Cleveland in August

August weather, activities, events & insider tips

August Weather in Cleveland

27°C (81°F) High Temp

19°C (66°F) Low Temp

89 mm (3.5 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is August Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect weather for outdoor activities - warm 27°C (81°F) days without the scorching heat of summer, ideal for walking tours and lakefront activities
Peak festival season with over 40 street festivals, outdoor concerts, and the Cleveland Air Show drawing 750,000+ visitors to the lakefront
Lake Erie is warmest at 23°C (73°F) - perfect for swimming, kayaking, and beach activities that are impossible other times of year
Longest daylight hours with sunset after 8:30pm, giving you maximum time for outdoor exploration and rooftop dining experiences

Considerations

Busiest tourist month with 40% higher hotel rates and crowds at major attractions like Rock Hall requiring timed entry tickets
Afternoon thunderstorms 10 days per month can disrupt outdoor plans for 1-2 hours, especially lakefront activities
High humidity (70%) makes indoor air-conditioned spaces essential during midday heat, limiting comfortable walking to morning and evening hours

Best Activities in August

Lake Erie Island Hopping Tours

August is the only month when Lake Erie reaches swimmable temperatures at 23°C (73°F). Put-in-Bay and Kelley's Island ferry services run every 30 minutes, and the warm weather means outdoor deck seating and beach activities are at their peak. Island wineries offer harvest previews and outdoor tastings impossible in cooler months.

Booking Tip: Book ferry tickets and accommodation 3-4 weeks ahead as August weekends sell out. Island stays typically cost $150-250/night in August vs $80-120 other months. Look for ferry+accommodation packages through certified island tourism operators (see current options in booking section below).

Downtown Cleveland Food Walking Tours

August's warm evenings (staying above 19°C/66°F) make this the perfect month for 3-4 hour food tours through Ohio City, Tremont, and downtown. Local harvest season means farm-to-table restaurants showcase peak summer ingredients. The humidity actually enhances outdoor food aromas at farmers markets and street festivals.

Booking Tip: Evening tours (5-9pm) are most comfortable avoiding midday humidity. Tours typically cost $65-95 per person and book up 2 weeks ahead in August. Look for tours including Great Lakes Brewing Company and this destination access.

Cuyahoga Valley National Park Biking

The Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath is at its most scenic in August with full canopy coverage providing natural cooling. The 32 km (20-mile) trail from Cleveland to Medina offers comfortable riding in morning hours before humidity peaks. Waterfalls along the trail are most visible after August thunderstorms.

Booking Tip: Rent bikes in Peninsula or United States Store areas for $35-50/day. Start rides by 9am to avoid peak humidity. The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad bike-and-ride combo (bike one way, train return) costs $25-35 and prevents overheating on return trips.

Cleveland Orchestra at Blossom Music Center

August features the Cleveland Orchestra's outdoor summer season in their natural amphitheater 48 km (30 miles) south. Evening concerts start at 8pm when temperatures drop to comfortable 24°C (75°F). The venue's lawn seating lets you enjoy world-class performances under stars while avoiding indoor heat.

Booking Tip: Pavilion seats cost $45-120, lawn tickets $25-35. August shows sell out fastest so book 6-8 weeks ahead. Bring blankets for lawn seating and light jackets as temperatures drop 8°C (15°F) after sunset. Check weather for thunderstorm cancellation policies.

Lake Erie Sunset Sailing Charters

August offers the calmest Lake Erie conditions with 2-3 hour evening sails departing around 6pm to catch spectacular sunsets after 8:30pm. Warm air temperatures and minimal wind create perfect sailing conditions. The extended daylight means you return to harbor in twilight rather than darkness.

Booking Tip: Private charters for 6 people cost $400-600, shared tours $65-85 per person. Book 2-3 weeks ahead as August has highest demand. Look for USCG-certified operators offering sunset tours with complimentary beverages. Departures from Edgewater Park or Whiskey Island marinas.

Playhouse Square Theater District Tours

August's heat makes air-conditioned theater touring ideal during midday hours when outdoor activities are less comfortable. The theater district offers behind-the-scenes tours of the country's second-largest theater complex, plus August features special summer shows and outdoor performances in the district's plaza areas.

Booking Tip: Tours cost $15-25 and run Tuesday-Saturday at 11am and 2pm. August theater shows book 4-6 weeks ahead. Combine indoor tours with outdoor evening performances when temperatures cool. Look for Broadway series packages and summer festival performances.

August Events & Festivals

Late August

Cleveland Air Show

One of North America's premier air shows featuring the Blue Angels or Thunderbirds aerobatic teams. Takes place over Lake Erie with 750,000+ spectators along the shoreline. Features military demonstrations, vintage aircraft, and lakefront festival atmosphere with food vendors and live music.

Late July through Early August

Ohio State Fair

While technically in Columbus (185 km/115 miles south), this 12-day fair is a major draw for Cleveland visitors seeking authentic Ohio culture. Features agricultural exhibits, carnival rides, butter cow sculpture, and concerts by major touring acts. Many Cleveland locals make this an annual August tradition.

Mid August

Feast of the Assumption Little Italy Festival

Cleveland's Little Italy celebrates its patron saint with a traditional Italian street festival. Features authentic food vendors, live Italian music, religious procession, and bocce ball tournaments. Mayfield Road closes to traffic for outdoor dining and cultural demonstrations.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight rain jacket or packable umbrella - August thunderstorms are intense but brief, lasting 30-60 minutes

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index reaches 8 with strong reflection off Lake Erie

Moisture-wicking cotton or bamboo clothing - avoid polyester which traps heat in 70% humidity

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - summer rain makes sidewalks slippery, especially downtown

Light sweater or hoodie - temperatures drop to 19°C (66°F) after sunset, especially on lake breezes

Waterproof phone case or bag - essential for boat tours and sudden downpours

Insect repellent - mosquitoes are active near lakefront and in Cuyahoga Valley after rain

Portable phone charger - extended daylight hours mean longer sightseeing days

Cash for festivals and food trucks - many August events are cash-only for local vendors

Breathable socks and foot powder - humidity causes foot discomfort during long walking tours

Insider Knowledge

Park at Cleveland Hopkins Airport long-term lot ($8/day) and take the RTA Red Line downtown - avoid $25-40 downtown parking fees during peak August events

Visit major attractions like Rock and Roll Hall of Fame before 11am or after 4pm to avoid tour bus crowds and enjoy lower indoor AC costs

August is corn and tomato harvest season - hit this destination on Saturdays for peak local produce at lowest prices from regional farms

Lake Erie beach access is free at Edgewater and Huntington - locals avoid overcrowded Cedar Point (160 km/100 miles away) by swimming at these urban beaches

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking lakefront hotels assuming lake views - many 'lakefront' properties face inland, check room direction when booking premium rates

Planning all outdoor activities midday - humidity peaks 11am-3pm, smart locals do outdoor activities before 10am or after 5pm

Driving to Put-in-Bay instead of taking ferries - island parking costs $15-25/day plus 45-minute ferry rides, cars aren't needed on the islands