The climate of Cleveland
Recognized by the Köppen climate classification as a humid continental climate with no dry season and hot summer (Dfa),
Cleveland is located in the northeastern part of the state of
Ohio, USA. This climatic region experiences a significant variation in seasonal temperatures and varied weather patterns.
The region sees average high temperatures ranging from a chilly 31.3°F (-0.4°C) in
February to a warm 78.8°F (26°C) in
July, while the average low temperatures fluctuate from a cold 21.6°F (-5.8°C) in
January to a mild 65.8°F (18.8°C) in July. Cleveland also sports a fairly stable relative humidity throughout the year, hovering around 76% to 85% mark.
Rainfall distribution is rather even across the year; the levels typically swing between 1.14" (29mm) in January and February to 1.81" (46mm) in
October. Snowfall, on the other hand, presents a very different scenario. The winter months of January and
December receive the highest volume, measuring 3.19" (81mm) and 2.13" (54mm) respectively, while no snowfall is recorded from
May to
September.
The best time to visit Cleveland
The warmest time in
Cleveland is generally from
June to
August. Daytime temperatures reach their peak during this time, typically hovering between 72.3°F (22.4°C) and 78.8°F (26°C). These well-lit days have up to 15.1 hours of daylight in June with sunshine averaging between 10 to 10.5 hours per day from June to August. In June, visitors can enjoy excellent visibility about 6 miles. The temperature of the sea also gets more pleasant during this time, ranging from 66.5°F (19.2°C) to 76.3°F (24.6°C).
Ideal for outdoor activities such as sightseeing and exploring the city, the summer period also sees a relatively low volume of rainfall (from 1.5" (38mm) to 1.77" (45mm)) and no snowfall, reducing the chances of plans being disrupted by bad weather.
The worst time to visit Cleveland
The winter months, particularly
January and
December, might be considered the least favorable time to visit
Cleveland. The mercury during this period dips to its yearly low with average high temperatures of 31.3°F (-0.4°C) and 37.8°F (3.2°C) and low temperatures of 21.6°F (-5.8°C) and 29.8°F (-1.2°C) respectively. Notably, these months also have the shortest days, with December having the least amount of daylight with only 9.2 hours. Snowfall accompanies the cold conditions with January receiving up to 3.19" (81mm) of snow over 16.4 days.
Spring weather in Cleveland
Spring months -
March,
April, and
May, initiate a significant change in the weather, transitioning from the cold of winter to the warmth of summer. Daytime temperatures gradually rise during this period, moving from 41.5°F (5.3°C) in March to 64.2°F (17.9°C) in May. night temperatures also see a shift from a cold 30°F (-1.1°C) to a milder 50.7°F (10.4°C) during the same period. Rainfall sees a slight increase from 1.38" (35mm) in March to 1.57" (40mm) in May, while snowfall drastically decreases with May witnessing no snow at all.
Summer weather in Cleveland
Gradually transitioning from the mild spring, summer months from
June to
August are warm with temperature highs oscillating between 72.3°F (22.4°C) and 78.8°F (26°C), and lows between 59.5°F (15.3°C) and 65.8°F (18.8°C). These months are also the driest in
Cleveland, with rainfall amounts ranging from 1.5" (38mm) to 1.77" (45mm). No snowfall is experienced during this time.
This period is also marked by high visibility, long days, plenty of sunshine, and relatively lower wind speeds, making it ideal for tourists to explore the city.
Autumn weather in Cleveland
The autumn months of
September,
October, and
November offer a contrast from the warm summer with a gradual drop in daytime temperatures from 71.8°F (22.1°C) in September to a mild 47.1°F (8.4°C) by November. Nights also cool down with temperatures moving from 59.2°F (15.1°C) to 37.6°F (3.1°C) during the same period. Rainfall reaches its annual peak in October at 1.81" (46mm) while November witnesses the return of snow with an average snowfall of 1.38" (35mm).
Winter weather in Cleveland
The winter months from
December to
February characterize the coldest period with daytime temperatures swinging between 31.3°F (-0.4°C) and 33.4°F (0.8°C), and lows between 21.6°F (-5.8°C) and 22.8°F (-5.1°C). These months see the most snowfall, with volumes reaching up to 3.19" (81mm) in
January over 16.4 days. Rainfall drops to its lowest levels in January, with an average of 1.14" (29mm), while the hours of daylight also decrease to their shortest duration - 9.2 hours in December - due to the city's geographical location.
Weather in January
January ushers in the coldest season in
Cleveland,
Ohio, with frost bite inducing low and high temperatures of 21.6°F (-5.8°C) and 31.3°F (-0.4°C) respectively. Skies are mostly cloudy this month, turning the city into a winter wonderland.
Weather in January » Weather in February
The difference between climatic conditions for
January and
February in
Cleveland seems marginal. However, February proves to be somewhat warmer although it still retains the vestiges of winter chilliness. The weather continues to be predominantly cold.
Weather in February »Weather in March
The weather in
March sees some improvement over the preceding months. This gradual transition period from winter to spring brings with it a distinct change in the city's weather landscape. This time of year often witnesses the end of snowfall, marking the official arrival of spring by the end of the month.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
A noticeable shift in weather conditions ushers in
April in
Cleveland. Spring starts to stake its claim more robustly, with temperatures continuing on an upward trend. This month, despite an increase in rainfall, actually offers improved visibility to six miles, making April a great time to enjoy the city's scenic beauty.
Weather in April »Weather in May
May is characterized by rising temperatures and the welcoming cheer of longer daylight hours.
Cleveland witnesses a significant transformation in weather during this month, with it finally taking a steady turn towards warmer climes.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June introduces the residents of
Cleveland to the start of the warm and sunny summer season. This month bustles with energy and activity, with daylight hours peaking at 15.1 hours. Outdoor enthusiasts can indulge in their activities under the clear skies and a balmy atmosphere.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
The crux of the summer season in
Cleveland occurs in
July, with mercury shooting up to its yearly peak of 78.8°F (26°C). This month provides the city's warmest temperatures, showcasing summer at its finest. Significant reductions in cloud cover and relative humidity create optimal conditions for outdoor activities.
Weather in July »Weather in August
August is very similar to
July in
Cleveland but does exhibit some subtle variations. This month demonstrates a slight drop in temperatures while still maintaining the typical summer climate. The sea temperature reaches its annual maximum, encouraging beach-related activities.
Weather in August » Weather in September
The arrival of
September marks the beginning of the transition from the height of summer to the cooling temperatures of autumn in
Cleveland. There is a clear shift in the weather pattern as daylight hours start to reduce and temperatures show a downward trend.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October witnesses a more pronounced shift in
Cleveland's weather as it gears up for the autumn season. With dropping temperatures and a noticeable wind speed increase to 10.3mph (16.6km/h), October stokes up a bite in the air. Despite this, daylight and sunlight duration remain quite generous, creating a unique blend of bright yet crisp autumnal days.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November sees
Cleveland transition fully into the cold season, as temperatures drop even further. Though snowfall begins its return, the month also marks an interesting phase of extended daylight hours. While it may not be as cold as the depths of winter, November's weather has its own range of idiosyncrasies.
Weather in November » Weather in December
Closing the year,
December embodies the true essence of winter in
Cleveland. With frosty temperatures and a common occurrence of snowfall at 2.13" (54mm), the cold weather truly sets in. The daylight hours dwindle, but the festive season brightens up the cityscape outside of nature's watch.
Weather in December »