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Cuyahoga Valley in February: Crowds, Weather & What to Pack

Shoulder · VisitWhen score 58/100 · #9 of 12 months

February is a solid shoulder-season month to visit Cuyahoga Valley National Park: crowds run 28% of the July peak (101,928 average visits). Weather: highs average 36°F and lows 19°F, with 2.5″ of precipitation and 10.6 hours of daylight. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.

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Bring for Cuyahoga Valley in February

  1. Insulated parka + thermal base layersSee it on AmazonWhy: average lows of 19°F.
  2. Packable rain jacketSee it on AmazonWhy: 2.5″ of precipitation is normal this month.

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People in bright orange kayaks paddle around a bend in a river, past green trees and a rocky shore.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park — photo: NPS Photo / D.J. Reiser (public-domain NPS media)

Crowds in February

Cuyahoga Valley averages 101,928 recreation visits in February — 28% of what July, the peak month, draws — the second-quietest month of the year. That crowd level sets the tone for parking, permits and lodging.

Average visits (February)
101,928 (mean 2021–2025, NPS)
Share of the year
3.6% of annual visitation
vs. peak (July)
28%

Weather & daylight

It is properly cold (highs average 36°F), and nights are frigid (lows average 19°F). Average precipitation is 2.5″ for the month. Mid-month daylight runs 10.6 hours.

NOAA 1991–2020 monthly normals, station STOW 4 SE, OH US (9 mi from park coordinates, 1,060 ft elevation) — conditions vary inside the park, especially with elevation. Daylight computed for the 15th of February.

What to pack for Cuyahoga Valley in February

Computed from the month's weather normals above — not a generic list.

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Want quieter or kinder conditions? The computed best months for Cuyahoga Valley are April and May.

Also at their best in February

Other parks whose computed February verdict is a best window — same NPS × NOAA formula:

Common questions

Is Cuyahoga Valley crowded in February?

No — February is one of the quieter months: 28% of the July peak, averaging 101,928 visits (NPS, 2021–2025).

What is the weather like in Cuyahoga Valley in February?

Average highs of 36°F, lows of 19°F, 2.5″ of precipitation (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, STOW 4 SE, OH US station).

What should I pack for Cuyahoga Valley in February?

Insulated parka + thermal base layers; Packable rain jacket; Sturdy broken-in footwear, navigation and a basic first-aid kit — the full weather-computed list is on this page.

← Cuyahoga Valley in January All months Cuyahoga Valley in March →

See also: the best national parks to visit in February · Last verified 2026-09-24