Early winter · Weather & things to do
Indiana Dunes in December
Indiana Dunes cools off: highs slip to 37°F (3°C), from 49°F in November, with lows of 25°F (-4°C) and about 2.4 in (60 mm) of rain or snow.
With a comfort score of 43/100 (12th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by cool days.
- Avg high
- 37°F (3°C)
- Avg low
- 25°F (-4°C)
- Rain or snow
- 2.4 in (60 mm)
- Humidity
- 86%
- Cloud cover
- 73%
- Daylight
- ~9 h
- Comfort score
- 43/100 · Tough
What December feels like
Real cold sets in, with afternoon highs around 37°F (3°C).
Average lows of 25°F (-4°C) mean frosty nights and icy mornings.
About 2.4 in (60 mm) of rain or snow falls in the month, and with temperatures averaging below freezing, much of it may come as snow.
Daylight is short, roughly 9 h mid-month, so start sightseeing early.
Plan around December
December is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are September.
- Freezing nights return: average lows drop to 25°F.
- Snow becomes likely from December, so check road and trail conditions.
- Shortest days of the year, about 9 h of daylight.
- Comfort slips from 60/100 in November to 43/100.
- Our Indiana & Ohio City-Nature Loop recommends May – Oct, so December falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for December
- Hat, gloves and thermal base layerslows around 25°F
- Insulated, waterproof bootssnow is likely on some days
- Waterproof outer layerabout 2.4 in of rain or snow
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Indiana Dunes in December
With highs near 37°F, these picks lean toward food, drink and places with a roof, with outdoor options when the weather breaks.
Shoreline Brewery
Michigan City brewpub with house beers and pub food near the lakefront.
Why now A warm sit-down stop when highs sit around 37°F.
Wagner's Ribs
Porter rib house known for slabs of barbecue ribs since the 1970s.
Why now Somewhere to warm up between colder walks.
Lucrezia Café
Northern Italian restaurant in a historic Chesterton house.
Why now A cozy break on a 37°F day.
Indiana Dunes Visitor Center
Joint national and state park visitor center for maps, passes and trail conditions.
Chellberg Farm and Bailly Homestead
Restored 1880s Swedish farmstead and fur-trader homestead linked by trails.
Nearby in December
- Chicago in December~34 mi · highs 37°F, 2.3 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Holland in December~92 mi · highs 36°F, 2.7 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Milwaukee in December~105 mi · highs 33°F, 2.1 in rain or snow · 2°C (4°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Broad Ripple in December~132 mi · highs 39°F, 3.3 in rain or snow · 1°C (2°F) warmer by day, wetter
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.
Indiana Dunes in December: quick answers
Is December a good time to visit Indiana Dunes?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 43/100, held back mainly by cool days. The best months are September. Expect highs of 37°F (3°C) and 2.4 in (60 mm) of rain or snow. Our Indiana & Ohio City-Nature Loop recommends May – Oct, so December is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Indiana Dunes in December?
Average highs are 37°F (3°C) and average lows 25°F (-4°C), making it the 3rd-coldest month by daytime highs, with nights below freezing on average.
Does it snow a lot in Indiana Dunes in December?
Some: about 2.4 in (60 mm) of rain or snow falls across December on average, the 3rd-driest month of the year. With temperatures this low, much of it may fall as snow. The annual total is about 38.7 in (984 mm).
What should I pack for Indiana Dunes in December?
Bring hat, gloves and thermal base layers (lows around 25°F), insulated, waterproof boots (snow is likely on some days), waterproof outer layer (about 2.4 in of rain or snow) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on Indiana Dunes
Planning Indiana Dunes 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.