Serendipitous Spring
Springtime in Cleveland is vexing to us natives and downright daunting to a visitor. The groundhog gets it wrong every single time.
Sturdy (ideally waterproof) walking shoes, fleece and rain gear will arm you for every season-appropriate adventure you can think of. Save the moto jacket and sandals for summer and think about layering — leggings, flannels, puffer vests and maybe a scarf.
Sure, it could be a balmy high of 70 when you saunter through the cherry blossoms at Brookside Reservation, then drop to 45 degrees by 8 p.m. when you’re Ubering to dinner Downtown.
Best to think of Cleveland spring as winter-light, at least until Dyngus Day.
To summarize: your packing list for a spring visit includes both short and long pants, a down jacket and an umbrella.
Clear as mud? Thought so. Best bet is to check the weather forecast a day before your departure.
Sultry Summer
Ahhh, summer. Let us count the ways we love you.
It’s the time of year we invite all our friends to visit. We take them to Edgewater Beach for the day, and they begin to fantasize about moving here.
The average summertime temperature is a perfect 80 degrees. Ladies and gents, time to get that pedicure and let ‘em fly. There’s no real need for close-toed shoes or long pants for a few months.
Maximize the Cleveland summertime experience with live music on the lawn at Blossom Music Center, a scenic dinner cruise on the Goodtime III or sunset at the Solstice Steps. Swoon-worthy.
Humidity levels creep up in late July and August. We just scroll through our winter pics and keep our mouths shut. There are plenty of patios to conquer and stadium dogs to consume, not to mention miles of sunny picturesque lakefront and shady river byways to enjoy.
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Fabulous Fall
Technically, summer is over. But nobody tell October, OK?
Temperate, enjoyable weather can last well into autumn. Trick or treaters will tell you that the first real cold blast usually hits right around October 31. Before then, get your fill of apple-picking, hayrides and s’mores.
That hot-cold weather dichotomy is exactly what makes the fall hiking and cycling scenery so spectacular. Enjoy autumn hues throughout the Cleveland Metroparks Emerald Necklace and the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, or branch out for a trek on the immersive Canopy Walk at Holden Arboretum.
Sure, you could encounter some sleet and snow, but you won’t need peak winter gear for a while, so pack a perfectly coordinated ensemble and get that holiday card-worthy shot while you can.
Wonderful Winter
Neighborhoods like Tremont and Coventry are picturesque in the winter. Add in a bright moon, some twinkle lights and a light dusting of snow, and your grinchy heart will grow three sizes bigger.
Daytime temperatures are generally within 20 to 40 degrees. Maybe you’ve heard the term “lake effect snow?” It can come out of nowhere, turning the city into a snow globe.
Hit the rink at Public Square or the toboggan chutes at the Mill Stream Run Reservation. You should definitely watch the tree lighting at Downtown Cleveland’s WinterLand or jam to some indie bands at Brite Winter. Watch the Browns from the Dawg Pound or stare in awe at Brandywine Falls in the Cuyahoga National Park.
You’ve got this. Bring boots. Winter calls for practical boots that cover your ankles with a good tread, but they can still be cute. Arm yourself with a hat, gloves, scarf and an ice scraper.
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