Ottawa · May
Run in the morning.
Cool month: average high 66°F, low 45°F. Cool, runnable conditions throughout — morning still has the steadiest air and lightest wind.
Avg high / low
66° / 45°F
Humidity
65%
Rain days
14/mo
Wind
10 mph
What May feels like in Ottawa
Sunrise
05:32
Mid-month average
Sunset
20:27
Mid-month average
Time-of-day breakdown
Morning
Steady cool air, low wind, and good light. The standard runner window in most months.
Midday
Mild but UV and traffic peak. Workable if you don't mind shifting your pace.
Evening
Warm and runnable. Crowded routes but the air's typically calm.
What to wear running in Ottawa in May
The kit for May in Ottawa: a long-sleeve or light jacket for the first mile, a water-resistant cap or jacket on standby.
May vs the surrounding months
vs April
+15° avg high
-1 rain days
Ottawa in April →
May
66°F avg high
14 rain days
Best: morning
vs June
-8° avg high
-2 rain days
Ottawa in June →
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time of day to run in Ottawa in May?+
Morning. Cool, runnable conditions throughout — morning still has the steadiest air and lightest wind.
What's the average temperature in Ottawa in May?+
Average high 66°F, average low 45°F.
How does May compare to surrounding months in Ottawa?+
Compared to April (avg high 51°F), May is warmer. Compared to June (avg high 74°F), May is cooler.
Does it rain often in Ottawa in May?+
Expect about 14 measurable rain days in May, on average.