When a blanket of snow coats the North Coast, locals experience all sorts of emotions. Some go out to play in the snow and the kids exclaim, “It’s about time! It should have snowed before Thanksgiving!” Others, of course, dread the season, and from their perspective, waking up early to defrost the car before work becomes harder each day. The truth is that we all have our own way of coping during Cleveland’s coldest season, but it’s a lot easier to survive if you keep these things in mind:

1. Don't let winter keep you cooped up indoors.
stu_spivack/Flickr
There is so much to do across Cleveland, from holiday light tours to waterfront winter hikes. If you let the cold keep you in, a bad case of cabin fever will leave you antsy well into the spring. Just bundle up and keep an eye on local weather reports, then head out for an unforgettable time.
2. There are plenty of stunning places to warm up.
Erik Drost/Flickr
If you are ever out and about in the winter and decide to stop somewhere, there are plenty of spectacular local destinations that will welcome you with open arms and leave you with the warm and fuzzies. The Old Arcade is one such destination that will effortlessly charm your socks off.
3. Birds don't always leave in the winter, so expect a bit of company on your walks.
Jen Goellnitz/Flickr
You may have heard locals describing the area as a "frozen wasteland." Cleveland is actually far from it, and you may be surprised by the winter wildlife that you encounter. Many birds, for example, do not migrate south for the winter, and others migrate to Cleveland in the winter. This year, Snowy Owl sightings are on the rise, so keep your eyes peeled for winter company.
4. Not every winter day is freezing.
Jen Goellnitz/Flickr
Sure, winters here can be brutal. That's simply a fact with any city in the northern half of our nation. The truth is, though, that it's not all bad. In fact, some days in our colder months are downright beautiful. On February 24, 2017, Cleveland temperatures soared to a whopping 75 degrees. Locals get sick of the cold, but we do experience some incredibly warm winter days here in The Land.
5. It is important to step outside at night every so often to look at the sky.
Erik Drost/Flickr
Something about the winter sky here in Cleveland is incredibly mesmerizing. Locals know that winter is an incredible time to go stargazing or take in the splendor of the moon, but it's not something we frequently discuss. Seriously, though, winter skies are incredible, and you haven't truly lived until you've taken the time to step outside and take in its majesty.
6. Waterfalls have a particular splendor in the winter.
Jeff Burcher/Flickr
If you're ever feeling the wintertime blues, a trip to the nearest waterfall can instantly perk you back up. Fortunately, Greater Cleveland is overflowing (pun intended) with incredible winter waterfall hikes.

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7. You should definitely adopt a mindset that appreciates the beauty of winter.
Tim Evanson/Flickr
Here, lake effect snowfall can put a damper on your day. Seasonal depression is common, so it is important to keep a positive outlook throughout our chillier months. Yes, it's cold. Yes, wintertime commutes are terrible. But take some time to notice the gentle frosting of snow over a delicate branch and the way the frost on the window glows against the street lights. Winter is beautiful, so don't let yourself get caught up in the negativity of the season.
8. Cleveland is kind of a different world when coated in snowfall.
Erik Drost/Flickr
As seen in movies like A Christmas Story, snow totally transforms the landscape of Cleveland. The city becomes a sleepy winter wonderland when coated in snowfall, and it will awaken in you a desire to adventure. Just take it slow, because though the city becomes a magical new landscape, winter traffic becomes an unfortunate situation.
10. It's never a bad idea to keep extra gloves, scarves, and hats in your vehicle, office, or locker.
Molly/Flickr
The coldest day in recorded Cleveland history occurred on January 14, 1994, when temperatures dropped to a bone-chilling -20 degrees. While we may have our warm days, we also have days that are incredibly brisk. Keeping a few provisions in your car is never a bad idea, and you will one day come to appreciate your preparations.
11. Winter is the coziest time to get acquainted with a new restaurant.
Edsel Little/Flickr
When an icy wind blows through the city, nothing is as inviting as a hot bowl of soup or a big greasy pizza. During the colder months, consider exploring new eateries to uncover the coziest destinations in town.
12. Quaint small towns hide spectacular secrets in the winter.
Nikki Rhoades
When you're stuck in the hectic Downtown traffic, nothing sounds as inviting as a relaxed evening in a quaint small town. The truth is, nearby tiny towns host more than opportunity for an unforgettable evening. The petite Boston Mills community hides an epic ski resort, Medina harbors a holiday museum, and a toboggan chute is hidden in Strongsville. It is most definitely worth exploring local small towns, and you won't believe the secrets they hide.
13. When winter ends, the transition into spring will be incredible.
Erik Drost/Flickr
Our landscape here in Northeast Ohio is stunning, and watching it transform season by season is actually a magical experience. When winter finally ends, you will be treated to an extravagant display as flowers sprout from the chilly earth and trees bud. A few of those trees smell a bit like fish, but visually, the season will blow you away. The best part? In retrospect, winter won't even feel like it lasted all that long.

Winter in Cleveland is characterized by cold days, lake effect, and wind chill. However, the season isn’t hard to survive if you bundle up and let a good attitude keep you feeling all warm and fuzzy! And we happen to think that’s something to embrace.

Can’t get enough of the frozen landscape? The splendor of this snow-coated castle will leave you in awe.

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More to Explore

Winter in Cleveland

Sarah M. | February 03, 2022

What's a typical winter in Cleveland like?

Well, here in Ohio we know better than to go by anything "typical" when it comes to the weather, as Mother Nature sure has a mind of her own in the Buckeye State! But there are generally things you can count on during the winter in Cleveland: frigid winds, precipitation, and less daylight mean that the months can seem to drag on forever. Being near the Great Lakes, we get all sorts of snow, wind, and precipitation that our neighbors in the southern region of the state simply don't have to worry about! For an idea of what to expect during the winter in Cleveland, we like to consult the Old Farmers' Almanac, which, since its very first publication in 1818, the Farmers' Almanac has served as a guide for planning for the seasons ahead... with an 80% success rate!

What are some things to do during the winter in Ohio?

If you bundle up and prepare yourself (hand warmers, please!), the outdoor scene of winter during the winter will truly take your breath away. Hiking is one of our favorite pastimes, as the winter season provides the perfect opportunity to get out and explore all our home state has to offer. And there’s no better way to embrace the season by doing some winter hiking in Ohio. All throughout the Buckeye State, there are opportunities to enjoy cold weather hiking in Ohio, and here are some of our favorite trails to tackle when the mercury drops.

What are some fun winter day trips in Ohio?

Small town Ohio is beautiful year-round, but winter brings a beauty and serenity that's simply sublime. From cozy restaurants to historic inns, there’s plenty to explore in some of Ohio’s most charming small towns... even in the dead of winter. If you find yourself experiencing a little bit of cabin fever during the long and dreary season, consider taking a weekend road trip to a charming small town for a change of scenery. You’ll get to try some new restaurants, explore shops you’ve never seen, and will undoubtedly fall in love with a new-to-you town in Ohio. And when these towns are dusted in a fresh coating of snow? They're Hallmark-movie-level magical!

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