In the morning, low-lying areas near the Cuyahoga River are often covered with a blanket of fog.

The weather in Cuyahoga Valley National Park is typical of Northeastern Ohio: four distinct seasons offering something for everyone. Winter is cold, cloudy, and sometimes snowy, especially in the northern portion of the park, located in a secondary lake-effect snow belt. When cold north or northwest winds blow across warm Lake Erie in late fall or early winter, lake-effect clouds bring several inches (sometimes even several feet!) of snow to areas near Cleveland, while the southern end of the park may see little or no snow at all.

Spring’s rain and warming temperatures bring new leaves on trees, blooming wildflowers, and visitors anxious get out on the trail after a long winter. Summer is often hot and humid, with frequent thunderstorms and hazy skies. Fall offers some relief from the heat, as nights cool and leaves change to vibrant red and yellow hues in preparation for the annual display of fall colors.

Average annual precipitation (including rain, snow, and all other forms of moisture) is approximately 35 inches, 20 inches of which normally fall from April to September. Cleveland receives an average of 61 inches of snow per year, but actual amounts vary greatly from year to year. Normal temperatures range from the teens to the mid-80s and 90s, although below-freezing and 90-100+ degree temperatures occur occasionally. Because the weather at CVNP can be unpredictable, visitors should be prepared for any condition.