Weather in Cincinnati

Planning a trip or simply interested in the weather in Cincinnati? Here you will find the most up-to-date information on weather conditions, including detailed forecasts and visual charts.

Cincinnati, located in the United States, welcomes its guests with a distinct temperate continental climate. This means you can expect all four seasons in their full glory, each with its own unique character. Be prepared for noticeable temperature changes throughout the year, allowing you to enjoy a variety of weather conditions, from cool winters to warm summers.

Summer in Cincinnati is usually warm and sunny, especially in July, when the average temperature reaches a comfortable 25.3°C, and maximum values can approach 29.8°C. This is the ideal time for walks and active leisure. Winters, on the other hand, are cool, with average temperatures around 1.2°C in January, when the thermometer can drop below freezing. Spring and autumn are pleasant transitional seasons, with gradual warming in spring and colourful falling leaves and gradual cooling in autumn.

Precipitation in Cincinnati is distributed quite evenly throughout the year, without a distinct dry or rainy season. The number of rainy days ranges from 8 to 14 per month, so a light jacket or umbrella may come in handy at any time of year. Overall, the city's climate offers diverse weather conditions, allowing you to plan your trip depending on your preference for warmth or coolness.

The temperature pattern in Cincinnati is characterised by clearly defined seasonality and a significant annual range. The hottest month is typically July, when the average air temperature is 25.3°C, and daytime highs can reach 29.8°C. Conversely, the coldest period falls in January, with an average temperature of 1.2°C and average minimum night-time temperatures dropping to -2.4°C. Thus, the annual amplitude of average temperatures is quite substantial, which is typical for a continental climate.

The summer months in Cincinnati are characterised by steady warmth, which sometimes turns into heat. Besides peak July, June (average temperature 23.1°C, maximum 27.9°C) and August (average 24.1°C, maximum 28.7°C) also offer very warm weather, ideal for outdoor activities. Nights during the summer period remain comfortably warm, with average minimum temperatures in the range of 18-21°C, conducive to pleasant evening strolls. Humidity in the summer months can be palpable, intensifying the perception of heat.

Winter in Cincinnati is cool, with periodic frosty days. After the coldest January, February (average temperature 3.7°C) and December (average 4.1°C) are also winter months when night-time temperatures often drop below zero (-0.9°C in February and 0.4°C in December on average). In February, average daytime highs reach 8.3°C, while in December they are around 7.8°C. Spring and autumn serve as pleasant transitional seasons: for instance, in May the average temperature is already 19.1°C, and in October — a comfortable 15.3°C. Noticeable daily temperature fluctuations are observed throughout the year: the difference between daytime highs and night-time lows often ranges from 7°C to 10°C, so even in warm seasons, evenings can be cool.

In Cincinnati, precipitation falls throughout the year, yet the total amount remains small. The city is not characterised by seasons of torrential rains or prolonged drought, as the monthly volume of precipitation fluctuates within a narrow range of 2 to 4 mm. This indicates that the intensity of precipitation is generally low.

Despite the small total amount, one can distinguish months with slightly higher precipitation volume and a greater frequency of days with it. Thus, February, March, April, May, June and July are the months with the maximum recorded precipitation – 4 mm each. At the same time, May stands out as the month with the highest number of days with precipitation – an average of 14 days. It is followed by March and July, which count 13 days with precipitation each. The driest month, both in terms of precipitation amount (just 2 mm), and the number of days with it (8 days), is September.

The nature of precipitation in Cincinnati depends on the time of year. In the winter months, including January (with an average minimum temperature of -2.4°C), February (minimum -0.9°C) and December (minimum 0.4°C), low temperatures create conditions for snow or wet snow, although the total amount of such precipitation is small (3-4 mm). In other seasons – spring, summer and autumn – precipitation mainly falls in the form of rain. The frequency of days with precipitation ranges from 8 days in September to 14 days in May, which means the likelihood of encountering precipitation exists practically all year round, but its intensity, according to the provided data, is usually not high.

When planning a trip to Cincinnati, it is important to consider that the city experiences all four seasons, each with its own weather peculiarities. The key principle when packing your suitcase is layering in clothing. This will allow you to easily adapt to temperature changes throughout the day and between seasons. Regardless of the time of year, comfortable walking shoes will be your best companion, as there is much to see in the city. Also, considering there are 8 to 14 days with precipitation monthly, a small umbrella or a light waterproof jacket will be very handy, despite the fact that the total amount of precipitation is usually small.

For a visit to Cincinnati during the cold season – from December to February, as well as in early spring (March) and late autumn (November) – you will need warm clothes. Average temperatures in winter hover around zero, with possible frosts (especially in January, when the average minimum is -2.4°C), so be sure to take a warm jacket or coat (preferably windproof), sweaters, fleece tops, a hat, gloves and a scarf. Waterproof shoes will also be useful, especially if snow or wet snow is possible. In early spring and late autumn, the weather can be changeable, so warm layers of clothing and a windbreaker or light jacket will be useful for protection against cool wind and light precipitation.

The summer months in Cincinnati (June, July, August) delight with warmth, with average temperatures above 20°C and maximums reaching almost 30°C (for example, in July the average maximum is 29.8°C). At this time, pack light breathable clothing: T-shirts, shorts, skirts, sundresses. Do not forget sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses for sun protection. Despite the warm weather, evenings can be cooler, and the likelihood of light rain remains (12-13 rainy days in the summer months), so a light sweater, cardigan or thin jacket and a compact umbrella will not be amiss. In May and September-October, the weather is also quite comfortable, but the principle of layering remains relevant, especially for evening walks.