The National Electrical Code has no requirement for exterior residential outlets to be on their own circuit. The receptacles must be GFCI and there is requirement for a minimum number of them (and distance from pools), but that's about it.

The only dedicated circuits receptacle circuits that come to mind are in the kitchen, bathroom, and laundry.

In Canada all our exterior receptacles must be on separate circuits, and ground faulted if less than 8' above grade.

Thank you for your replies. I understand that the code doesn't require separate circuits. I also take the point of keeping the exterior outlets separate in case of xmas lights popping a breaker. I will have to decide how to plan this. At least I now know that the code will not restrict me.

Just today I separated an outside receptacle from the master bedroom. I was concerned the outside recep might cause nusiance tripping of the AFCI Breaker. When the wife is vacuuming in another bedroom that AFCI trips on occasion.

I know a few people whose outside recepts can be turned of by a switch inside; they don't have to go outside to unplug christmas lights. Worth considering?

"I know a few people whose outside recepts can be turned of by a switch inside; they don't have to go outside to unplug christmas lights."

Most of the houses here (New Brunswick, Canada) have this arrangement for at least one outside receptacle wired through a switch - usually located by the door closest to the car.
Very handy to be able to trudge out in the freezing drizzle and plug the extension cord into the block heater, knowing the power is off...then turn on the heater the next morn whilst snug and dry inside the house...

but can outside lights be on the same circuit as outside receptacles in Canada