When planning a trip, it is important to research the local weather and climate. Winter in a place like California is very different from winter in Indiana. When traveling to a city like Indianapolis, knowing the climate ahead of time and packing appropriately can help you enjoy your stay rather than spending it at a mall buying a new wardrobe.
Indianapolis is located in the northern Midwest region of the United States and is the capital city of Indiana. It is the most densely populated city in the country and the twelfth largest city in the United States. Indianapolis is also the third largest city in the Midwest behind Chicago and Detroit.
No one moves to Indianapolis for the tropical winter weather. During the winter months, the temperature consistently stays in the high 20s and low 30s. Despite brutally cold winters, the spring, summer and fall months can be quite pleasant. Temperatures in the spring and fall are typically in the 50s and 60s. In the summer, the temperatures average in the mid-70s with some days reaching into the mid-80s.
Like most of the Midwest, Indianapolis can experience high humidity. In the winter and spring, humidity averages 80% in the mornings and 60% to 70% in the afternoons. In the summer and fall months, the morning humidity can soar into the upper 80th percentile and even reach the low 90th, while the afternoon humidity stays around 60%.
Rain is prevalent in Indianapolis year round, making it the perfect environment for gardeners. In the fall and winter months, Indianapolis can experience 2 to 3 inches of rainfall per month. In the spring and summer months, however, Indianapolis rainfall exceeds the U.S. average with 3 to 4 inches per month.
Snow is possible in Indianapolis from October through May. The months with the heaviest snow fall are typically December through February. During this time, the city can experience anywhere from 3 1/2 inches to 5 inches of snow per month, with the heaviest fall on average occurring in the month of January.
On average, Indianapolis has fewer sunny days than the average U.S. city. In April through October, the city experiences sunny days about 60% to 70% of the time with July being the sunniest month. Clouds descend on the city in November and stay through March, with the cloudiest time being late November through early January. During this time, the average number of sunny days can drop below 40%.