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). Weather: highs average 33°F and lows 18°F, with 3.1″ of precipitation and 9.5 hours of daylight. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.
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Bring for Cuyahoga Valley in January
- Insulated parka + thermal base layersSee it on AmazonWhy: average lows of 18°F.
- Packable rain jacketSee it on AmazonWhy: 3.1″ of precipitation is normal this month.
- HeadlampSee it on AmazonWhy: only 9.5 hours of daylight in mid-January.
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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 (compare other options)
- Sturdy broken-in footwear, navigation and a basic first-aid kit — every park, every month
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Looking for a better window? The computed best months for Cuyahoga Valley are April and May.
Also at their best in January
Other parks whose computed January verdict is a best window — same NPS × NOAA formula:
- Channel Islands in January — 35% of peak crowds, highs 66°F, score 76/100
- Zion in January — 23% of peak crowds, highs 54°F, score 76/100
- Carlsbad Caverns in January — 38% of peak crowds, highs 56°F, score 73/100
- Big Bend in January — 50% of peak crowds, highs 69°F, score 71/100
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 2026-09-24