The Rose Team has not visited Ohio in a while. I think it’s time for another visit, especially to Cincinnati. Whatever time of year you visit Cincinnati, you’ll find plenty of amazing food, culture, sports, festivals, and family fun. Summer tends to be the ideal time to visit for many people, with a packed activities schedule and long humid days reaching well into the nighttime hours, albeit sites can be crowded. If the humidity bothers you, consider visiting in late spring or early fall when temperatures are more pleasant. When the region is decked out in festive seasonal decorations, winter has its own unique appeal.
Cincinnati’s Weather
Summers in Cincinnati can be humid due to the city’s location on the Ohio River because heat accumulates in pockets of the city’s hilly topography, and typical temperatures top out above 80 degrees F. (27 degrees C). In contrast, average wintertime lows hover in the 20s Fahrenheit, with snow falling on a regular basis between December and February. May, June, and September are your best choices for low humidity and mild temps, though late spring can be rainy. Pack an umbrella if you are expecting rain.
January
The weather may be dreadful outdoors, and January is the coldest month of the year. No need to be concerned; simply put on a coat, scarf, and gloves to combat the chill.
Check out the following events:
Every January, Findlay Market hosts a Chili Fest cook-off to taste and sample the city’s signature dish and other chili-related things.
February
This month, winter is gradually fading. The weather is still cold, but that shouldn’t keep you from exploring the city.
Check out the following events:
Are you in town for Valentine’s Day? Make a reservation at any of the city’s date-worthy restaurants for a memorable supper with your main squeeze—Metropole at the 21c Museum Hotel, the sleek and stylish Sotto, and Art Deco Hilton Netherland Plaza’s Orchids at Palm Court, are all consistently lovely options.
March
Spring is on its approach, so celebrate St. Patrick’s Day and other seasonal events as Cincinnati awakens from its long winter hibernation.
Check out the following events:
The Over-the-Rhine area (OTR) celebrates its German traditions and craft beer legacy with the three-day-long Bockfest, the United States’ oldest continuously running bock-style beer festival.
The Duke Energy Convention Center is occupied for three days with the Cincinnati International Wine Festival. This festival consists of tastings, lectures, and socializing with fellow wine drinkers and connoisseurs.
April
April brings some rain, but that doesn’t have to derail your outdoor activities in Cincinnati. Just bring an umbrella and enjoy the journey.
Check out the following events:
Every year, the Cincinnati Reds’ opening day is marked by a parade that begins at OTR’s Findlay Market and continues its way downtown.
May
As one of the most pleasant months in Cincinnati, May, has longer days and higher temperatures.
Check out the following events:
The Cincy-Cinco Latino Festival takes place in Fountain Square on the first weekend of May and features music, salsa dancing, artists, vendors, wonderful cuisine, and plenty of margaritas.
The Appalachian Festival, which is traditionally held over Mother’s Day weekend, attracts approximately 12,000 attendees who come to discover the folklore and hear the stories of the region through food, music, crafts, and a Pioneer Village living history section.
June
The weather is perfect, making June a fantastic month for exploring Cincinnati’s excellent parks, gardens, and green spaces.
Check out the following events:
Cincy Fringe Festival features over 200 performances across numerous locations over two weeks of avant-garde theatre, cinema, music, art, and dance.
July
July in Cincinnati sizzles with sunny days and high temperatures, providing an incentive to enjoy refreshing pints and cocktails on outdoor patios and beer gardens. Alternatively, chill off with a scoop of ice cream from Graeter’s Ice Cream, a local favorite.
Check out the following events:
Over the course of three days, the Bunbury Music Festival brings the sounds of music to Yeatman’s Cove and Sawyer Point. Past performers have included Ice Cube, Post Malone, MUSE, and Jack White.
August
In Cincinnati, August may be oppressively hot. If you need to cool off quickly, look for pools, water parks, fountains, and splash pads.
Check out the following events:
The three-day Midwest Regional Black Family Reunion, which began in 1989, honors the foundations of Black families through a historical breakfast event, a speaker series, concerts, Sunday worship services, and a career fair.
September
Autumn weather reflects temperatures that begin to cool, making September an appealing time to visit the city.
Check out the following events:
On Labor Day weekend, enjoy one last taste of summer at the annual Cincinnati Riverfest, which concludes with a spectacular WEBN Fireworks display timed to music.
Oktoberfest Zinzinnati is America’s largest Oktoberfest celebration, second only to Munich in the world. Aside from drinking beer, don’t miss the dachshund race, the World’s Largest Chicken Dance, and the Sam Adams Stein Hoist Challenge.
October
In Cincinnati, October is football season, which means tailgating and Bengals games. Hayrides, apple orchard excursions, Halloween haunted homes, and other activities are also popular in the fall.
Check out the following events:
The BLINK festival spans 30 blocks from OTR across the river to Covington, lighting up the night with projection-mapped shows on local sites for a dynamic DIY walking tour.
November
As winter approaches, temperatures continue to fall and days become shorter. The city also decorates for the holidays with lights and displays.
Check out the following events:
The Christmas season sparkles with over 4 million glittering LED lights and Polar Express rides at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden’s PNC Festival of Lights.
December
The cold weather does not keep Cincinnati indoors. Dress warmly and venture out to enjoy the city’s seasonal festivities and activities.
Check out the following events:
Fountain Square’s outdoor ice skating is a fun place where people glide and slide on the ice.
Have you ever seen an underwater St. Nick? When the beloved Scuba Santas take a deep dive into the tanks at Newport Aquarium, you can.
ANSWERS TO COMMON QUESTIONS
When is the most ideal time to visit Cincinnati?
Summer is the greatest time to visit Cincinnati since it has a packed event schedule and long, warm days. Attractions, however, may be packed around this time.
Which months in Cincinnati are the coldest?
Cincinnati’s coldest months are December, January, and February, with average daily highs falling below 49 degrees F. (10 degrees C). January 29 is typically the coldest day of the year, with an average low of 29 degrees F. (-1.6 degrees C).
What is Cincinnati famous for?
Cincinnati is well-known for its art scene, the Cincinnati Reds, America’s first baseball team, and chili.
Ohio, especially Cincinnati has something for visitors to do every month of the year. Remember to plan a trip to Cincinnati soon! Make sure to read the article about excellent restaurants in Cincinnati before and during your trip.