Weather in Lafayette, Indiana
Roses open on the Piedmont edge. Day 59 of spring. Read this microseason across nine climate regions →
- TodayMay 17Overcast12%85°61°
- MondayMay 18Showers68%83°65°
- TuesdayMay 19Light Showers83%81°61°
- WednesdayMay 20Overcast83%62°49°
- ThursdayMay 21Overcast—69°46°
- FridayMay 22Light Drizzle19%75°50°
- SaturdayMay 23Overcast20%74°47°
- PM 2.5
- 6.3 μg/m³
- PM 10
- 7.1 μg/m³
- NO₂
- 6.2 μg/m³
- Ozone
- 80.0 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
- 1:27 AM
- In sign
- ♊︎ Gemini
Roses open on the Piedmont edge
Lafayette at a glance
- Today vs. normal: 8°F below the seasonal normal for this latitude
- Last frost: April 18 (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 Lafayette's warmest temperatures with a mean of 74°F, while January delivers the coldest at 26°F. Precipitation follows its own pattern, peaking in June at 4.6 inches and reaching its lowest point in February with 1.8 inches.
| Month | Mean temp | Precip | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 26° | 2.2″ | 5 |
| February | 30° | 1.8″ | 4 |
| March | 40° | 2.7″ | 6 |
| April | 51° | 3.8″ | 7 |
| May | 62° | 4.0″ | 8 |
| June | 71° | 4.6″ | 8 |
| July | 74° | 4.1″ | 7 |
| August | 72° | 3.1″ | 6 |
| September | 66° | 2.6″ | 5 |
| October | 54° | 2.9″ | 6 |
| November | 41° | 2.9″ | 6 |
| December | 31° | 2.3″ | 5 |
Regional context
Lafayette belongs to a humid subtropical climate region that extends across several nearby cities. This shared climate zone means similar temperature ranges, seasonal patterns, and growing conditions throughout the area.
Similar climates: Indianapolis, IN, Evansville, IN, Bloomington, IN, Fishers, IN, Carmel, IN.
Naturalist notes
Red-winged blackbirds return to Lafayette's wetlands in March, with males arriving first to establish territories in the cattail marshes.
Sugar maples begin their spring bloom in April, releasing clouds of yellow-green pollen just as their leaves start to unfurl.
Frequently asked
- When does it freeze in Lafayette?
- Lafayette's last spring frost typically occurs around mid-April, while the first fall frost usually arrives around mid-November.
- What is the rainy season in Lafayette?
- June records the highest rainfall with about 4.6 inches on average, contributing to the city's annual total of roughly 37 inches.
- What is the warmest month in Lafayette?
- July typically brings the warmest weather, with average temperatures around 74°F.
- What is the coldest month in Lafayette?
- January typically delivers the coldest temperatures, averaging about 26°F.
- When can I start a vegetable garden in Lafayette?
- 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 Lafayette get?
- Lafayette experiences about 72 rainy days per year on average.
- What hardiness zone is Lafayette?
- Lafayette's USDA hardiness zone depends on its lowest average winter temperature. You can find the current zone designation by checking the USDA's online lookup tool using the city ZIP code.
Climate
Lafayette, Indiana experiences a humid subtropical climate zone. January temperatures typically hover near 26°F, while July averages reach 74°F, creating a 48°F seasonal swing.
Throughout the year, Lafayette collects about 37 inches of precipitation distributed across roughly 72 rainy days.
Local weather patterns depend on the city's latitude at 40.4°N, its proximity to large water bodies, and elevation. These factors determine what grows in the area, when frost occurs, and the daily weather conditions.