Early winter · Weather & things to do
Broad Ripple in December
Broad Ripple cools off: highs slip to 39°F (4°C), from 51°F in November, with lows of 24°F (-4°C) and about 3.3 in (83 mm) of rain or snow.
With a comfort score of 41/100 (12th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by cool days.
- Avg high
- 39°F (4°C)
- Avg low
- 24°F (-4°C)
- Rain or snow
- 3.3 in (83 mm)
- Humidity
- 86%
- Cloud cover
- 72%
- Daylight
- ~9 h 11 min
- Comfort score
- 41/100 · Tough
What December feels like
Real cold sets in, with afternoon highs around 39°F (4°C).
Nights drop below freezing, with an average low of 24°F (-4°C), so expect frost and ice.
Expect about 3.3 in (83 mm) of precipitation (rain or snow). Because the average temperature is below freezing, snow is likely on some days.
Only about 9 h 11 min of daylight means early sunsets.
Plan around December
December is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are September & October.
- Freezing nights return: average lows drop to 24°F.
- Snow becomes likely from December, so check road and trail conditions.
- Shortest days of the year, about 9 h 11 min of daylight.
- Comfort slips from 63/100 in November to 41/100.
- Our Indianapolis New Year's Eve route is planned for Dec 30 – Jan 1, a window set by the holiday season rather than the weather — December is part of it.
What to pack for December
- Hat, gloves and thermal base layerslows around 24°F
- Insulated, waterproof bootssnow is likely on some days
- Waterproof outer layerabout 3.3 in of rain or snow
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Broad Ripple in December
With highs near 39°F, these picks lean toward food, drink and places with a roof, with outdoor options when the weather breaks.
Vogue Theatre
1938 movie house turned music venue on College Avenue; it hosted a 21+ NYE show in 2025.
Why now Our curated notes say it's best Dec 31, 9 pm – 1 am.
Holcomb Gardens
Formal gardens and a canal-side lawn on the Butler University campus, a short drive south of the village.
Broad Ripple Park
City park on the north bank of the White River with riverside paths and a view back toward the village.
Newfields
The Indianapolis Museum of Art and its gardens; Winterlights fills the grounds with about 2 million lights into early January.
Why now An indoor-leaning stop when highs sit around 39°F.
Nearby in December
- Indianapolis in December~7 mi · highs 39°F, 3.3 in rain or snow · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Downtown Cincinnati in December~102 mi · highs 43°F, 3.6 in rain or snow · 2°C (4°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Louisville in December~114 mi · highs 43°F, 4.3 in rain or snow · 3°C (5°F) warmer by day, wetter
- Indiana Dunes in December~132 mi · highs 37°F, 2.4 in rain or snow · 1°C (2°F) cooler by day, drier
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid. Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Broad Ripple in December: quick answers
Is December a good time to visit Broad Ripple?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 41/100, held back mainly by cool days. The best months are September & October. Expect highs of 39°F (4°C) and 3.3 in (83 mm) of rain or snow.
How cold is Broad Ripple in December?
Average highs are 39°F (4°C) and average lows 24°F (-4°C), making it the 3rd-coldest month by daytime highs, with nights below freezing on average.
Does it snow a lot in Broad Ripple in December?
Some: about 3.3 in (83 mm) of rain or snow falls across December on average, the 5th-driest month of the year. With temperatures this low, much of it may fall as snow. The annual total is about 44.9 in (1141 mm).
What should I pack for Broad Ripple in December?
Bring hat, gloves and thermal base layers (lows around 24°F), insulated, waterproof boots (snow is likely on some days), waterproof outer layer (about 3.3 in of rain or snow) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
More on Broad Ripple
Routes in season in December
- Indianapolis New Year's Eve Dec 30 – Jan 1
Planning Broad Ripple in December?
Bring the crew into one shared trip: vote on dates, build the day-by-day plan, split costs and share one packing list.