Climate and monthly weather forecast
Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, IN

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The attractive Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore in Indiana, with the dunes and clear waters
The attractive Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore in Indiana, with the dunes and clear waters

The climate of Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore

Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore experiences a Dfa Köppen climate, commonly known as the humid continental climate relative to no dry season and a hot summer. Its geographical position situates it as a zone that grapples with significant fluctuations in temperature, daylight duration, and snowfall throughout the year.

A comprehensive study of the given data exposes a climate beaconed by contrasting seasons. The high temperatures range mainly from 31.6°F (-0.2°C) during the colder months to a hot 81.5°F (27.5°C) in the peak of summer, while lows vary as well, from 17.6°F (-8°C) to 64.4°F (18°C), an indication of a keen interplay of extremes. Daylight duration also experiences an impressive shift, with the shorter winter days having about 9.6 hours of daylight extending up to 15.2 hours during the summer transition.

The region's snowfall presents an interesting dynamic. For the most part of the year, especially between April to November, snowfall is notably absent. However, in the colder months, levels dramatically increase, peaking at 15.31" (389mm) in January. Such a conspicuous shift in climate parameters portrays Indiana Dunes as a region with strong seasonal characteristics.

The best time to visit Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore

Taking into account the climate data, the best time to visit Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore would align with the more hospitable weather conditions, found mainly from May to September. These months are characterized by warm temperatures, with the highs oscillating between 68.2°F (20.1°C) and 81.5°F (27.5°C), and the lows hovering between 48.9°F (9.4°C) and 64.4°F (18°C). Additionally, these months enjoy longer daylight hours, ranging from 14.5 to 15.2 hours ensuring more time for outdoor exploration and activities.

The worst time to visit Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore

The least favourable time to visit Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore falls in the colder months. Specifically, from December to February, when the temperatures hit their lowest, ranging between 17.6°F (-8°C) to 21.4°F (-5.9°C) for the lows and not exceeding 35.4°F (1.9°C) at the highest. These three months also have reduced daylight duration, with nothing more than 9.6 to 10.6 hours at disposal, restricting outdoor activity. Moreover, these months witness substantial snowfall, peaking at 15.31" (389mm) in January and likely to impact travel arrangements.

Spring weather in Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore

Spring in Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, observed from March to May, showcases a steady rise in temperatures. March begins with a high of 45.3°F (7.4°C) and a low of 29.7°F (-1.3°C), transitioning to warmer May temperatures with a high of 68.2°F (20.1°C) and a low hitting 48.9°F (9.4°C). Also, an upward tick in daylight hours, from 12 hours in March to 14.5 hours in May, marks the onset of longer days. Snowfall, however, takes a nose-dive and vanishes entirely by May.

Summer weather in Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore

June through August represents summer in Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore and brings the period of highest temperatures. Highs fluctuate from 77.2°F (25.1°C) to 81.5°F (27.5°C), while lows mildly shift from 59°F (15°C) to 64.4°F (18°C), creating a warm ambiance, perfect for beach activities or hiking in the park. With daylight spanning between 14.5 to 15.2 hours and an absolute absence of snowfall, this is the season of maximum sunshine and outdoor indulgence.

Autumn weather in Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore

Autumn, observed from September to November, offers a vibrant transition from summer to winter. September sizzles with a high of 73.8°F (23.2°C) and a comfortable low of 55.6°F (13.1°C), but by November, temperatures fall, with highs at 48.7°F (9.3°C) and lows at 34.5°F (1.4°C). Daylight hours also witness a decrease, from 12.5 hours in September to 9.9 in November. All these parameters point to a cooler and shorter-day autumn.

Winter weather in Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore

Winter, sprawling from December to February, grapples with cold temperatures and tangible snowfall. December starts with a high of 35.6°F (2°C) and a low of 22.3°F (-5.4°C). However, January sees a marginal increase in high temperature, reaching 31.6°F (-0.2°C) while the low drops to 17.6°F (-8°C), making it the coldest month. Daylight is at its minimum during this period, from 9.6 to 10.6 hours. One cannot ignore the significant snowfall during these months, with January having the most at 15.31" (389mm), adding a serene white veil to the landscape.

