Monthly weather forecast and climate
Indianapolis, IN

Indianapolis has a humid continental climate (Köppen climate classification Dfa) with hot and humid summers and cold and snowy winters. Indianapolis, the capital of the American state of Indiana, lies in its central part, on the White River, in the Midwestern United States. The temperate latitudes, low altitude, and proximity to water bodies mainly influence the climate of Indianapolis.

Indianapolis has mostly flat to gently sloping terrain with an average elevation of 218 meters. The entire city lies within the Tipton Till Plain with the natural elevations ranging from 198 meters at the lowest to 274 meters at the highest points. The topography chiefly consists of few rolling hills, short ridges, fertile agricultural land, lakes, creeks, and rivers. Eagle Creek Reservoir, Geist Reservoir, and Indian Lake are some of the major water bodies in Indianapolis.

Summer in Indianapolis is usually humid, hot, and wet, with the average high temperature reaching 84.9°F (29.4°C) at the peak in July. Winters are cold and snowy, with the average low temperature plummeting to 19.9°F (-6.7°C) in the coldest month of January. Cold winds from the Canadian north strike the city in the absence of high barriers in the form of high mountain ranges. Spring and fall seasons are pleasant but unpredictable and prone to occasional snowfall.

The annual precipitation in Indianapolis is to the tune of 42" (1066.8mm), spread throughout the year with heavy rainfall during late spring and summer. Snowfall registers a moderate 26" (660.4mm) with 24 snowy days during the year. The sunshine is ample and registers 2440 hours annually. The average humidity over the year is approximately 72% and peaks in December when the skies are cloudy.

The record high temperature for Indianapolis is 106°F (41.1°C), set on July 14, 1936, while the coldest temperature on record is -27°F (-32.8°C), set on January 19, 1994.

The best time to visit Indianapolis is from late spring in May to the fall season in September in the absence of harsh weather. The average temperatures are in the range of 55.9°F (13.3°C) to 84.9°F (29.4°C) with an increase in humidity in late summer and rainfall from May to July. Summer gives plenty of leisure time to spend in the cool shade of the trees in the numerous parks throughout the city. There is ample sunshine from May to September that gives many opportunities for exploring the city and its various attractions.

The worst time to visit Indianapolis is during the winter from December to February when the cold is severe, and even the days are at their chilliest. The temperatures drop below freezing on many nights and five nights during the year register below 0°F (-17.8°C). Snow, frost, and wind further exacerbate the cold effect as sunshine is at a premium during the winter. December has the shortest days of the year and is often prone to snowstorms that severely affect outdoor activities.

Indianapolis is prone to thunderstorms, rainstorms, and snowstorms during the year. Thunderstorms and rainstorms mainly occur during late spring and summer, and the city accounts for an average of 20 storms during the season. Severe thunderstorms pose the risk of lightning strikes, while rainstorms occasionally create flood situations. Snowstorms primarily occur during the winter but may even blow during early spring and late autumn.

January is usually the coldest month of the year in Indianapolis with the average temperatures in the cold zone of 19.9°F (-6.7°C) to 36°F (2.2°C). Weather in January »

February is cold and snowy in Indianapolis with the average temperatures in the 24.1°F (-4.4°C) to 39.9°F (4.4°C). Weather in February »

March is a transitional month in Indianapolis with the first half on the colder side and the second warming gradually with the arrival of the spring season. Weather in March »

The weather warms up to average 43°F (6.1°C) to 63°F (17.2°C) and the shoulder season is a blessing for budget travelers due to the temperate conditions. Weather in April »

May is the wettest month of the year in Indianapolis with an average rainfall of 5" (127mm). The daily sunshine is 8.5 hours. Weather in May »

The average temperatures are in the pleasant zone of 62.1°F (16.7°C) to 82°F (27.8°C) with hardly a few days touching 90°F (32.2°C). Weather in June »

July is usually the warmest and month of the year in Indianapolis, as the average high-temperature scales to 84.9°F (29.4°C). Weather in July »

August is a warm and humid summer month in Indianapolis with average temperatures in the 64°F (17.8°C) to 84°F (28.9°C) zone. Weather in August »

The average temperatures are in the comfortable range of 55.9°F (13.3°C) to 78.1°F (25.6°C) with a decrease in humidity compared to the summer. Weather in September »

The average temperatures in Indianapolis are in the mild 45°F (7.2°C) to 65°F (18.3°C) range but a couple of nights may surprisingly drop below freezing. Weather in October »

November ends the fall season in Indianapolis as cold air envelops the city. The average temperatures drop in the 35.1°F (1.7°C) to 52°F (11.1°C) range. Weather in November »

December begins the cold winter season in Indianapolis with the average temperatures plummeting to the 24.1°F (-4.4°C) to 39°F (3.9°C) range. Weather in December »