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
- Insulated parka + thermal base layersSee it on AmazonWhy: average lows of 19°F.
- Packable rain jacketSee it on AmazonWhy: 2.5″ of precipitation is normal this month.
- Sturdy, broken-in hiking bootsSee it on AmazonWhy: every park, every month.
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Cuyahoga Valley in February: what the park service says
February at Cuyahoga Valley averages 36°F by day and 21°F at night, with about 12 inches of snow, the park says, and winter temperatures can range from the mid-30s down to below zero. The park is open every day of the year, though Brandywine Falls, the Ledges and a few other areas close from dusk until the morning opening. Annual passes are sold at the Boston Mill Visitor Center; from December through April the park asks you to call ahead to confirm a ranger is on duty to issue one.
Source: NPS 1, NPS 2, NPS 3, checked 2026-11-05.
Crowds in February
Cuyahoga Valley averages 101,928 recreation visits in February — 28% of what July, the peak month, draws — this is the second-quietest month of the year. That crowd level sets the tone for parking, permits and lodging.
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.
- Insulated parka + thermal base layers — average lows of 19°F
- Packable rain jacket — 2.5″ of precipitation is normal this month
- Sturdy broken-in footwear, navigation and a basic first-aid kit — every park, every month
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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:
- Zion in February — 25% of peak crowds, highs 58°F, score 80/100
- Shenandoah in February — 9% of peak crowds, highs 47°F, score 77/100
- Capitol Reef in February — 10% of peak crowds, highs 47°F, score 76/100
- Carlsbad Caverns in February — 39% of peak crowds, highs 61°F, score 76/100
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). See every month at Cuyahoga Valley.
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). Compare it with other national parks in February.
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. Going in March instead? Cuyahoga Valley in March has its own list.
See also: the best national parks to visit in February · Last verified 2026-09-24