Weather in January

With a frigid start to the year, the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore experiences cold weather conditions in January. It bears witness to the minimum daylight, with light peeping out for approximately 9.6 hours a day. While this month takes a colder turn as compared to February, temperature's plunge to significant lows of 17.6°F (-8°C), bringing copious snowfall measuring up to 15.31" (389mm). Weather in January »

Weather in February

Transitioning from a very cold January, February offers a minor alleviation in the low temperature while still maintaining the chillness of winter. A predictable gradual rise in darkness illuminates the days slightly longer for 10.6 hours. Weather in February »

Weather in March

March marks the initiation of the transition from wintry cold to warmer spring weather. The perceptible increase in daylight hours, up to 12, hints at the arrival of spring. Indeed, the temperatures rise noticeably; although, at 29.7°F (-1.3°C) lows, it retains a sense of winter's chill. Weather in March »

Weather in April

April implies a significant shift in weather patterns, and spring truly comes alive this month. The daylight duration extends to a longer 13.4 hours as the temperatures also accentuate. The colder winds from the previous months give away to warmer breezes, with the temperature extinction reaching up to 39.9°F (4.4°C). Weather in April »

Weather in May

May holds the true warmth of spring and paves the way for the approaching summer. The temperature transition continues along with an extension in daylight hours. The sun shines brightly for about 14.5 hours, offering enough time for park visitors to appreciate nature in full bloom. Weather in May »

Weather in June

Welcoming the summertime, June brings long days and high temperatures. The highest temperature looms around 77.2°F (25.1°C), bringing warm and delightful weather to enjoy the nature that the park offers. Longer daylight hours prevail, as the sun continues to shine for a maximum of 15.2 hours. Weather in June »

Weather in July

July's weather continues the trend set by June while reaching the pinnacle of temperature high. The temperature shoots up to a peak of 81.5°F (27.5°C), making it the hottest month of the year at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. Weather in July »

Weather in August

The month of August brings subtle changes that hint at the end of the summer. While it retains the general warmth of July, a slight reduction in temperature is observed. Daylight hours also curtail to approximately 13.8 hours a day. Weather in August »

Weather in September

September marks the beginning of a seasonal shift from summer to autumn. The weather grows milder, temperatures lower, and daylight hours gradually descend to 12.5 hours. The high temperature in the Dunes drops noticeably to 73.8°F (23.2°C), which is lower as compared to August. Weather in September »

Weather in October

October's charm lies in the cooler weather it brings, signaling the full arrival of autumn. The transition witnessed in September continues, as leaves change colors and daylight hours decrease further. A significant decline in temperature happens as the weather prepares for the November chill. Weather in October »

Weather in November

November spots the transition from pleasant autumn to the chilly onset of winter. The temperature continues its downward trend, and daylight hours contract to 9.9 hours. Snowfall emerges again after a long gap with 0.91" (23mm), and the lower temperature dips to a cold 34.5°F (1.4°C). Weather in November »

Weather in December

With winter setting in fully, December showcases the coldest climate of the year. With just 9.2 hours of daylight, it is one of the darkest months, second only to January. A sharp contrast to the cold comes from snowfall surging to a high 9.02" (229mm). Weather in December »
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Frequently asked questions

What time of the year is the coldest in Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore?

In Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, the average lowest temperatures are observed in January, with a high of 31.6°F (-0.2°C) and a low of 17.6°F (-8°C).

When does it snow in Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore?

Months with snowfall in Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, Indiana, are January through April, November and December.

What is the snowiest month in Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore?

The month with the most snowfall is January, when 15.31" (389mm) of snow is typically aggregated.

How much does it snow in Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore?

In Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, Indiana, during the entire year, snow aggregates up to 40.31" (1024mm).

When is Daylight Saving Time (DST) in Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore?

On Sunday, March 10. 2024, at 2:00 am, Daylight Saving Time starts, and the time zone changes from CST to CDT. Daylight Saving Time ends Sunday, November 3. 2024, at 2:00 am, and the time zone reverts from CDT to CST.

When it does not snow in Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore?

May through October are months without snowfall in Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore.

When are the longest days in Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore?

With an average of 15h and 6min of daylight, June has the longest days of the year in Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, Indiana.

What is the warmest month in Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore?

Temperature readings in Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, Indiana, reach their annual highs in July, averaging 81.5°F (27.5°C) and a minimum average of 64.4°F (18°C).

What is the month with the shortest days in Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore?

December has the shortest days of the year in Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, Indiana, with an average of 9h and 12min of daylight.

Average temperature
Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, IN

Average temperature - Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, IN

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (81.5°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (31.6°F).

The month with the highest average low temperature is July (64.4°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (17.6°F).

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Average snowfall
Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, IN

Average snowfall - Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, IN

The month with the highest snowfall is January (15.3").
The months with the least snowfall are May, June, July, August, September and October (0").

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Average daylight
Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, IN

Average daylight - Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, IN

The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 15h and 6min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 9h and 12min).

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Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, Indiana, USA

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