Cleveland, OH Weather Forecast & Climate Guide
Cleveland has a humid continental climate with significant lake effect from Lake Erie.
Climate type: Humid continental (Köppen Dfa)
Cleveland Climate Overview
Cold, snowy winters with lake effect enhancement. Warm summers with lake breezes.
Heavy lake effect snow in fall and winter. Summer storms can be enhanced by lake moisture.
Cleveland Weather by Season
spring
Spring is cool, damp, and slow to arrive. March can still bring lake-effect snow squalls, April is rainy, and May finally warms into the 60s°F.
summer
Summers are warm and humid with highs in the upper 70s°F, moderated by Lake Erie breezes. Thunderstorms are common but less severe than in the Midwest.
fall
Fall is Cleveland's best season — crisp, sunny, and with spectacular foliage in the Cuyahoga Valley. Lake effect can boost rainfall totals.
winter
Winters are cold, cloudy, and buried under lake-effect snow. Highs in the low 30s°F and annual snowfall averages 68 inches, among the highest of any major US city.
Cleveland Average Monthly Temperatures
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 33° | 36° | 46° | 58° | 69° | 78° | 82° | 81° | 74° | 62° | 49° | 37° |
| Low °F | 20° | 21° | 28° | 38° | 48° | 58° | 63° | 62° | 55° | 44° | 35° | 25° |
Best Time to Visit Cleveland
June through October. September and early October are especially nice with mild weather and fall color. Summer brings lake breezes and outdoor festivals along the waterfront.
Severe Weather Risks
- Lake-effect snow
- Blizzards
- Severe thunderstorms
- Ice storms
- Polar vortex outbreaks
Weather Facts About Cleveland
- >Cleveland averages 68 inches of snow per year — more than any other major US city outside of the Rockies.
- >Lake-effect snow bands can drop 2-3 feet in 24 hours on the city's east side while the west side stays dry.
- >Cleveland's annual sunshine percentage is the lowest of any US city east of the Rockies.
Cleveland Weather FAQ
Why does Cleveland get so much snow?
Cold Arctic air passing over relatively warm Lake Erie picks up moisture and dumps it as heavy lake-effect snow on Cleveland's east side and snowbelt. Individual storms can drop several feet.
When is the best time to visit Cleveland?
June through October. Summer brings warm weather and lakefront festivals; September and October deliver mild temperatures and spectacular fall foliage in the Cuyahoga Valley.
How cloudy is Cleveland really?
Extremely. Cleveland averages about 200 cloudy days per year, the most of any major US city east of the Rockies. Winters can go weeks without significant sunshine.
Does Cleveland get tornadoes?
Occasionally. Northeast Ohio sees a few tornado warnings each year, most often in spring and summer. Major tornadoes are rare but not unheard of.