The climate of 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" (1067mm), spread throughout the year with heavy rainfall during late spring and summer. Snowfall registers a moderate 26" (660mm) 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, IN
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, IN
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.
Weather hazards
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.
Weather in January
January, the same as
December, is a wintry winter month in
Indianapolis,
Indiana, with an average temperature ranging between min 21°F (-6.1°C) and max 33.4°F (0.8°C). With an average high-temperature of 33.4°F (0.8°C) and an average low-temperature of 21°F (-6.1°C), January is the coldest month.
Weather in January » Weather in February
February, the last month of the winter in
Indianapolis, is another cold month, with an average temperature ranging between max 38.3°F (3.5°C) and min 25.2°F (-3.8°C). In February, the average high-temperature is essentially the same as in
January - a still wintry 38.3°F (3.5°C).
Weather in February » Weather in March
The first month of the spring,
March, is a fresh month in
Indianapolis,
Indiana, with temperature in the range of an average low of 35.1°F (1.7°C) and an average high of 50°F (10°C). In Indianapolis, the average high-temperature in March increases from a wintry 38.3°F (3.5°C) in
February to a cool 50°F (10°C).
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April in
Indianapolis,
Indiana, is a comfortable spring month, with an average temperature varying between 45.1°F (7.3°C) and 61.5°F (16.4°C). In April, the average high-temperature increases from a fresh 50°F (10°C) in
March to a comfortable 61.5°F (16.4°C).
Weather in April » Weather in May
May, the last month of the spring in
Indianapolis, is an agreeable month, with an average temperature ranging between min 55.6°F (13.1°C) and max 71.8°F (22.1°C). In Indianapolis, the average high-temperature in May rises from an enjoyable 61.5°F (16.4°C) in
April to a pleasant 71.8°F (22.1°C).
Weather in May » Weather in June
The first month of the summer,
June, is a warm month in
Indianapolis,
Indiana, with an average temperature varying between 64°F (17.8°C) and 80.2°F (26.8°C). In June, the average high-temperature slightly increases from a pleasant 71.8°F (22.1°C) in
May to a warm 80.2°F (26.8°C).
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July, like
June, in
Indianapolis,
Indiana, is another warm summer month, with an average temperature fluctuating between 66.2°F (19°C) and 82°F (27.8°C). July is the warmest month, with an average high-temperature of 82°F (27.8°C) and an average low-temperature of 66.2°F (19°C). In July, the average heat index is estimated at a tropical 89.6°F (32°C).
Weather in July » Weather in August
The last month of the summer,
August, is also a moderately hot month in
Indianapolis,
Indiana, with temperature in the range of an average low of 64°F (17.8°C) and an average high of 81.1°F (27.3°C). In Indianapolis, the average high-temperature in August is essentially the same as in
July - a still moderately hot 81.1°F (27.3°C).
Weather in August »Weather in September
The first month of the autumn,
September, is also a moderately hot month in
Indianapolis,
Indiana, with an average temperature ranging between max 75.9°F (24.4°C) and min 58.3°F (14.6°C). In Indianapolis, the average high-temperature in September is almost the same as in
August - a still warm 75.9°F (24.4°C).
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October, like
September, in
Indianapolis,
Indiana, is another comfortable autumn month, with an average temperature ranging between max 63.1°F (17.3°C) and min 47.3°F (8.5°C). In Indianapolis, the average high-temperature in October decreases from a warm 75.9°F (24.4°C) in September to a comfortable 63.1°F (17.3°C).
Weather in October » Weather in November
November, the last month of the autumn in
Indianapolis, is another chilly month, with an average temperature varying between 36.1°F (2.3°C) and 49.3°F (9.6°C). In November, the average high-temperature drops from an enjoyable 63.1°F (17.3°C) in
October to a chilly 49.3°F (9.6°C).
Weather in November » Weather in December
The first month of the winter,
December, is still a cold month in
Indianapolis,
Indiana, with an average temperature fluctuating between 38.3°F (3.5°C) and 28.2°F (-2.1°C). In December, the average high-temperature drops from a frosty 49.3°F (9.6°C) in
November to a wintry 38.3°F (3.5°C).
Weather in December » [Resources]