Ottawa · January
Run in the midday.
Cold: average high 24°F, low 7°F. Layering becomes the workout. Humidity averages 76% — 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
24° / 7°F
Humidity
76%
Rain days
16/mo
Wind
11 mph
What January feels like in Ottawa
Sunrise
08:36
Mid-month average
Sunset
17:47
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 January
The kit for January in Ottawa: cold-weather layers, gloves, and ear coverage on most mornings, a water-resistant cap or jacket on standby.
January vs the surrounding months
vs December
-8° avg high
-1 rain days
Ottawa in December →
January
24°F avg high
16 rain days
Best: midday
vs February
-2° avg high
+1 rain days
Ottawa in February →
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time of day to run in Ottawa in January?+
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 January?+
Average high 24°F, average low 7°F.
How does January compare to surrounding months in Ottawa?+
Compared to December (avg high 32°F), January is cooler. Compared to February (avg high 26°F), January is cooler.
Does it rain often in Ottawa in January?+
Expect about 16 measurable rain days in January, on average.