Ottawa Weather in March
March Climate Overview
March is a transition month with highly variable weather — blizzards in early March and mild 10+ °C days by late March. Maple syrup season begins as sugar bushes open across the Ottawa Valley.
Source: Environment Canada Climate Normals 1991–2020 (Ottawa City station)
What to Expect
- Highly variable — blizzards early, mild days late
- Rideau Canal Skateway typically closes early-to-mid March
- Maple syrup season begins in the Ottawa Valley
- Last major snowfalls of winter usually occur in March
Things to Do in March
- Maple syrup experiences at local sugar bushes
- Snowshoeing (early month); trails get slushy by late March
- Final weeks of Canal skating before closure
- St. Patrick's Day parade on Bank Street (one of the largest in Eastern Canada)
- Spring birdwatching — waterfowl return to Ottawa River
What to Wear
Weather Tips for Visitors
- !Pack for both -10 °C and +10 °C — weather is unpredictable
- !Sidewalks can be icy in the morning after overnight refreezing
- !Watch for black ice on roads during freeze-thaw cycles
Seasonal Highlights
- March Break school holiday — family events at museums and cultural centres
- Sugar bush maple taffy — quintessential Canadian spring experience
- St. Patrick's Day parade on Bank Street (March 17)
March in Ottawa — FAQ
What is the weather like in Ottawa in March?
March in Ottawa has an average high of 2.5°C and low of -6.9°C. March is a transition month with highly variable weather — blizzards in early March and mild 10+ °C days by late March. Maple syrup season begins as sugar bushes open across the Ottawa Valley.
What should I wear in Ottawa in March?
For March in Ottawa (2.5°C avg high), pack: Heavy coat for cold days; lighter shell for mild afternoons, Waterproof boots — slush and melt-water are constant by mid-month, Layers more important than ever due to temperature swings, Sunglasses for bright snow glare. Pack for both -10 °C and +10 °C — weather is unpredictable
Is March a good time to visit Ottawa?
March is cold in Ottawa with 150 hours of sunshine. Expect about 31 cm of snow. Top activities include: Maple syrup experiences at local sugar bushes; Snowshoeing (early month); trails get slushy by late March; Final weeks of Canal skating before closure.
Does it snow in Ottawa in March?
Yes, Ottawa receives an average of 31 cm of snow in March. 62 mm of total precipitation is expected.
What events happen in Ottawa in March?
Key events in March: March Break school holiday — family events at museums and cultural centres. Sugar bush maple taffy — quintessential Canadian spring experience. St. Patrick's Day parade on Bank Street (March 17). Maple syrup season & St. Patrick's Day.
