Climate and monthly weather forecast
Ohio, USA

Ohio has a humid continental type of climate (Köppen climate classification Dfa, Dfb) in much of the state and a humid subtropical climate (Köppen Cfa) in the extreme south.
The warmth increases from north to south regions, with typically hot summers and cold winters. Ohio lies in the Great Lakes region of North America. Michigan in the northwest, Lake Erie in the north, Pennsylvania in the east, West Virginia in the southeast, Kentucky in the south, and Indiana in the west, border the state. The high latitudes, lack of high mountain ranges, and proximity to the Great Lakes are major players that dominate the climate.

Ohio, The Buckeye State, has an average elevation of 260 meters above sea level, with the highest point at Campbell Hill at 472 meters. Lake Erie defines much of the northern border and provides the state with over 300 miles of the coast. The Ohio River forms the southern border. Glaciated Till Plains dominate the topography, with the Great Black Swamp, a flat area in the northwest. The Allegheny Plateau is a region of hills and forests to the east and southeast of the plains. The Scioto River, Maumee River, Muskingum River, Cuyahoga River, and the Great Miami River are the main rivers in the state. The northern part of Ohio drains into the North Atlantic Ocean, while the southern part drains into the Gulf of Mexico.

The best time to visit Ohio is in the fall season from September to October when the temperatures are pleasant, and the rainfall is less. There is ample sunlight and the day temperatures are in the comfortable 60°F (15.6°C) to 80°F (26.7°C) zone. Nights are mild in the range of 40°F (4.4°C) to 60°F (15.6°C) and become cold in the latter half of autumn. The summer storm activity eases considerably in the autumn, but the skies tend to be cloudy. Fall is the most colorful time of the year, and the landscape bathes in breathtaking hues. Fall vacations are budget-friendly than the summer.

The worst time to visit Ohio is during the winter season from December to February when severe cold holds its grip on the state. The northern regions are colder than the south, and night temperatures often drop below 0°F (-17.8°C). Strong wind speeds exacerbate the cold in the absence of natural mountain barriers. Polar air masses invade from the north and penetrate even the south. Snowstorms are frequent in the winter, with lake effect snow in the coastal areas of Lake Erie. Fog frequency peaks in the winter near the Great Lakes region.

Spring in Ohio offers warm temperatures but is often marked by tornadoes and thunderstorms. The influence of Lake Erie in the northeast coastal region moderates temperatures by a few degrees. The collision of polar air masses from the north with hot tropical air from the south leads to frequent weather changes during the season. Despite the unpredictability, the transition from winter to spring brings a renewed vibrancy to Ohio's landscapes.

Summer in Ohio is characterized by hot and humid conditions. During the peak of July, average high temperatures rise to 90°F (32.2°C). The presence of Lake Erie slightly moderates the temperatures in the coastal regions. Thunderstorms contribute significantly to the precipitation during this time. While the summer can be stifling, the growing season lasts up to 200 days in coastal areas, particularly benefiting from Lake Erie's effects.

Autumn ushers in pleasant temperatures and less rain in Ohio. Daytime temperatures fluctuate from 60°F (15.6°C) to 80°F (26.7°C), and nights range from 40°F (4.4°C) to 60°F (15.6°C). Though skies tend to be cloudy, the reduced storm activity from summer allows for calmer weather. The state bathes in breathtaking hues, as the landscape takes on the vibrant colors of fall.

Winter in Ohio is cold and can be extremely bitter, with temperatures in the north plunging below 15°F (-9.4°C) during January. Snowfall ranges from 16" (406mm) in the south to 35" (889mm) in the northwest and 90" (2286mm) in the extreme northeast. Lake Erie's southeast shore experiences lake effect snowstorms. The combination of severe cold, wind, and frequent snowstorms makes the winter season particularly harsh in the state.

