Mid-winter · Weather & things to do
Indianapolis in January
This is the coldest month in Indianapolis: highs average 35°F (1°C) and lows 19°F (-7°C), with about 3.0 in (75 mm) of rain or snow.
With a comfort score of 42/100 (11th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by cool days.
- Avg high
- 35°F (1°C)
- Avg low
- 19°F (-7°C)
- Rain or snow
- 3.0 in (75 mm)
- Humidity
- 87%
- Cloud cover
- 71%
- Daylight
- ~9 h 29 min
- Comfort score
- 42/100 · Tough
What January feels like
Highs only reach about 35°F (1°C), so plan short stints outside between indoor stops.
Nights drop below freezing, with an average low of 19°F (-7°C), so expect frost and ice.
Expect about 3.0 in (75 mm) of precipitation (rain or snow). Because the average temperature is below freezing, snow is likely on some days.
Daylight is short, roughly 9 h 29 min mid-month, so start sightseeing early.
Plan around January
January is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are September & October.
- Comfort holds steady from December (41 → 42/100).
- Our Indiana & Ohio City-Nature Loop recommends May – Oct, so January falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for January
- Hat, gloves and thermal base layerslows around 19°F
- Insulated, waterproof bootssnow is likely on some days
- Waterproof outer layerabout 3.0 in of rain or snow
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Indianapolis in January
With highs near 35°F, these picks lean toward food, drink and places with a roof, with outdoor options when the weather breaks.
Shapiro's Delicatessen
Family-run deli since 1905; cafeteria line for corned beef and pastrami.
Why now A warm sit-down stop when highs sit around 35°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.
Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum
Race cars and Indy 500 history at the speedway; grounds tours often run.
Why now An indoor-leaning stop when highs sit around 35°F.
Eiteljorg Museum
Museum of Native American and Western art in White River State Park.
Why now A way to spend part of a cold day out of the wind.
Sun King Brewery
Downtown taproom of one of Indiana's best-known craft breweries.
Why now A cozy break on a 35°F day.
Nearby in January
- Broad Ripple in January~7 mi · highs 35°F, 3.0 in rain or snow · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Downtown Cincinnati in January~99 mi · highs 39°F, 2.9 in rain or snow · 2°C (4°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Louisville in January~107 mi · highs 39°F, 3.3 in rain or snow · 3°C (5°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Indiana Dunes in January~138 mi · highs 32°F, 2.3 in rain or snow · 1°C (3°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 January: quick answers
Is January a good time to visit Indianapolis?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 42/100, held back mainly by cool days. The best months are September & October. Expect highs of 35°F (1°C) and 3.0 in (75 mm) of rain or snow. Our Indiana & Ohio City-Nature Loop recommends May – Oct, so January is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Indianapolis in January?
Average highs are 35°F (1°C) and average lows 19°F (-7°C), making it the coldest month by daytime highs, with nights below freezing on average.
Does it snow a lot in Indianapolis in January?
Some: about 3.0 in (75 mm) of rain or snow falls across January on average, the 2nd-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 January?
Bring hat, gloves and thermal base layers (lows around 19°F), insulated, waterproof boots (snow is likely on some days), waterproof outer layer (about 3.0 in of rain or snow) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
More on Indianapolis
Planning Indianapolis in January?
Bring the crew into one shared trip: vote on dates, build the day-by-day plan, split costs and share one packing list.