Cuyahoga Valley in January: Crowds, Weather & What to Pack
Shoulder · VisitWhen score 51/100 · #12 of 12 months
January is a solid shoulder-season month to visit Cuyahoga Valley National Park: crowds run 26% of the July peak (97,437 average visits), days average 33°F with 9.5 hours of daylight. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.
Crowds in January
Cuyahoga Valley averages 97,437 recreation visits in January — 26% of what July, the peak month, draws — the quietest month of the year. Plan lodging and entries with that in mind.
Weather & daylight
Expect cold conditions (highs average 33°F), and nights are frigid (lows average 18°F). Average precipitation is 3.1″ for the month. Mid-month daylight runs 9.5 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 January.
What to pack for Cuyahoga Valley in January
Computed from the month's weather normals above — not a generic list.
- Insulated parka + thermal base layers — average lows of 18°F
- Packable rain jacket — 3.1″ of precipitation is normal this month
- Headlamp — only 9.5 hours of daylight in mid-January
- Sturdy broken-in footwear, navigation and a basic first-aid kit — every park, every month
Looking for a better window? The computed best months for Cuyahoga Valley are April and May.
Common questions
Is Cuyahoga Valley crowded in January?
No — January is one of the quieter months: 26% of the July peak, averaging 97,437 visits (NPS, 2021–2025).
What is the weather like in Cuyahoga Valley in January?
Average highs of 33°F, lows of 18°F, 3.1″ of precipitation (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, STOW 4 SE, OH US station).
What should I pack for Cuyahoga Valley in January?
Insulated parka + thermal base layers; Packable rain jacket; Headlamp — the full weather-computed list is on this page.
See also: the best national parks to visit in January · Last verified 2026-07-16