January is undoubtedly the coldest month in Ohio, with chilling temperatures throughout the state. In the northern regions, temperatures often dip below 15°F (-9.4°C), while the southern part tends to be slightly warmer. The minimum temperature can reach 15°F (-9.4°C) and the maximum hovers around 31°F (-0.6°C). The proximity to Lake Erie leads to lake effect snowstorms, particularly on the southeast shore, creating a significant contrast to the weather experienced in the previous months of autumn. Weather in January »

February continues the winter's cold trend in Ohio, although the temperatures start to slightly ease compared to the extreme cold of January. The minimum temperatures in February generally range from 18°F (-7.8°C) to 20°F (-6.7°C), while the maximum temperatures fluctuate from 34°F (1.1°C) to 36°F (2.2°C). In the northern regions, particularly near Lake Erie, the cold persists, and lake effect snowstorms continue to be a notable feature. Weather in February »

March signifies the beginning of a transitional period in Ohio, as winter's grip begins to loosen and hints of spring emerge. Temperatures rise moderately, with minimum temperatures ranging from 28°F (-2.2°C) to 30°F (-1.1°C), and maximum temperatures extending from 45°F (7.2°C) to 48°F (8.9°C). In the northern areas, especially near Lake Erie, temperatures remain cooler, and lingering snowstorms may still occur. Weather in March »

April marks a significant change in Ohio's weather, as spring starts to take hold and winter becomes a distant memory. The temperatures in April rise considerably, with minimum temperatures ranging from 37°F (2.8°C) to 39°F (3.9°C), and maximum temperatures falling between 58°F (14.4°C) to 60°F (15.6°C). The northern regions, particularly those close to Lake Erie, continue to experience cooler temperatures. Weather in April »

May ushers in a more definite arrival of spring in Ohio, with temperatures warming substantially and the landscape coming to life. Minimum temperatures in May typically range from 47°F (8.3°C) to 49°F (9.4°C), while maximum temperatures hover between 68°F (20°C) to 70°F (21.1°C). Northern regions, especially those near Lake Erie, continue to experience a moderating effect from the lake, keeping temperatures slightly cooler. Weather in May »

June marks the beginning of summer in Ohio, bringing a noticeable shift in weather conditions. With temperatures continuing to climb, the minimum ranges from 57°F (13.9°C) to 59°F (15°C), and the maximum extends from 78°F (25.6°C) to 80°F (26.7°C). The geographical variations within the state still play a role, with cooler temperatures persisting in the regions near Lake Erie. Weather in June »

July stands as the peak of summer in Ohio, characterized by hot and humid conditions across the state. Minimum temperatures typically lie between 62°F (16.7°C) to 64°F (17.8°C), and maximum temperatures soar from 82°F (27.8°C) to 84°F (28.9°C). The northern coastal region near Lake Erie experiences slightly moderated temperatures due to the lake's influence, but the heat of summer is pervasive throughout Ohio. Weather in July »

August continues the summer pattern in Ohio but with a subtle transition towards the end of the hot season. The month experiences minimum temperatures ranging from 61°F (16.1°C) to 63°F (17.2°C), and maximum temperatures ranging from 80°F (26.7°C) to 82°F (27.8°C). In the regions near Lake Erie, temperatures remain moderated, while the southern parts continue to endure the summer's warmth. Weather in August »

September in Ohio heralds the beginning of the fall season, with noticeable changes in weather. The minimum temperatures for the month range from 53°F (11.7°C) to 55°F (12.8°C), and the maximum temperatures range from 73°F (22.8°C) to 75°F (23.9°C). Geographical variations continue to impact the state's climate, with cooler temperatures around Lake Erie and warmer conditions in southern cities like Cincinnati. Rainfall during September remains relatively consistent with August, with average monthly precipitation between 2.5" (64mm) to 3" (76mm). Weather in September »

October in Ohio is distinctly autumnal, with a noticeable cooling trend as the state progresses further into fall. The minimum temperatures during this month are from 41°F (5°C) to 43°F (6.1°C), and the maximum temperatures are from 62°F (16.7°C) to 64°F (17.8°C). Throughout the state, the influence of Lake Erie continues to moderate the climate, especially in the northeastern regions. Weather in October »

November in Ohio presents a substantial decline in temperatures, marking a deeper immersion into the autumn season. The minimum temperatures for the month fall between 31°F (-0.6°C) and 33°F (0.6°C), while the maximum temperatures hover from 49°F (9.4°C) to 51°F (10.6°C). Cities closer to Lake Erie, such as Toledo, experience somewhat milder conditions compared to the colder temperatures in inland areas and southern cities like Columbus. Weather in November »

December in Ohio signifies the advent of winter, with temperatures taking a plunge compared to the preceding autumn months. Minimum temperatures range from 22°F (-5.6°C) to 24°F (-4.4°C), while maximum temperatures vary from 36°F (2.2°C) to 38°F (3.3°C). The colder conditions are more pronounced in the northern regions near Lake Erie, while southern parts of the state, including Cincinnati, experience relatively milder temperatures. Weather in December »