Weather in Indianapolis, Indiana
Roses open on the Piedmont edge. Day 59 of spring. Read this microseason across nine climate regions →
- TodayMay 16Light Rain62%74°61°
- SundayMay 17Drizzle18%85°63°
- MondayMay 18Heavy Rain57%84°63°
- TuesdayMay 19Showers87%79°68°
- WednesdayMay 20Light Showers87%69°57°
- ThursdayMay 21Light Drizzle12%68°54°
- FridayMay 22Light Drizzle25%63°54°
- PM 2.5
- 5.5 μg/m³
- PM 10
- 6.8 μg/m³
- NO₂
- 6.4 μg/m³
- Ozone
- 84.0 μg/m³
- UV Index
- 0.0 Low
When the dew is on the grass, rain will never come to pass.
- Moonrise
- 10:35 AM
- Moonset
- 1:22 AM
- In sign
- ♊︎ Gemini
Roses open on the Piedmont edge
Indianapolis at a glance
- Today vs. normal: 6°F below the seasonal normal for this latitude
- Last frost: April 15 (climatological average for this latitude)
- Microseason: 28 of 72, May 16–20
- Planting window: Direct sow okra, melons, and southern peas. Thin carrot rows.
Right now in the garden
Warm-season window is open
As of May 17, the last spring frost has passed for most years. Transplant tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, basil, and cucurbits (cucumbers, squash, melons) now. Direct-sow beans and corn into warm soil.
Planting calendar
| Month | Plant | Harvest |
|---|---|---|
| January | — | — |
| February | — | — |
| March | — | — |
| April | lettuce, peas, spinach, radishes | — |
| May | lettuce, peas, spinach, radishes, tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash | lettuce, peas, radishes |
| June | tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash | lettuce, peas, radishes |
| July | tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| August | — | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| September | fall brassicas, garlic (overwinter), carrots | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| October | fall brassicas, garlic (overwinter), carrots | winter squash, tomatoes (last) |
| November | — | — |
| December | — | — |
A year in weather
July brings Indianapolis its warmest temperatures at around 74°F mean, while January delivers the coldest at roughly 27°F. June sees peak rainfall with 5.4 inches, compared to February's low of 2.3 inches.
| Month | Mean temp | Precip | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 27° | 3.1″ | 6 |
| February | 30° | 2.3″ | 5 |
| March | 40° | 3.7″ | 8 |
| April | 52° | 4.5″ | 8 |
| May | 62° | 5.0″ | 9 |
| June | 71° | 5.4″ | 8 |
| July | 74° | 3.9″ | 6 |
| August | 73° | 3.6″ | 5 |
| September | 66° | 3.2″ | 5 |
| October | 54° | 3.2″ | 6 |
| November | 42° | 3.4″ | 6 |
| December | 32° | 3.3″ | 7 |
Regional context
Indianapolis falls within a humid subtropical climate region that shares temperature ranges, seasonal patterns, and growing conditions with other nearby cities.
Similar climates: Evansville, IN, Lafayette, IN, Bloomington, IN, Fishers, IN, Carmel, IN.
Naturalist notes
By late May, American robins have typically finished their second broods in Indianapolis, with fledglings learning to forage in suburban lawns.
Wild bergamot begins blooming in June across central Indiana's prairies and woodland edges, attracting native bees and butterflies.
Frequently asked
- When does it freeze in Indianapolis?
- Spring's final frost in Indianapolis typically occurs around mid-April, while the first fall frost returns around mid-November.
- What is the rainy season in Indianapolis?
- June brings the heaviest rainfall with approximately 5.4 inches on average, contributing to the city's annual total of roughly 45 inches.
- What is the warmest month in Indianapolis?
- July typically records the warmest temperatures, averaging about 74°F.
- What is the coldest month in Indianapolis?
- January typically brings the coldest weather, averaging about 27°F.
- When can I start a vegetable garden in Indianapolis?
- Cool-season crops like peas and lettuce can be planted around the last spring frost in mid-April, while warm-season crops such as tomatoes and peppers should wait 1–2 weeks after.
- How many rainy days does Indianapolis get?
- Indianapolis experiences about 79 rainy days per year on average.
- What hardiness zone is Indianapolis?
- Indianapolis's USDA hardiness zone depends on its lowest average winter temperature; the USDA's online lookup tool using the city ZIP provides the current zone designation.
Climate
Indianapolis, Indiana experiences a humid subtropical climate zone. Winter temperatures in January hover near 27°F, while July averages reach 74°F — creating a 47°F seasonal swing.
Annual precipitation totals about 45 inches across roughly 79 rainy days throughout the year.
Weather patterns here follow the city's latitude of 39.8°N, along with proximity to large water bodies and local elevation. These factors determine growing seasons, frost timing, and daily weather conditions.