Planning Your Visit -- Weather

Spring

Spring begins in late March in central Ohio, but winter weather can linger until late April. High temperatures average in the 40's and 50's in March, upper 50's to 60's in April, 60's and 70's in May, and upper 70's to low 80's in June. Frost can be seen as late as mid May.

Weather can change rapidly, dramatically, and sometimes unexpectedly in Ohio during the spring. During extreme weather temperatures can change by as much as fifty degrees in 24 hours. Pack your short sleeve shirts, but bring along a winter coat just in case.

Ohio's tornado season peaks in spring. Although severe weather can occur during any month, spring is a very active season for Ohio. Familiarize yourself with severe weather safety. Your place of lodging will have a safety plan. There's no need to be paranoid, but be sure to know where to go in case of severe weather.

Summer

Summerlike weather can begin any time after May in central Ohio, but cooler weather can linger through June. High temperatures average in the 70's and 80's through September, with peak highs in the upper 90's. Night time lows average in the 60's and 70's, with extreme lows in the upper 40's. July and August are our hottest months, with occasional record highs of greater than 100 degrees. Humidity can be anywhere on the scale, but count on an average humidity of 40 percent.

Summer weather is one of the more consistent of Ohio's weather seasons. For casual wear pack shorts, skirts, short sleeve light weight shirts, and blouses. For business attire bring light weight business clothing. Be sure to pack a rain-proof light jacket or windbreaker, just in case a storm blows through, or the night gets a bit too chilly. Swim clothing is a relatively safe bet between June and early September.

Ohio's tornado season peaked in Spring. Although severe weather can occur during any month, Summer storms are more likely to produce heavy rain, wind, lightning, and hail. The majority of Ohio's lightning deaths occur in Summer. Familiarize yourself with severe weather safety. Most attractions and places of lodging will have a safety plan. There's no need to be paranoid, but be sure to know where to go in case of severe weather.

Autumn

Because Ohio's Autumn weather can be so unpredictable, a traveler who will be spending an extended amount of time in central Ohio must bring a mix of clothing. For casual attire, long pants are a must in early to mid Autumn, along with sweaters, and a heavier coat, but bring some lighter clothing just in case the weather is mild. By late Autumn, it's a safe bet bring your Winter coat and your favorite Winter clothing. You'll be able to leave the Bermuda shorts at home.

Autumn has recently seen violent weather in Ohio. Although severe weather can occur during any month, Autumn storms can be quite variable, with early season storms producing heavy rain, lightning, hail, and tornadoes, and late season storms producing heavy snow with blizzard-like conditions. Keep a radio tuned to one of our local radio stations to keep an ear out for travel-related warnings, and familiarize yourself with severe weather safety. Most attractions and places of lodging will have a severe weather safety plan. There's no need to be paranoid, but be sure to know what to do in case of severe weather.

Winter

Winterlike weather can begin as early as October in central Ohio, but the coldest weather usually doesn't hit until January. High temperatures average in the 30's and 40's through December, with record highs in the 60's. Night time lows average in the 30's and 20's, with extreme lows as low as minus 10. January is our coldest month, with occasional record lows of less than 20 degrees below zero. February is very changeable, with average highs climbing back into the upper thirties, but the season is beginning to change, so you can see dramatic, rapid changes in weather conditions. On dry days Wintertime Ohio can experience desert-like humidity, especially indoors. Keep moisturizing cream and lip balm handy.

Winter weather is highly variable in Ohio. For casual wear pack long pants, heavier skirts, long sleeve shirts and blouses, and sweaters. For business attire you can bring your warmer business clothing. Be sure to pack a warm winter coat, as well as boots and gloves. If you'll be spending a lot of time outdoors, long underwear is a suggestion.

Ohio doesn't get many tornados in Winter, but it can happen. Severe weather in Winter can take the form of ice storms, heavy rain, severe cold, heavy snow, high winds, and blizzards. Heavy snow, ice, cold, and blizzards can be deadly. Familiarize yourself with severe winter weather safety. If you'll be driving, pack a warm blanket or two, a transistor radio, some high energy snacks, a flashlight, matches, a bright colored towel or rag (if you are stranded, hang it out your window or tie it to your external FM antenna), and your cell phone. Local radio stations broadcast weather warnings and advisories as soon as they are issued by the National Weather Service. Heed travel warnings.