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What to wear in Indianapolis?

Comfortable Clothes for Each Month & the Fashion Style in Indianapolis.

see 5 Day Clothes Forecast: Indianapolis

Clothes for the Seasons & each Month

We provide an overview of seasonal clothes and information on appropriate clothes for each month (Monthly Recommended Clothes).

Seasonal Overview

Winter
Indianapolis winters demand layers. A sturdy, insulated coat, hats, gloves, and waterproof boots are essential. Don't forget thermal layers to stay warm during outdoor activities. Pair these with jeans or thick leggings to combat the cold winds.

Spring
Spring in Indianapolis is unpredictable, so pack a mix of layers. A light jacket or sweater, jeans, and comfortable walking shoes are ideal. Be prepared for rain showers, so a waterproof jacket and umbrella are wise additions to your suitcase.

Summer
Summers are warm, calling for lightweight clothing. T-shirts, shorts, and sundresses are perfect for exploring the city. Bring sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunscreen for protection against the sun. Comfortable walking shoes are a must for sightseeing.

Fall
Fall brings cooler temperatures, so pack layers that can be added or removed. A jacket, scarves, and jeans are suitable. Consider bringing warmer attire for evenings. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for exploring fall festivals and outdoor events.

Monthly Recommended Clothes

The following are the recommended clothes for daytime and nighttime based on the average high/low temperatures for each month.

Jan - Mar
Apr - Jun
Jul - Sep
Oct - Dec

Recommended Clothes in Indianapolis

month	Clothes
Jan	Daytime: A down jacket, gloves, warm hat and so on. Nighttime: Clothes are the same as daytime, but very cold outside.
Feb	Daytime: A coat or down jacket, gloves, a warm hat and so on. Nighttime: A down jacket, gloves or mittens, warm hat and so on. Very cold outside.
Mar	Daytime: A jacket or coat. Gloves and warm hat may be necessary. Nighttime: A coat or down jacket, gloves, a warm hat and so on.
Apr	Daytime: A light jacket, sweater, or light winter clothes (jacket or coat). Nighttime: A jacket or coat. Gloves and warm hat may be necessary.
May	Daytime: Sometimes a T-shirt, short-sleeved shirt. Sometimes a long-sleeved shirt, light jacket, sweater. Nighttime: A light jacket, sweater, or light winter clothes (jacket or coat).
Jun	Daytime: A T-shirt or tank top, and shorts or jeans. Nighttime: A long-sleeved shirt, light jacket or sweater, but sometimes a short-sleeved shirt is good.
Jul	Daytime: A T-shirt or tank top, and shorts or jeans. Nighttime: A short-sleeved shirt, sometimes a long-sleeved shirt.
Aug	Daytime: A T-shirt or tank top, and shorts or jeans. Nighttime: A long-sleeved shirt, light jacket or sweater, but sometimes a short-sleeved shirt is good.
Sep	Daytime: A T-shirt, tank top or short-sleeved shirt. Nighttime: A light jacket, sweater, or light winter clothes (jacket or coat).
Oct	Daytime: Sometimes a short-sleeved shirt is good, but sometimes light winter clothes are necessary. Nighttime: A jacket or coat. Gloves and warm hat may be necessary.
Nov	Daytime: A jacket or coat. Gloves and warm hat may be necessary. Nighttime: A coat or down jacket, gloves, a warm hat and so on.
Dec	Daytime: A coat or down jacket, gloves, a warm hat and so on. Nighttime: A down jacket, gloves or mittens, warm hat and so on. Very cold outside.

Average temperature

Low : Average low temperature, High : Average high temperature

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More Information

Indianapolis

Indianapolis is the capital of Indiana, known as the "Crossroads of America." A maze of interstates interconnect through and around the city. Indianapolis has four unmistakeable seasons. Summers are long, warm, and humid while winters are cold, short, windy. In addition, it's partly cloudy throughout the year. The city is located in a conversion zone bound by humid subtropical environmental conditions.

Indianapolis Weather

During a one year period, temperatures vary from 21°F to 85°F and seldom falls below 3°F or higher than 92°F. Indiana itself also rests in Tornado Alley; the area of the United States where tornadoes are most frequent. In fact, 80% of America's tornadoes cross this path. It's emblematic of cities in the Midwest region when it comes to weather with comparatively level terrain and a combination of prairie and ephemeral forest. As you can see, Indianapolis weather could wreck havoc with your wardrobe so you have to plan carefully!

The Four Seasons of Indianapolis

Summers are warm with the average high temperatures in the mid-80s in June, July, and August. The city winters are typical of a mid-western climate. January is the coldest with the temperature averaging around 30 degrees.

In a nutshell:

Spring is from March until May and known as the tornado season. The weather is erratic and unpredictable. The typical high is around 52°F to 73°F. March temperatures can reach as lows as 33°F, April 42°F and May 53°F. Regardless of the weather during the day, the evening hours can get quite cold. If you step out with short sleeves in the daytime during the spring season, bring a jacket of light to weight for the evening.
Summer starts in June and last until September. It's an uncomfortable muddle with temperatures reaching up to 90°F. Not only that, it gets sticky with intense humidity as well. Natural fibers that breath are your friend! Loose clothing, regular shorts and Bermuda shorts, or trousers to the knee are some of the basic wardrobe necessities.
Fall is between October and November. Though October temperatures remain high, the climate is cooler and a relief from the hot summer weather. The average temperature is around 55°F in October and goes down to roughly 45°F in November. Frost and snow could make an appearance and rainfall is moderate with low sunlight.
Winter is December (the grayest month) until February. It's cold with temperatures reaching as lows as 32°F and lower in January. February is a bit warmer. However, during the night temperatures can go below freezing.

Your wardrobe will require a broad variety of lengths, weights, and materials in order to tackle the Indianapolis weather. There's no cutting corners!

Getting Your Wardrobe Together in Indianapolis

The Indianapolis 500 is a very popular event in the city. Racing fans from around the country gather to cheer their favorite racing team. You might think the attire is rather formal or at least designer-ish. Yet, people dress casual in shorts and t-shirts chilling-out as the event takes place. Therefore, if you really want to know how to dress for the seasons in Indianapolis, check the weather forecast. Remember, the weather in this city can be erratic even though there are four distinct seasons.

Spring and summer are somewhat easier when making clothing choices than the winter months. However, spring is a mischievous time of year in Indianapolis with vast temperature changes throughout the day. This is why it's important to check the weather forecast. The winter is not too friendly either. You will need a good, heavy winter coat or jacket, hat, gloves, boots, the whole-nine-yards. In fact, throw in a snowsuit and heavy scarves while you're at it!

If you enjoy various events and attractions, Indianapolis has a fantastic art and music culture. Due to the pervasiveness of these activities along with the various colleges and universities scattered throughout the city, the attire has a more laid-back approach. Jeans, hoodies, and t-shirts are worn throughout the region. Many young people prefer multifarious looks in the city and layering is very popular. Second-hand and consignment shops are also favored, making it easier to save on clothing while adapting to the city's unpredictable weather.

Business attire is a common occurrence as there are a vast amount of professional and governmental agencies. Even so, the style is usually more casual and traditional than formal. If you are a sports fan feel free to wear your team's logo. It's a popular thing around the city. Whatever you do, make sure your wardrobe is practical for Indianapolis seasons and wear what you please!