Carleton Weather

Weather and Climate at Carleton

Carleton University, located in Ottawa, experiences a humid continental climate with warm, humid summers and cold, snowy winters.

• Summer (June to August): Average temperatures range from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F), with occasional heatwaves reaching above 30°C (86°F).
• Autumn (September to November): Temperatures gradually decrease from 20°C (68°F) to around 0°C (32°F), with increasing rainfall and occasional early snow.
• Winter (December to February): Cold with average temperatures between -10°C to -5°C (14°F to 23°F), and significant snowfall, often exceeding 200 cm (79 inches) annually.
• Spring (March to May): Temperatures rise from 0°C (32°F) to 15°C (59°F), with melting snow and variable weather conditions.

The weather at Carleton University impacts commuting, with winter requiring students and staff to prepare for snow and ice. Campus life adapts to the seasons, with outdoor activities more prevalent in warmer months, and research facilities often designed to accommodate cold weather conditions.