A Traveler's Guide to Fall in Port Clinton
Fall is a gorgeous season in Ottawa County’s Port Clinton — a lakeside town just over an hour away from Cleveland. Trees start changing colors, harvests bring rich flavors from blueberries, pumpkins, and squash to pair with the town’s signature Walleye fish.
But if you can’t enjoy beach days all season, what is there to do in Port Clinton? We’re happy you asked. Here at
Commodore Perry, we host hundreds of travelers like yourselves at our comfortable, luxurious suites in Port Clinton.
We’ll walk you through fall weather and temperatures, what to pack, and fall activities to enjoy a getaway to Port Clinton.
Fall Weather in Port Clinton
Fall weather in Port Clinton demands some layers and a light jacket, especially in the evenings. While you might catch a chill in a t-shirt, it’s not cold enough for a parka as temperatures are still fairly mild. Plus, you won’t see any snow until December most years.
However, sometimes, you’ll see early, minor snowfalls in late November.
Here are some average temperatures and highs and lows for Port Clinton each month of the year in fall:
September
Low: 62.6°
High: 73.4°
October
Low: 44.6°
High: 50°
November
Low: 39.2°
High: 51.8°
Best Fall Things to Do in Port Clinton
How do fresh seafood, cool strolls, and wildlife sound to you? Enjoy all that and more with Fall activities in Port Clinton!
1. Marvel at Animals at the African Safari Wildlife Park
- Address: 267 S Lightner Road | Port Clinton, OH
- Website:africansafariwildlifepark.com
Ever seen a giraffe up close? You can even feed them plants at the Port Clinton African Safari Wildlife Park. We love the variety of wildlife and experiences here, where you can look at all the animals in a car drive-through setting or a walk-through format as well. Plus, the new “animal encounter” experiences get you up close and personal with sloths, capybaras, and giraffes!
2. Fish for Walleye in Lake Erie on a Charter
- Address: 451 W Lakeshore Dr., Port Clinton, OH (Stinky Pinky); Happy Days Marina, 925 West Lakeshore Dr., Port Clinton, OH (Lured In Fishing Charters)
- Website: commodoreperry.com/fishing-charters
Port Clinton sits along the coast of Lake Erie, and the Western Basin is a great fishing spot for walleye fish — some can be as big as 30 pounds! While summertime is the best season for fishing walleye, you can still have luck in the water during the fall months. Heck, some of our guests even go ice fishing in the winter months.
Don’t have a boat? No problem — Commodore Perry coordinates fishing charters with two partner charter companies, where skilled captains take you on board to catch as many fish as you can find. Later, you can clean it and cook it on your own or take it to a select few restaurants to do the work for you!
3. Spend the Day at Lake Erie’s Beaches
September still sees temperature highs in the 70s Fahrenheit, meaning it’s still warm enough to enjoy a day on one of Lake Erie’s beaches.
The closest one is Port Clinton City Beach, which sits just across from Waterworks Park. Here, you’ll find benches and picnic tables for lunch with your family. Take in sights of the horizon as you gaze at visiting herons, seagulls, and fishing charters that coast on by in the water.
You can also venture a touch outside of Port Clinton for more beaches within a short drive away — just check out our roundup of the best beaches onLakeErie.
4. Take a Stroll through Downtown Port Clinton
Pack a light jacket and explore our quaint town’s local businesses and downtown architecture. Meander through various local boutiques, like the metaphysical store Moonwyck’s, for candles and occult paraphernalia. Once you’re tuckered out from walking, head on over to the Brick House for a cool beer and indulgent pizza.
Another must-stop? The Port Clinton Candy Company is where we love to get our nostalgic caramel squares or mint candies. They also offer handcrafted chocolates that you can take home and enjoy at your Commodore Perry accommodations.
5. See the Leaves’ Changing Colors on a Hike
Port Clinton is a popular destination for nature lovers, as there’s no shortage of nearby trails and national parks to truly take in Mother Nature. And in the Fall, she’s at the peak of her beauty, with warm orange hues and frolicking fauna.
Here are some of our favorite spots to go hiking in and near Port Clinton:
Fall Events in Port Clinton
This charming lakeside town offers a plethora of fall events that cater to all ages, ensuring that residents and visitors alike can fully embrace the autumn spirit.
- Annual Perch, Peach, Pierogi and Polka Festival (Early September)
- Bergman Craft Show and Fall Festival (Late September)
- Pumpkins in the Park (Mid October)
- Oktoberfest at Put in Bay (Mid October)
Fall Packing List for Port Clinton
Fall weather starts off fairly warm in September. But things turn quick in late October and November when temperature lows can drop down to about 50 degrees.
Here’s what you’ll need to pack for your fall Port Clinton trip:
- Long-sleeves: Hoodies, pullovers, and long-sleeved layers will keep you warm during the chilly evenings.
- Jackets: No need for a full-on winter coat, but we recommend a jean or leather jacket, or any other type of jacket that keeps you warm in light winds.
- Bathing suits: September is still beach weather, so pack a bather if you want to take advantage of the refreshing lake before it gets too cold.
- Shorts and pants: Daytime in early fall is warm enough for shorts and skirts, but evenings and later in the fall calls for pants — think jeans for going out and sweatpants for lounging in your suite.
- Walking shoes: If you want to enjoy the changing colors of fall, Port Clinton has ample trails to do so — just wear comfortable shoes to make it to the end!
- Camera: The trees boast some of the most striking colors all year during this season. Make sure to capture the moment with a camera.
- Water bottle: Autumn hikes might not be as sweaty and hot as summer ones, but you still need to stay hydrated.
- Sunscreen: Daily temperature highs still bring strong sunlight, so it’s important to protect your skin.
- Backpack: Pack all your picnic essentials before heading over to Port Clinton’s sandy beaches or a state park for a day in nature.
What you don’t need to pack:
Commodore Perry’s suites are all equipped with:
- Hair dryers
- Coffee makers
- Sheets, blankets, and pillows
- Towels
- Safes
And if you’re traveling on business, we offer an on-site meeting room with a projector, meeting table, and beverage/snack options to host your professional event.
Enjoy Autumn in Port Clinton with Commodore Perry!
Port Clinton is a lovely lakeside town with gorgeous views of the Great Lakes, abundant opportunities to connect with nature, and endless restaurants to enjoy seafood and local fare.
We love fall in this town because the weather is still mild enough to enjoy the beach (at least in September), and the changing colors of trees are a sight to behold. Plus, you’ll see fewer crowds and lineups for fall festivals and events compared to the busy summer season.
