Climate and monthly weather forecast
Cleveland, OH

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The Veterans Memorial Bridge on the Cuyahoga River, in Cleveland, Ohio
The Veterans Memorial Bridge on the Cuyahoga River, in Cleveland, Ohio

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 »
Updated: Feb 13, 2024
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate

Frequently asked questions

What month is the coldest in Cleveland?

January, with an average high of 31.3°F (-0.4°C) and a low of 21.6°F (-5.8°C), signifies the coldest month of the year in Cleveland, Ohio.

How many days does it rain in Cleveland?

Throughout the year, there are 150.7 rainfall days, and 17.44" (443mm) of precipitation is accumulated.

When does it snow in Cleveland?

January through April, November and December are months with snowfall in Cleveland.

When does it snow the most in Cleveland?

The month with the most snowfall is January, when snow falls for 16.4 days and typically aggregates up to 3.19" (81mm) of snow.

How many days does it snow in Cleveland?

Throughout the year, in Cleveland, there are 58.6 snowfall days, and 10.91" (277mm) of snow is accumulated.

What is the month with the least sunshine in Cleveland?

With an average of 2.6h of sunshine, January has the least sunshine of the year in Cleveland, Ohio.

What is the most humid month in Cleveland?

With an average relative humidity of 85%, February is the most humid month in Cleveland.

What is the driest month in Cleveland?

February and November are months with the least rain in Cleveland when the rain falls for 7.6 days and typically aggregates up to 1.14" (29mm) of rain.

What month is the ocean coldest in Cleveland?

With an average ocean temperature of 33.1°F (0.6°C), February is the month with the coldest seawater in Cleveland, Ohio.

What are the months with the lowest UV index in Cleveland?

The months with the lowest UV index in Cleveland are February and December, with an average maximum UV index of 1.

When is Daylight Saving Time (DST) in Cleveland?

On Sunday, March 10. 2024, at 2:00 am, Daylight Saving Time starts in Cleveland, Ohio, and the time zone changes from EST to EDT. Daylight Saving Time ends Sunday, November 3. 2024, at 2:00 am, and the time zone reverts from EDT to EST.

When it does not snow in Cleveland?

May through October are months without snowfall in Cleveland, Ohio.

When are the longest days in Cleveland?

June has the longest days of the year in Cleveland, Ohio, with an average of 15h and 6min of daylight.

What is the month with the highest UV index in Cleveland?

June and July, with an average maximum UV index of 6, are months with the highest UV index in Cleveland, Ohio.

What is the hottest time of year in Cleveland?

July temperatures in Cleveland tend to peak at an average high of 78.8°F (26°C) and dip to a low of 65.8°F (18.8°C).

What are the least humid months in Cleveland?

July and August, with an average relative humidity of 74%, are the least humid months in Cleveland.

What month has the most sunshine in Cleveland?

With an average of 10.5h of sunshine, July has the most sunshine of the year in Cleveland.

When is the ocean warmest in Cleveland?

With an average ocean temperature of 76.3°F (24.6°C), August is the month with the warmest seawater in Cleveland.

What is the rainiest month in Cleveland?

The month with the most rainfall is October, when the rain falls for 15.7 days and typically aggregates up to 1.81" (46mm) of precipitation.

What is the month with the shortest days in Cleveland?

The month with the shortest days is December, with an average of 9h and 12min of daylight.

Average temperature
Cleveland, OH

Average temperature - Cleveland, OH

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (78.8°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (31.3°F).

The month with the highest average low temperature is July (65.8°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (21.6°F).

Average pressure
Cleveland, OH

Average pressure - Cleveland, OH

The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is November (30.11"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is June (29.93"Hg).

Average wind speed
Cleveland, OH

Average wind speed - Cleveland, OH

The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is January (11.3mph).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is July (6.8mph).

Average humidity
Cleveland, OH

Average humidity - Cleveland, OH

The month with the highest relative humidity is February (85%).
The months with the lowest relative humidity are July and August (74%).

Average rainfall
Cleveland, OH

Average rainfall - Cleveland, OH

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is October (1.81").
The driest months (with the least rainfall) are February and November (1.14").

Average rainfall days
Cleveland, OH

Average rainfall days - Cleveland, OH

The month with the highest number of rainy days is October (15.7 days).
The month with the least rainy days is February (7.6 days).

Average snowfall
Cleveland, OH

Average snowfall - Cleveland, OH

The month with the highest snowfall is January (3.19").
The months with the least snowfall are May, June, July, August, September and October (0").

Average snowfall days
Cleveland, OH

Average snowfall days - Cleveland, OH

The month with the highest number of snowfall days is January (16.4 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are June, July, August, September and October (0 days).

Average sea temperature
Cleveland, OH

Average sea temperature - Cleveland, OH

The best month for swimming (with the highest average sea temperature) is August (76.3°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average sea temperature) is February (33.2°F).

Average daylight / Average sunshine
Cleveland, OH

Average daylight / Average sunshine - Cleveland, OH

The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 15h and 6min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 9h and 12min).

The month with the most sunshine is July (Average sunshine: 10h and 30min).
The month with the least sunshine is January (Average sunshine: 2h and 36min).

Average sunshine days
Cleveland, OH

Average sunshine days - Cleveland, OH

The month with the most sunshine days is July (14.6 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is February (8.5 days).

Average UV index
Cleveland, OH

Average UV index - Cleveland, OH

The months with the highest UV index are June and July (UV index 6).
The months with the lowest UV index are February and December (UV index 1).

Average visibility
Cleveland, OH

Average visibility - Cleveland, OH

The months with the highest visibility are March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (6mi).
The months with the lowest visibility are January and February (5mi).

Cleveland, Ohio, USA

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