Cleveland, Ohio sits along the southern shore of Lake Erie, and that location plays a major role in its weather. The city experiences four distinct seasons, with cold, snowy winters and warm, pleasant summers. Whether you’re planning a summer vacation, a fall city break, or a winter visit, understanding Cleveland’s weather by month will help you pack right and choose the best time to go.
Below is a complete month-by-month guide tailored for travelers.
Cleveland Weather by Month
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Travel Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 34°F (1°C) | 19°F (-7°C) | Best for indoor attractions, winter sports |
| February | 37°F (3°C) | 22°F (-6°C) | Cold with snow, waterproof winter clothing |
| March | 48°F (9°C) | 31°F (-1°C) | Unpredictable weather, dress in layers |
| April | 59°F (15°C) | 41°F (5°C) | Spring blooms, bring umbrella |
| May | 69°F (21°C) | 51°F (11°C) | One of the best months to visit |
| June | 78°F (26°C) | 60°F (16°C) | Great for outdoor activities |
| July | 83°F (28°C) | 65°F (18°C) | Warm and humid, lake breezes help |
| August | 81°F (27°C) | 63°F (17°C) | Fewer crowds, summer festivals |
| September | 74°F (23°C) | 55°F (13°C) | Excellent sightseeing weather |
| October | 62°F (17°C) | 45°F (7°C) | Fall foliage, perfect for photos |
| November | 49°F (9°C) | 35°F (2°C) | Quiet travel season, chilly |
| December | 38°F (3°C) | 25°F (-4°C) | Holiday events, snowy atmosphere |
January: Cold and Snowy
- Average temperature: 19–34°F (-7 to 1°C)
- Weather highlights: January is the coldest month in Cleveland. Snowfall is common, and lake-effect snow from Lake Erie can be heavy at times.
- Travel tips: Dress in layers, bring a heavy winter coat, gloves, and boots. Indoor attractions like museums and sports events are ideal.
Best for: Winter lovers, budget travelers, sports fans.
February: Chilly with Lingering Snow
- Average temperature: 22–37°F (-6 to 3°C)
- Weather highlights: Still very cold, but days slowly begin to lengthen. Snow remains frequent, though slightly less intense than January.
- Travel tips: Winter gear is still essential. Be flexible with travel plans due to possible snowstorms.
Best for: Quiet city visits, indoor sightseeing.
March: Unpredictable Early Spring
- Average temperature: 31–48°F (-1 to 9°C)
- Weather highlights: March marks the transition to spring. You may experience snow, rain, and sunny days all in the same week.
- Travel tips: Pack layers and a waterproof jacket. Weather changes quickly.
Best for: Travelers who don’t mind variable weather and fewer crowds.
April: Cool and Rainy Spring
- Average temperature: 41–59°F (5–15°C)
- Weather highlights: Snow becomes rare, but rain showers are common. Trees and flowers start to bloom.
- Travel tips: Bring a light jacket and umbrella. Comfortable walking shoes are useful.
Best for: Spring scenery, lower hotel prices.
May: Mild and Pleasant
- Average temperature: 51–69°F (11–21°C)
- Weather highlights: One of the most enjoyable months. Warm days, cool nights, and blooming parks make Cleveland look its best.
- Travel tips: Light layers are perfect. Outdoor activities become popular.
Best for: Sightseeing, parks, festivals, and walking tours.
June: Warm Early Summer
- Average temperature: 60–78°F (16–26°C)
- Weather highlights: Summer begins with comfortable warmth and longer daylight hours. Occasional thunderstorms occur.
- Travel tips: Pack breathable clothing and sunscreen. A light rain jacket is helpful.
Best for: Outdoor attractions, waterfront activities, events.
July: Hot and Humid
- Average temperature: 65–83°F (18–28°C)
- Weather highlights: July is the hottest month. Humidity can be noticeable, but lake breezes help cool things down.
- Travel tips: Stay hydrated, wear light clothing, and plan activities earlier in the day.
Best for: Summer festivals, beaches along Lake Erie, baseball games.
August: Warm with Late-Summer Vibes
- Average temperature: 63–81°F (17–27°C)
- Weather highlights: Similar to July but slightly less humid toward the end of the month.
