Very Best Time to Visit Port Clinton
Port Clinton, Ohio, is a premier getaway spot – notable for its delectable seafood, tranquil, small-town energy, and gorgeous lakesides of the horizon. Plus, it’s only around an hour’s drive from Cleveland.
But if the summer has ended, you might wonder: when’s the best time to visit Port Clinton? If you ask our team at Commodore Perry’s Inn & Suite, we’d say any time.
Keep reading as we walk through the different seasons and times to visit Port Clinton, as well as the things to do on your trip, no matter when you go.
Port Clinton in the Spring
How do blooming flowers, mild weather, and all the walleye you could eat sound? Welcome to Port Clinton in the spring!
Spring Weather
Temperatures in the spring range in average highs from 42 degrees Fahrenheit in March but gradually increase to 71 degrees in May. You’ll also see occasional drizzle.
Springtime in Port Clinton is still cool and warrants a sweater on your packing list, especially in the evening. The end of spring tends to bring more sun and fewer showers during the daytime.
Best Things to Do in Spring
Spring has mild yet sunny weather that invites a mix of indoor and outdoor activities for your Port Clinton vacation.
Here’s what we’d recommend:
- Enjoy the city’s many cafes: Why not stop for a tranquil afternoon and finish that book you’ve been putting off? Some cafes we like include the Root to Rise Wellness Cafe andBistro 163.
- Walk through downtown Port Clinton: Main Street is full of historical buildings, colors, and ample restaurants to enjoy or simply walk around.
- Visit a Lake Eerie Lighthouse: You haven’t really experienced the true ambiance of the area until you’ve climbed the steps of one of the lake’s historic lighthouses.
Spring Events
Port Clinton is the Walleye Capital of the world — and you can best understand why when you attend the Annual Port Clinton Walleye Festival. This is the most significant spring event in the city.
Delight in carnival rides, kids programs, and, of course, endless, freshly caught walleye to enjoy at the annual festival that traditionally takes place during Memorial Day weekend.
Port Clinton in the Summer
Is a beach day mandatory in your dream vacation? Then Port Clinton in the summer is an ideal choice.
Summer Weather
Summertime in Port Clinton hosts the hottest months of the year. Average temperature highs start at around 73 degrees Fahrenheit in June and climb to 80 degrees in July and August. Keep in mind, however, that nighttime lows can still dip to 59 degrees in early summer.
Ready to go for a swim? Port Clinton’s lovely beaches beckon you and your family to its sparkling shores and warm waters. Indeed, summer weather invites light and short-sleeved attire, like shorts and visors — don’t forget the SPF!
Best Things to Do in Summer
The best things to do in Port Clinton in the summer involve the outdoors and soaking up the beautiful sunshine. Here are some of our favorite activities to do in the summer:
- Visit the Port Clinton Beach: Try to go early since summertime is one of the busiest times with lots of people on Port Clinton Beach.
- Walk through Catawba State Park: Enjoy a day in nature and relish the sites of tall trees, wildlife, and smooth shorelines on Catawba Island.
- Go fishing: There’s a reason why Port Clinton is known as the Walleye capital of the world! Rent afishing charter and enjoy the fish for dinner the same night!
Summer Events
Fancy live music and craft beer in the sunshine? Here are some summer events to check out in Port Clinton:
- Apricot Fest: Twin Oast Brewing transforms local apricots into tasty brews and shares them with everyone who attends the annual Apricot Fest in July.
- Summer Concert Series: Every year, the City of Port Clinton funds a variety of live music, from folk and blues to reggae and rock. Watch and enjoy the tunes outside at the corner of 1st and Central Avenue.
Port Clinton in the Fall
Warm, orange hues and hot apple cider at the cafes signal fall has arrived. Here’s everything you need to know about Port Clinton during the fall months.
Fall Weather
September still rides the summertime temperature highs at 77 degrees. But, as the months go by, temperatures drop to highs around 66 degrees in October and 43 degrees toward the end of November.
Best Things to Do in the Fall
Fall weather brings mild weather and wholesome harvest activities to enjoy in Port Clinton. These are our favorites:
- Check out the African Safari Wildlife Park: Tuesdays in October are free for seniors, so you can save a few bucks with granny!
- Visit the Liberty Aviation Museum: Days with fast wind speeds might feel chilly, so you might enjoy an indoor activity like a museum. The Liberty Museum showcases aircraft like World War II bombers and speaks to the city’s history in aviation.
Fall Events
Curious about Port Clinton’s fall festivities? Hint: they include corn and bratwurst!
- Recurring corn mazes: A half-hour drive to Huron, Ohio, will bring you to Farmer Jones Farms at the Chef’s Garden, where the kiddos can run around and play in the corn mazes.
- Oktoberfest: You’ll have to drive an hour to Put-In-Bay, but a fall getaway demands attendance at this event. Enjoy freshly grilled bratwursts, cabbage, and live music at this cultural feast.
Port Clinton in the Winter
Winter is the low season in Port Clinton because of the cooler weather. But with the right attire and insider knowledge of events and things to do, you can enjoy a winter getaway just as wonderful as a summer one.
Winter Weather
We won’t sugarcoat it for you. All towns along Lake Erie and in Ottawa County get quite cold in the winter, Port Clinton included. You might still enjoy a clear sky and sunshine during the day, but the average temperature highs start as low as 43 degrees Fahrenheit in December. They drop even lower to 33 degrees in January and creep up to 39 in February.
Oh, and you can expect snow almost every winter. Pack warm layers, boots, and a strong coat to keep warm.
Best Things to Do in Winter
Despite the chilly weather, Port Clinton’s snow actually brings opportunities for unique sports that embrace the season.
- Ice skating and fishing: You’ll find seasonal ice skating in Catawba Island State Park — bring your own skates or rent some on-site to avoid the hassle of packing. And if the lads in your group aren’t for skating, they can enjoy ice fishing in the same park.
- Traverse the snow on snowshoes: Drive up to Marblehead and intoEast Harbor State Park to traverse its many trails on snowshoes!
Wintertime Events
Port Clinton embraces the holiday season with these wintertime events:
- Community Christmas: Kids can sit on Santa’s lap and enjoy Christmas sweets at the Downtown annual Community Christmas. The annual event also features homemade chili samples for the adults, too!
- Holiday Market on the Water: Shop for vacation mementos to bring back home and local homemade jams and ready-to eat meals at the annual holiday market!
Stay in Port Clinton Year Round
Port Clinton welcomes you whether you visit in the spring, summer, autumn, or winter. This lakeside gem invites you to its charming seafood restaurants, warm local culture, and gorgeous lakeshores for fun and relaxation.
You'll need the perfect accommodations and travel guide to make the most of your Port Clinton getaway. Port Commodore has you covered with a variety of room types, including cozy couple’s suites or 10-person abodes — even with lake views and jacuzzis.
