Early winter · Weather & things to do
Indianapolis in December
Indianapolis 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 12 min
- Comfort score
- 41/100 · Tough
What December feels like
It's cold: daytime highs average just 39°F (4°C), so build the days around warm stops.
Average lows of 24°F (-4°C) mean frosty nights and icy mornings.
About 3.3 in (83 mm) of rain or snow falls in the month, and with temperatures averaging below freezing, much of it may come as snow.
Only about 9 h 12 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 12 min of daylight.
- Comfort slips from 63/100 in November to 41/100.
- 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 24°F
- Insulated, waterproof bootssnow is likely on some days
- Waterproof outer layerabout 3.3 in of rain or snow
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Indianapolis in December
Cold days call for a roof: these picks favor sit-down and indoor stops, plus a few for drier spells.
Newfields
Indianapolis Museum of Art plus 100+ acres of gardens and the Lilly House.
Why now An indoor-leaning stop when highs sit around 39°F.
Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum
Race cars and Indy 500 history at the speedway; grounds tours often run.
Why now A way to spend part of a cold day out of the wind.
Garage Food Hall
Food hall in Bottleworks' old Coca-Cola bottling garage with local vendors.
Why now A warm sit-down stop when highs sit around 39°F.
St. Elmo Steak House
Downtown steakhouse since 1902, famous for a fiery horseradish shrimp cocktail.
Why now Somewhere to warm up between colder walks.
Sun King Brewery
Downtown taproom of one of Indiana's best-known craft breweries.
Why now A cozy break on a 39°F day.
Nearby in December
- Broad Ripple in December~7 mi · highs 39°F, 3.3 in rain or snow · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Downtown Cincinnati in December~99 mi · highs 43°F, 3.6 in rain or snow · 2°C (4°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Louisville in December~107 mi · highs 43°F, 4.3 in rain or snow · 3°C (5°F) warmer by day, wetter
- Indiana Dunes in December~138 mi · highs 37°F, 2.4 in rain or snow · 1°C (2°F) cooler by day, drier
These averages also cover Downtown Indianapolis.
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.
Indianapolis in December: quick answers
Is December a good time to visit Indianapolis?
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. Our Indiana & Ohio City-Nature Loop recommends May – Oct, so December is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Indianapolis 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 Indianapolis 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 Indianapolis 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 picks involve some walking).
More on Indianapolis
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