Mid-winter · Weather & things to do
Cleveland in January
This is the coldest month in Cleveland: highs average 32°F (0°C) and lows 23°F (-5°C), with about 2.3 in (58 mm) of rain or snow.
With a comfort score of 40/100 (11th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by cool days.
- Avg high
- 32°F (0°C)
- Avg low
- 23°F (-5°C)
- Rain or snow
- 2.3 in (58 mm)
- Humidity
- 86%
- Cloud cover
- 84%
- Daylight
- ~9 h 19 min
- Comfort score
- 40/100 · Tough
What January feels like
It's cold: daytime highs average just 32°F (0°C), so build the days around warm stops.
Nights drop below freezing, with an average low of 23°F (-5°C), so expect frost and ice.
About 2.3 in (58 mm) of rain or snow falls in the month, and with temperatures averaging below freezing, much of it may come as snow.
Skies are often grey, with average cloud cover around 84%.
It's breezy, with average winds near 12 mph (5.2 m/s) at ground level.
Daylight is short, roughly 9 h 19 min mid-month, so start sightseeing early.
Plan around January
January is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are July – September.
- Snow becomes likely from January, so check road and trail conditions.
- Comfort holds steady from December (39 → 40/100).
- Our Indiana & Ohio City-Nature Loop recommends May – Oct, so January falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for January
- Hat, gloves and thermal base layerslows around 23°F
- Insulated, waterproof bootssnow is likely on some days
- Windproof shellaverage wind 12 mph
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Cleveland in January
With highs near 32°F, these picks lean toward food, drink and places with a roof, with outdoor options when the weather breaks.
Cleveland Museum of Art
Free world-class collection from armor to Impressionists in University Circle.
Why now An indoor-leaning stop when highs sit around 32°F.
Great Lakes Science Center
Hands-on science museum next door, with the NASA Glenn visitor center.
Why now A way to spend part of a cold day out of the wind.
Slyman's Restaurant
Family diner since 1964 serving towering corned beef sandwiches.
Why now A warm sit-down stop when highs sit around 32°F.
West Side Market
1912 market hall with butchers, bakers and pierogi and gyro stands.
Why now Somewhere to warm up between colder walks.
Great Lakes Brewing Company
Ohio's pioneering craft brewery; brewpub in Ohio City with Edmund Fitzgerald Porter on tap.
Why now A cozy break on a 32°F day.
Nearby in January
- Detroit in January~90 mi · highs 30°F, 2.0 in rain or snow · 1°C (2°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Mount Washington in January~115 mi · highs 34°F, 2.9 in rain or snow · similar daytime temperatures, wetter
- German Village in January~127 mi · highs 35°F, 2.6 in rain or snow · 2°C (3°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Frankenmuth in January~164 mi · highs 28°F, 2.0 in rain or snow · 2°C (4°F) cooler by day, about as wet
These averages also cover Downtown Cleveland & the Flats and Ohio City & the Lakefront.
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid. Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Cleveland in January: quick answers
Is January a good time to visit Cleveland?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 40/100, held back mainly by cool days. The best months are July – September. Expect highs of 32°F (0°C) and 2.3 in (58 mm) of rain or snow. Our Indiana & Ohio City-Nature Loop recommends May – Oct, so January is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Cleveland in January?
Average highs are 32°F (0°C) and average lows 23°F (-5°C), making it the coldest month by daytime highs, with nights below freezing on average.
Does it snow a lot in Cleveland in January?
Not much: about 2.3 in (58 mm) of rain or snow falls across January on average, the 2nd-driest month of the year. With temperatures this low, much of it may fall as snow. The annual total is about 36.9 in (937 mm).
What should I pack for Cleveland in January?
Bring hat, gloves and thermal base layers (lows around 23°F), insulated, waterproof boots (snow is likely on some days), windproof shell (average wind 12 mph) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on Cleveland
Planning Cleveland in January?
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