Cleveland in December
Not the best time
December returns Cleveland to full winter mode with snow, cold, and shortened days. Holiday festivities provide some warmth, but this is when the city goes into hibernation until spring.
Weather
December brings the full onset of Cleveland winter with temperatures dropping below freezing and lake-effect snow beginning in earnest. The city averages 12 inches of snow this month with frequent gray, overcast skies.
3°C high-3°C low5 rain days
Crowds & Cost
low crowds
~$95/day average
Events & Festivals
- •Cleveland Orchestra holiday concerts
- •Holiday markets in University Circle
- •New Year's Eve celebrations downtown
December Tips
- •Winter gear is essential by mid-month - don't underestimate lake-effect cold
- •Holiday events provide good indoor entertainment options
- •December hotel rates are among the year's lowest outside New Year's weekend
All Months
May through October gives you Cleveland at its best. Summer means lakefront festivals, outdoor concerts at Blossom Music Center, and patio dining weather. July and August can get humid, but Lake Erie keeps temperatures reasonable - rarely above 85 degrees. September might be perfect - warm days, cool nights, and the fall colors along the Metroparks. October brings Oktoberfest celebrations and ideal weather for walking around neighborhoods like Little Italy. Winter is brutal, no sugarcoating it. January averages 26 degrees with lake-effect snow that can dump feet at a time. But here's the upside: hotel rates drop 40% and you'll have museums to yourself. The Cleveland Orchestra performs at Severance Hall all winter, and there's something magical about the city covered in snow. Spring comes late - don't expect consistently warm weather until May. April can still see snow, though cherry blossoms bloom in Wade Park around then.
Cleveland Scores
Solo
7/10
Couples
6/10
Families
8/10
Adventure
4/10
Budget
8/10
Luxury
5/10
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