- Travel tips: Summer attire works well, with a light jacket for evenings.
Best for: Lake activities, outdoor dining, relaxed travel.
September: Comfortable and Sunny
- Average temperature: 55–74°F (13–23°C)
- Weather highlights: One of the best months to visit. Warm days, cool nights, and less humidity.
- Travel tips: Light layers are ideal. Perfect weather for walking and sightseeing.
Best for: City exploration, events, photography.
October: Cool and Colorful Fall
- Average temperature: 45–62°F (7–17°C)
- Weather highlights: Fall foliage peaks, and the air turns crisp. Rainfall increases slightly.
- Travel tips: Bring sweaters, a light coat, and comfortable shoes.
Best for: Fall colors, scenic drives, cultural events.
November: Cold and Gray
- Average temperature: 35–49°F (2–9°C)
- Weather highlights: Temperatures drop quickly, and the first snow may appear late in the month.
- Travel tips: Warm clothing is needed. Expect shorter days and overcast skies.
Best for: Budget travel, pre-holiday visits.
December: Festive and Wintry
- Average temperature: 25–38°F (-4 to 3°C)
- Weather highlights: Cold weather returns with snow and holiday decorations across the city.
- Travel tips: Pack winter gear. Holiday events add charm despite the cold.
Best for: Holiday travel, winter atmosphere, seasonal events.
Best Time to Visit Cleveland
- Best overall weather: May, June, and September
- Best for summer activities: June to August
- Best for fall scenery: October
- Best for budget travelers: January, February, and November
Cleveland Weather FAQs
- What is the best month to visit Cleveland?
May, June, and September offer the most pleasant weather with mild temperatures and low humidity. - What is the coldest month in Cleveland?
January is typically the coldest month, with frequent snow and freezing temperatures. - What is the hottest month in Cleveland?
July is the hottest month, with warm temperatures and noticeable humidity. - Does Cleveland get a lot of snow?
Yes, Cleveland receives significant snowfall in winter, especially due to lake-effect snow from Lake Erie. - Is Cleveland weather affected by Lake Erie?
Yes, Lake Erie influences temperatures, humidity, and snowfall, particularly in winter and early summer. - What is Cleveland like in spring?
Spring is cool and rainy at first, becoming milder and greener by May. - Is summer in Cleveland very humid?
July and early August can be humid, but lake breezes often help cool the city. - What should I pack for Cleveland in winter?
Pack a heavy coat, insulated boots, gloves, a hat, and thermal layers. - Is fall a good time to visit Cleveland?
Yes, fall offers crisp air, colorful foliage, and comfortable temperatures, especially in September and October. - Does it rain a lot in Cleveland?
Rainfall is fairly evenly spread throughout the year, with slightly higher amounts in spring and summer. - What is Cleveland weather like in April?
April is cool and rainy, with blooming trees and increasing sunshine. - Can I visit Cleveland in December?
Yes, December features holiday events and decorations, but expect cold and snowy weather. - Are summers in Cleveland good for outdoor activities?
Yes, summer is great for festivals, waterfront activities, and baseball games. - What is the driest month in Cleveland?
Winter months tend to be drier, though snowfall still occurs. - Does Cleveland experience extreme weather?
Extreme weather is rare, but winter snowstorms and summer thunderstorms do occur. - Is September a good month for sightseeing in Cleveland?
Yes, September has warm days, cool nights, and low humidity—ideal for sightseeing. - How cold does Cleveland get in winter?
Temperatures often fall below freezing, especially in January and February. - What is Cleveland like in October?
October is cool with beautiful fall colors, making it great for photos and festivals. - Does Cleveland have four seasons?
Yes, Cleveland experiences distinct winter, spring, summer, and fall seasons. - When is the cheapest time to travel to Cleveland?
January, February, and November usually have lower hotel prices due to cold weather and fewer tourists.
Final Thoughts
Cleveland’s weather changes dramatically throughout the year, but that variety is part of its charm. From snowy winters to sunny summers and colorful falls, there’s always something to enjoy—if you’re prepared. By understanding Cleveland weather by month, travelers can plan smarter, pack better, and make the most of their visit to this Great Lakes city.