (-14.5°C).

Average pressure in March
Ottawa, Canada

Average pressure in March - Ottawa, Canada
  • Average pressure in March: 1018mbar

The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is March (1018mbar).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is June (1012.5mbar).

Average wind speed in March
Ottawa, Canada

Average wind speed in March - Ottawa, Canada
  • Average wind speed in March: 13.4km/h

The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is April (14km/h).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is July (9.8km/h).

Average humidity in March
Ottawa, Canada

Average humidity in March - Ottawa, Canada
  • Average humidity in March: 87%

The months with the highest relative humidity are January and February (91%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is May (77%).

Average rainfall in March
Ottawa, Canada

Average rainfall in March - Ottawa, Canada
  • Average rainfall in March: 59mm

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is October (78mm).
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is September (54mm).

Average rainfall days in March
Ottawa, Canada

Average rainfall days in March - Ottawa, Canada
  • Average rainfall days in March: 10.1 days

The month with the highest number of rainy days is July (17.1 days).
The month with the least rainy days is February (5.9 days).

Average snowfall in March
Ottawa, Canada

Average snowfall in March - Ottawa, Canada
  • Average snowfall in March: 170mm

The month with the highest snowfall is January (321mm).
The months with the least snowfall are June, July, August and September (0mm).

Average snowfall days in March
Ottawa, Canada

Average snowfall days in March - Ottawa, Canada
  • Average snowfall days in March: 13.9 days

The month with the highest number of snowfall days is January (19.8 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are June, July, August and September (0 days).

Average daylight in March /
Average sunshine in March
Ottawa, Canada

Average daylight in March / Average sunshine in March - Ottawa, Canada
  • Average daylight in March: 12h and 0min

The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 15h and 36min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 8h and 48min).

  • Average sunshine in March: 4h and 4min

The month with the most sunshine is July (Average sunshine: 10h and 12min).
The month with the least sunshine is February (Average sunshine: 2h and 48min).

Average sunshine days in March
Ottawa, Canada

Average sunshine days in March - Ottawa, Canada
  • Average sunshine days in March: 11.3 days

The month with the most sunshine days is September (15 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is February (9.1 days).

Average UV index in March
Ottawa, Canada

Average UV index in March - Ottawa, Canada
  • Average UV index in March: 2

The months with the highest UV index are June, July and August (UV index 5).
The months with the lowest UV index are January, February, November and December (UV index 1).

Average cloud cover in March
Ottawa, Canada

Average cloud cover in March - Ottawa, Canada
  • Average cloud cover in March: 62

The months with the most cloud cover are January and February (Cloud cover 69).
The month with the least cloud cover is July (Cloud cover 32).

Average visibility in March
Ottawa, Canada

Average visibility in March - Ottawa, Canada
  • Average visibility in March: 8km

The months with the highest visibility are April, May, June, July, August and October (9km).
The months with the lowest visibility are January and February (7km).

Ottawa, Canada

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