Cincinnati, OH Weather Forecast & Climate Guide
Cincinnati has a humid continental climate in the Ohio River valley.
Climate type: Humid continental (Köppen Dfa)
Cincinnati Climate Overview
Hot, humid summers. Cold winters with moderate snow. Variable spring and fall.
Severe thunderstorms in spring and summer. Winter precipitation varies widely.
Cincinnati Weather by Season
spring
Spring is variable and often wet, with highs climbing from the 50s°F in March to the 70s°F by May. Severe thunderstorms become possible by late spring.
summer
Summers are warm and humid with highs in the mid-80s°F. Afternoon thunderstorms are common, especially in June and July.
fall
Fall is Cincinnati's best weather season — crisp, sunny, dry days with pleasant foliage in the surrounding Ohio River valley. October is especially nice.
winter
Winters are cold and cloudy with highs in the low 40s°F. Snow is moderate (about 22 inches per year) and ice storms are a common hazard.
Cincinnati Average Monthly Temperatures
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 39° | 43° | 53° | 65° | 74° | 82° | 86° | 84° | 78° | 66° | 53° | 42° |
| Low °F | 22° | 24° | 32° | 42° | 52° | 61° | 65° | 63° | 55° | 44° | 34° | 26° |
Best Time to Visit Cincinnati
Mid-September through October for crisp fall weather and foliage. Late April through early June is also pleasant with blooming trees and mild temperatures.
Severe Weather Risks
- Severe thunderstorms
- Tornadoes
- Ice storms
- Flash flooding
- Polar vortex outbreaks
Weather Facts About Cincinnati
- >Cincinnati sits in a river valley that can trap both cold air in winter and humid air in summer.
- >The 1974 Super Outbreak spawned a catastrophic F5 tornado that destroyed Xenia, Ohio, just outside the metro.
- >Cincinnati averages about 22 inches of snow per year, significantly less than cities further north.
Cincinnati Weather FAQ
When is the best time to visit Cincinnati?
Mid-September through October for crisp, mild weather and fall foliage along the Ohio River. Late April through early June is also pleasant with blooming trees.
How humid are Cincinnati summers?
Very humid. July and August dewpoints average in the upper 60s to low 70s°F, making heat index values climb into the 90s°F regularly. Afternoon thunderstorms provide brief cooling.
Does Cincinnati get tornadoes?
Yes. Southwest Ohio sees occasional severe weather outbreaks each spring and summer. The 1974 Super Outbreak included the devastating Xenia tornado, just east of Cincinnati.
How cold does Cincinnati get?
Average winter highs are in the low 40s°F with lows in the 20s°F. Arctic outbreaks can drop temperatures below zero, though extended deep cold is less common than further north.