Weather in Cincinnati, Ohio
Roses open on the Piedmont edge. Day 59 of spring. Read this microseason across nine climate regions →
- TodayMay 16Heavy Rain56%73°57°
- SundayMay 17Overcast63%87°62°
- MondayMay 18Overcast11%90°67°
- TuesdayMay 19Light Showers57%82°66°
- WednesdayMay 20Showers59%68°57°
- ThursdayMay 21Overcast28%66°49°
- FridayMay 22Drizzle29%66°53°
- PM 2.5
- 7.6 μg/m³
- PM 10
- 8.2 μg/m³
- NO₂
- 7.5 μg/m³
- Ozone
- 87.0 μg/m³
- UV Index
- 0.0 Low
When the dew is on the grass, rain will never come to pass.
- Moonrise
- 10:30 AM
- Moonset
- 1:13 AM
- In sign
- ♊︎ Gemini
Roses open on the Piedmont edge
Cincinnati at a glance
- Today vs. normal: 8°F below the seasonal normal for this latitude
- Last frost: April 11 (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 brings Cincinnati's warmest temperatures (~76°F mean) while January delivers the coldest (~32°F). Precipitation reaches its peak in May (4.7 inches) and drops to its lowest point in February (2.8 inches).
| Month | Mean temp | Precip | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 32° | 2.9″ | 6 |
| February | 35° | 2.8″ | 6 |
| March | 44° | 3.9″ | 8 |
| April | 55° | 4.4″ | 8 |
| May | 64° | 4.7″ | 9 |
| June | 72° | 4.6″ | 8 |
| July | 76° | 4.4″ | 7 |
| August | 75° | 3.4″ | 6 |
| September | 68° | 3.1″ | 5 |
| October | 56° | 3.0″ | 6 |
| November | 45° | 2.9″ | 6 |
| December | 36° | 3.3″ | 6 |
Regional context
Cincinnati falls within a humid subtropical climate region that shares similar temperature ranges, seasonal patterns, and growing conditions with other nearby cities.
Similar climates: Columbus, OH, Dayton, OH, Middletown, OH, Newark, OH, Springfield, OH.
Naturalist notes
Red-winged blackbirds return to Cincinnati's wetlands in early March, their distinctive calls signaling winter's retreat.
Redbud trees bloom throughout the city in mid-April, painting neighborhoods with bright pink flowers before their heart-shaped leaves emerge.
Frequently asked
- When does it freeze in Cincinnati?
- Cincinnati'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 Cincinnati?
- May stands as the wettest month with about 4.7 inches of rain on average, contributing to the city's roughly 43 inches annually.
- What is the warmest month in Cincinnati?
- July typically brings the warmest temperatures, averaging about 76°F.
- What is the coldest month in Cincinnati?
- January typically delivers the coldest temperatures, averaging about 32°F.
- When can I start a vegetable garden in Cincinnati?
- 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 until 1–2 weeks after.
- How many rainy days does Cincinnati get?
- Cincinnati experiences about 80 rainy days per year on average.
- What hardiness zone is Cincinnati?
- Cincinnati's USDA hardiness zone depends on its lowest average winter temperature; you can find the current zone designation by checking the USDA's online lookup with the city ZIP code.
Climate
Cincinnati, Ohio experiences a humid subtropical climate zone. Temperatures hover near 32°F in January and average 76°F in July, creating a 44°F seasonal swing.
Throughout the year, Cincinnati collects about 43 inches of precipitation distributed across roughly 80 rainy days.
Weather patterns here depend on the city's latitude (39.1°N), proximity to large water bodies, and elevation. These factors determine what grows in the area, when frost occurs, and daily weather conditions.