The weather in Indianapolis is characterised by four distinct seasons and a humid continental climate. Summers are typically hot, humid, and wet, with average highs at around 85°F (29°C) in July. Winters are usually quite frosty and often snowy, with average lows of a crisp 20°F (-7°C) in January.
The absence of mountain ranges to the north of Indy, which allows frigid winds from Canada to strike the city unhindered, exacerbates the cold. Indy nonetheless experiences fewer than 24 snowy days during the year. Average annual snowfall sits at around 26 inches (66cm). Spring and autumn are typically fairly pleasant but unpredictable, with occasional rainfall.
With an average annual precipitation of around 44 inches (112cm), rainfall is spread throughout the year but is heaviest during late spring and summer. The city’s average humidity hovers around 73 percent through the year. December sees the highest readings, when cloud cover is at its densest.
Those who enjoy getting out of the house will want to do so from late spring in May to autumn in September, when Indy experiences its most pleasant conditions. These months are mostly sunny with temperatures ranging from 56°F (13°C) to 85°F (29°C), and there are plenty of opportunities to get outdoors and explore the city’s many attractions.
Sunshine is generally in short supply from December to February, and temperatures drop below freezing. Wind chill on the open prairie can make it feel significantly colder than the thermometer suggests. Snowstorms are also common, and freezing rain can be just as disruptive. Indianapolis is not in a traditional high-risk zone for extreme weather, but it does experience snowstorms, thunderstorms, occasional tornadoes, and heavy rainstorms that can lead to localised flooding.