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Dayton

Dayton travel guide

City in Ohio, United States

Best time to visitAugust to October
Nearest airportFFO · 9 mi from centre
Time zoneUTC−4
Population137,644

About Dayton

Dayton is a city in Montgomery County, Ohio, United States, and its county seat. It is the sixth-most populous city in Ohio, with a population of 137,644 at the time of 2020 United States census. The Dayton metropolitan area has an estimated 822,000 residents and is the state's fourth-largest metropolitan area. Dayton is located within Ohio's Miami Valley region, 40 miles (64 km) north of Cincinnati and 55 miles (89 km) southwest of Columbus, Ohio.

Places to visit in Dayton

  1. National Museum of the United States Air Force

    National Museum of the United States Air Force

    Museum · 5 mi from centre

    A vast free museum at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base displaying hundreds of aircraft and missiles, from early biplanes and WWII bombers to presidential aircraft and space vehicles.

  2. Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park

    Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park

    Historic · 6 mi from centre

    Sites tied to the Wright brothers, including their restored cycle shop and Huffman Prairie Flying Field, where they perfected powered flight. The interpretive center explains their story.

  3. Carillon Historical Park

    Carillon Historical Park

    Museum · 2 mi from centre

    An open-air history park with historic buildings, the original 1905 Wright Flyer III, transportation exhibits and a large carillon bell tower, covering Dayton's legacy of invention.

  4. Oregon District

    Neighborhood

    Dayton's oldest neighborhood, with restored nineteenth-century homes on brick side streets and a main strip of bars, restaurants and shops along East Fifth Street that comes alive in the evening.

  5. Dayton Art Institute

    Dayton Art Institute

    Museum

    An Italian Renaissance-style museum on a hill overlooking downtown, with collections spanning European, American, Asian and African art. Its grand stairways and cloister are worth seeing on their own.

  6. Hawthorn Hill

    Historic

    The Georgian Revival mansion in Oakwood where Orville Wright lived. Guided tours, arranged through Carillon Historical Park, show the rooms and personal touches he designed.

Where to stay in Dayton

Popular hotels in Dayton, out of 92 properties you can book.

See all hotels in Dayton

Best time to visit Dayton

Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Dayton is August to October, when average daytime highs are around 67–82°F and rain falls on about 7 days a month.

MonthTemperature (°F)Rain days
Jan 19° – 33° 10
Feb 27° – 45° 9
Mar 36° – 57° 10
Apr 45° – 65° 15
May 55° – 72° 16
Jun 64° – 83° 14
Jul 67° – 85° 16
Aug 64° – 82° 7
Sep 60° – 80° 8
Oct 47° – 67° 5
Nov 38° – 53° 10
Dec 28° – 41° 13

Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.

Dayton weather forecast

  • Wed 21 Oct 70° 39° 0%
  • Thu 22 Oct 69° 49° 0%
  • Fri 23 Oct 70° 49° 0%
  • Sat 24 Oct 70° 49° 0%
  • Sun 25 Oct 70° 51° 1%
  • Mon 26 Oct 71° 54° 1%

Know before you go

Currency
United States dollar (USD)
Language
English
Calling code
+1
Driving
On the right
Time zone
America/New_YorkUTC−4
Capital
Washington, D.C.

Upcoming public holidays in United States

  • Veterans Day
  • Thanksgiving Day
  • Christmas Day
  • New Year's Day
  • Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
  • Presidents DayWashington's Birthday

Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.

Getting to Dayton

These are the airports closest to central Dayton. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.

  • FFO Wright-Patterson Air Force Base9 mi (14 km) from the city centre
  • DAY Dayton International Airport9 mi (15 km) from the city centre
  • MGY Dayton–Wright Brothers Airport12 mi (20 km) from the city centre
Search flights to Dayton

Getting around Dayton

Travel in the region is easy by car and you can move from the urban city to the rural county in minutes.

Dayton travel FAQ

When is the best time to visit Dayton?

Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Dayton is August to October, when average daytime highs are around 67–82°F and rain falls on about 7 days a month.

What is the weather like in Dayton?

July is usually the warmest month in Dayton, with average highs of 85°F (29°C). January is the coolest, with average lows of 19°F (-7°C). The wettest month is typically April, with about 193 mm of rain.

Which airport is closest to Dayton?

Wright-Patterson Air Force Base (FFO) is the closest airport, about 9 miles (14 km) from the centre of Dayton. Other nearby airports include Dayton International Airport (DAY, 9 mi) and Dayton–Wright Brothers Airport (MGY, 12 mi).

What time zone is Dayton in?

Dayton uses the America/New_York time zone (currently UTC−4). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.

How do I get around Dayton?

Travel in the region is easy by car and you can move from the urban city to the rural county in minutes.

What are the best places to visit in Dayton?

Top sights in Dayton include National Museum of the United States Air Force, Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park, Carillon Historical Park and Oregon District. A vast free museum at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base displaying hundreds of aircraft and missiles, from early biplanes and WWII bombers to presidential aircraft and space vehicles.

Where should I stay in Dayton?

Popular areas for hotels in Dayton include Dayton. Well-reviewed options include Days Inn by Wyndham Englewood Dayton Airport and Days Inn by Wyndham Dayton Huber Heights Northeast.

How many hotels can I book in Dayton?

Destina Holidays currently lists 92 properties in and around Dayton, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.