Residents of Canada's capital bundled up a little more than usual last month, as official data confirms December 2025 was both colder and snowier than the typical seasonal average. Environment and Climate Change Canada released the analysis on Monday, January 5, 2026, providing a statistical snapshot of the month that was.
A Statistical Look at a Frosty Month
The federal weather agency's report, detailed on January 5, 2026, indicates that the month of December defied seasonal norms. While specific numerical deviations were not detailed in the initial summary, the characterization of "colder and snowier than usual" points to a significant departure from Ottawa's long-term climate records for the final month of the year. This analysis is based on data collected from monitoring stations across the National Capital Region.
Silver Lining for Winter Enthusiasts
The increased snowfall and sustained cold temperatures had at least one celebrated side effect: ideal conditions for the world's largest skating rink. The Rideau Canal Skateway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, benefited from the persistent chill. In fact, the entire length of the skateway was officially open for the season, welcoming skaters for its first public day on New Year's Eve, Wednesday, December 31, 2025.
This full opening is a boon for residents and tourists alike, transforming the canal into a vibrant winter artery through the heart of the city. The scene of skaters gliding along the frozen canal, captured in images from the season's start, became a defining visual of Ottawa's robust winter.
Context Within a Nationwide Pattern
Ottawa's experience was not isolated. The Environment Canada bulletin was published alongside forecasts warning of more winter weather expected across Canada for the first weekend of 2026. This suggests that the conditions experienced in the capital were part of a broader, active winter pattern affecting multiple regions as the new year began.
From Alberta, where RCMP reported an increase in fatal crashes amidst recent winter weather, to parts of Cape Breton under snow squall watches, the coast-to-coast narrative has been one of a potent and impactful winter season.
For Ottawa, the data solidifies what many residents already felt: December 2025 was a classic, frosty Canadian winter month, delivering both the challenges and the iconic recreational opportunities that define the season in the capital.
