Weather in Cleveland, Ohio
Roses open along the stoops. Day 59 of spring. Read this microseason across nine climate regions →
- TodayMay 16Light Showers44%72°53°
- SundayMay 17Overcast18%86°62°
- MondayMay 18Overcast—90°64°
- TuesdayMay 19Light Drizzle59%81°67°
- WednesdayMay 20Light Showers70%67°48°
- ThursdayMay 21Overcast—58°47°
- FridayMay 22Drizzle18%55°52°
- PM 2.5
- 5.2 μg/m³
- PM 10
- 5.7 μg/m³
- NO₂
- 12.1 μg/m³
- Ozone
- 84.0 μg/m³
- UV Index
- 0.0 Low
When the dew is on the grass, rain will never come to pass.
- Moonrise
- 10:09 AM
- Moonset
- 1:09 AM
- In sign
- ♊︎ Gemini
Roses open along the stoops
Cleveland at a glance
- Today vs. normal: 5°F below the seasonal normal for this latitude
- Last frost: April 25 (climatological average for this latitude)
- Microseason: 28 of 72, May 16–20
- Planting window: Direct sow okra, melons, and southern peas. Thin carrot rows.
Right now in the garden
Warm-season window is open
As of May 17, the last spring frost has passed for most years. Transplant tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, basil, and cucurbits (cucumbers, squash, melons) now. Direct-sow beans and corn into warm soil.
Planting calendar
| Month | Plant | Harvest |
|---|---|---|
| January | — | — |
| February | — | — |
| March | — | — |
| April | lettuce, peas, spinach, radishes | — |
| May | lettuce, peas, spinach, radishes, tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash | lettuce, peas, radishes |
| June | tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash | lettuce, peas, radishes |
| July | tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| August | — | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| September | fall brassicas, garlic (overwinter), carrots | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| October | fall brassicas, garlic (overwinter), carrots | winter squash, tomatoes (last) |
| November | — | — |
| December | — | — |
A year in weather
July stands as Cleveland's warmest month at around 74°F mean temperature, while January claims the coldest spot at roughly 29°F. Precipitation follows its own pattern, with July bringing the heaviest rainfall at 3.7 inches and February delivering the least at 1.5 inches.
| Month | Mean temp | Precip | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 29° | 1.8″ | 4 |
| February | 31° | 1.5″ | 4 |
| March | 38° | 2.4″ | 6 |
| April | 49° | 3.1″ | 7 |
| May | 61° | 3.5″ | 8 |
| June | 70° | 2.8″ | 7 |
| July | 74° | 3.7″ | 6 |
| August | 73° | 3.5″ | 6 |
| September | 67° | 2.9″ | 6 |
| October | 56° | 3.2″ | 8 |
| November | 45° | 2.9″ | 6 |
| December | 35° | 2.0″ | 6 |
Regional context
Cleveland falls within a warm-summer humid continental climate region, sharing similar temperature ranges, seasonal patterns, and growing conditions with other nearby cities in this climate zone.
Similar climates: Akron, OH, Toledo, OH, Youngstown, OH, Canton, OH, Lorain, OH.
Naturalist notes
By late May, white oak trees begin shedding their pollen, coating cars and sidewalks with a fine yellow dust.
Red-winged blackbirds establish territories in Cleveland's wetlands during April, their distinctive calls marking the transition from spring migration to nesting season.
Frequently asked
- When does it freeze in Cleveland?
- Cleveland's last spring frost usually occurs around mid-April, while the first fall frost typically arrives around mid-November.
- What is the rainy season in Cleveland?
- July receives the most rainfall, averaging about 3.7 inches, while the city's total annual precipitation reaches roughly 33 inches.
- What is the warmest month in Cleveland?
- July typically records the warmest temperatures, averaging about 74°F.
- What is the coldest month in Cleveland?
- January usually brings the coldest weather, averaging about 29°F.
- When can I start a vegetable garden in Cleveland?
- Cool-season crops like peas and lettuce can be planted around the last spring frost in mid-April, while warm-season crops such as tomatoes and peppers should wait 1–2 weeks after that date.
- How many rainy days does Cleveland get?
- Cleveland experiences about 74 rainy days per year on average.
- What hardiness zone is Cleveland?
- Cleveland's USDA hardiness zone depends on its lowest average winter temperature; use the USDA's online lookup tool with the city ZIP code to find the current zone designation.
Climate
Cleveland, Ohio experiences a warm-summer humid continental climate zone. Temperatures in January typically hover near 29°F, while July averages reach 74°F — creating a 45°F seasonal swing.
Annual precipitation in Cleveland totals about 33 inches, distributed across roughly 74 rainy days throughout the year.
Weather patterns here are shaped by the city's latitude at 41.5°N, its proximity to large water bodies, and local elevation. These factors determine what grows in the region, when frost occurs, and daily weather conditions.