Weather in South Bend, Indiana
Roses open along the stoops. Day 59 of spring. Read this microseason across nine climate regions →
When the dew is on the grass, rain will never come to pass.
- Moonrise
- 10:28 AM
- Moonset
- 1:29 AM
- In sign
- ♉︎ Taurus
Roses open along the stoops
South Bend at a glance
- Today vs. normal: NaN°F below the seasonal normal for this latitude
- Last frost: April 26 (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 South Bend's warmest temperatures (~73°F mean) while January delivers the coldest (~25°F). Rainfall peaks in May (4.3 inches) and drops to its lowest point in February (2.3 inches).
| Month | Mean temp | Precip | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 25° | 2.7″ | 9 |
| February | 27° | 2.3″ | 8 |
| March | 37° | 2.4″ | 8 |
| April | 49° | 3.6″ | 12 |
| May | 60° | 4.3″ | 14 |
| June | 70° | 4.2″ | 14 |
| July | 73° | 4.1″ | 14 |
| August | 71° | 4.2″ | 14 |
| September | 65° | 3.7″ | 12 |
| October | 52° | 4.0″ | 13 |
| November | 40° | 2.9″ | 10 |
| December | 30° | 2.4″ | 8 |
Regional context
South Bend belongs to a warm-summer humid continental climate region — part of a group that shares similar temperature ranges, seasonal patterns, and growing conditions with nearby cities.
Similar climates: Fort Wayne, IN, Elkhart, IN, Hammond, IN, Michigan City, IN, Gary, IN.
Naturalist notes
Late May brings the return of ruby-throated hummingbirds to South Bend's gardens and feeders after their long migration north.
Apple trees typically finish blooming by mid-May, marking the transition from spring's delicate petals to summer's developing fruit.
Frequently asked
- When does it freeze in South Bend?
- South Bend's last spring frost typically occurs around mid-April, while the first fall frost arrives around mid-November.
- What is the rainy season in South Bend?
- May receives the most rainfall with about 4.3 inches on average; the city gets roughly 41 inches annually.
- What is the warmest month in South Bend?
- July typically brings the warmest weather, averaging about 73°F.
- What is the coldest month in South Bend?
- January typically delivers the coldest temperatures, averaging about 25°F.
- When can I start a vegetable garden in South Bend?
- Cool-season crops (peas, lettuce) can be planted around the last spring frost (mid-April); warm-season crops (tomatoes, peppers) should wait until 1–2 weeks after.
- How many rainy days does South Bend get?
- South Bend experiences about 136 rainy days per year on average.
- What hardiness zone is South Bend?
- South Bend's USDA hardiness zone depends on its lowest average winter temperature; check the USDA's online lookup with the city ZIP for the current zone designation.
Climate
South Bend, Indiana experiences a warm-summer humid continental climate zone. January temperatures hover near 25°F while July averages 73°F — a 49°F seasonal swing.
Throughout the year, South Bend receives about 41 inches of precipitation spread over roughly 136 rainy days.
Geography drives the annual rhythm here: latitude (41.7°N), proximity to large water bodies, and elevation combine to shape what grows, when frost strikes, and the daily weather patterns.