Cleveland, OH: When to Go and Weather

Weather: Cleveland weather isn't as hot as it should be in summer, nor as cold as it could be in winter. That's because the city is situated along the shore of Lake Erie, and so, unlike many midwestern cities, Cleveland receives lake breezes from the north and west that curb the city heat in winter and keep the area a little warmer in winter. The continental climate is characterized by humid summers with frequent tornado and thunderstorm activity, moderate spring and fall, and cold, overcast winters.

Summer: July and August are hot and humid, but warm days give way to cool and comfortable nights. Thunderstorms are nearly an everyday occurrence later in the summer. The average temperature is 75 degrees F and the average monthly rainfall is 3.7 inches.

Fall: Warm sun is characteristic of Cleveland weather during September and October. The air starts cooling off considerably in November, but precipitation isn't frequent. The average temperature is 60 degrees F and the average monthly rainfall is 3.2 inches.

Winter: Winter is cold but not brutally so. Lake breezes warm the city a bit, and although snow showers aren't uncommon, there's little accumulation. The average temperature is 30 degrees F and the average monthly rainfall is 2.5 inches.

Spring: Cleveland weather in spring can be a challenge for visitors. The day may look sunny in the morning, but rain clouds often roll in by noon and hover over the city for the rest of the day. The average temperature is 52 degrees F and the average monthly rainfall is 3.2 inches.

Looking for local weather reports? Try www.cleveland.com/weather.

When to Go: Peak Season
Cleveland comes alive in summertime. Cultural festivals, farmer's markets, outdoor cafes and restaurants, and sporting events draw visitors to the city, and while temperatures can be humid, the city stays cooler than you'd expect due to breezes blowing in from Lake Erie. Hotel rooms are at their highest price during summer weekends, especially when the Indians are playing at home, and you'll have to wait in line for an outdoor table if you're hoping to dine al fresco. Afternoon thunderstorms and even tornados can cramp your holiday plans, but don't worry too much - the turbulent weather passes through quickly and is often followed by clear skies and sun.

When to Go: Off Season
Cold, wintry temperatures keep many potential tourists at home during the months of January, February, and March. But Cleveland weather doesn't deter devotees of theatre, dance, and cuisine: the city hosts a dynamic calendar of cultural events. Hotels are booked to capacity around December's winter holidays, when Cleveland attracts larger than usual crowds hoping for a white Christmas. If you don't mind a little snow and slush, the off season is a great time to visit because you'll have the city's museums to yourself (and you might even be able to walk into the better restaurants without a reservation.)

When to Go: Shoulder Season
Spring and fall, Cleveland's shoulder seasons, can be hit or miss. Visitors who arrive in March may be surprised by an unexpected snowstorm, while those who plan a trip in April and May will probably have to use an umbrella and rain jacket more than they'd like. But autumn is often cool, crisp, and sunny, beautiful for bike riding, strolling through the city, sitting in outdoor cafes, fishing in Lake Erie, and admiring the fall foliage. Hotel room rates stay high on weekends, but you'll be able to find a deal if you're traveling midweek. Fall also represents the start of the cultural calendar, which offers an array of indoor entertainment no matter the weather.

• Mon

   

  Showers

  51  47

• Tue

   

  Drizzle

  54  48

• Wed

   

  Showers

  54  44

• Thu

   

  Showers

  47  35

• Fri

   

  Rain and Snow

  40  37

• Sat

   

  Cloudy

  38  35

• Sun

   

  Mostly Cloudy

  49  39

Get more information on Cleveland weather.