Memorial Day usually kicks off summer in Indiana, and you’ll often find the weather mild or even pretty warm. Highs across the state generally land in the low to mid-70s, while nighttime lows slip into the 50s. It’s one of those late spring holidays that feels comfortable, although weather patterns can change in a hurry.
Rainfall chances stick around this time of year, with late May ranking among Indiana’s wetter weeks. Light showers or thunderstorms pop up pretty often, but some years bring stretches of dry, pleasant weather that are just right for outdoor fun.
Cloud cover comes and goes, yet sunshine usually breaks through enough for barbecues, parades, and lake trips.
Indiana stretches from the Ohio River Valley up to the Great Lakes, so weather can look different depending on where you spend the holiday. Southern spots like Evansville tend to run warmer, while places up north, like Fort Wayne, stay a bit cooler.
Knowing these patterns can help you plan if you’re heading to a cookout, exploring a state park, or catching the Indy 500.
Typical Memorial Day Weather in Indiana
When you plan for Memorial Day in Indiana, you’ll usually get mild to warm temperatures, a shot at scattered rain, and some year-to-year surprises. The holiday signals the shift into summer, but spring still has some say in the forecast.
Average High and Low Temperatures
By late May, Indiana typically gets daytime highs in the mid to upper 70s (°F). Down south in Evansville, highs often hit the low 80s, while Fort Wayne up north tends to stay closer to the mid-70s.
Nighttime lows usually land between 55°F and 60°F. Rural areas can feel cooler, sometimes dropping into the upper 40s.
These temps make outdoor activities comfortable, though it can feel chilly after sunset.
If you’re in Indianapolis, the average Memorial Day high sits around 77°F, with lows near 58°F. That balance of warm days and cooler nights is pretty standard across Indiana.
Precipitation Patterns
Rain shows up pretty often in Indiana in late May. On Memorial Day, you’ve got about a 30–40% chance of measurable precipitation, depending on where you are.
Showers usually pop up in the afternoon and sometimes bring a quick thunderstorm.
The end of May averages 4 to 5 inches of rain across the month, so unsettled weather on the holiday weekend isn’t rare.
Humidity can climb, especially in central and southern Indiana, making the air feel a bit warmer than the thermometer says. If you’re planning something outside, it’s smart to have an indoor backup just in case.
Weather Variability by Year
Memorial Day weather in Indiana can swing pretty wildly. Some years bring sunny skies and highs in the 80s, while others get stuck in the 60s with rain.
Records show southern Indiana has seen Memorial Day highs in the 90s, but other years, the north barely hits 65°F. Frost is rare by now, but don’t be shocked if you wake up to a chilly morning.
Indiana sits between northern cool air and southern warmth, and that mix makes forecasts less predictable. Always check local updates before you lock in your plans.
Temperature Trends for Late May
Late May in Indiana usually brings mild to warm days, but the range can be wide. Some days feel like summer, while mornings might still carry a spring chill.
Looking at historic extremes and recent Memorial Day records can help set realistic expectations.
Historic Temperature Extremes
Indiana’s climate history shows late May can swing from unseasonably cool to surprisingly hot. Back in 2018, the statewide average high hit 81.6°F, with lows around 57.8°F. That month felt more like July than May.
On the flip side, 1924 stands out as the coldest May, with average highs near 66.3°F and lows around 43.1°F. You’d definitely need a jacket for mornings back then.
These numbers show just how much Indiana’s weather can change as Memorial Day approaches. Most years fall somewhere in the middle, but highs in the lower 70s or even upper 80s can happen. If you’re planning something outside, that variability matters.
Recent Memorial Day Temperature Records
In the last few decades, Memorial Day in Indiana has leaned toward pleasant but sometimes unpredictable. In Indianapolis, late May averages 63–65°F, with daytime highs around 72–75°F and nighttime lows in the 50s.
Some years, it gets warmer. Highs can climb into the upper 80s during dry stretches, but a cold front can keep things in the 60s.
The rest of the state follows a similar pattern. Northern Indiana stays a few degrees cooler than southern Indiana, where warm air from the Ohio Valley pushes temperatures up.
If you’re hitting parades, cookouts, or the lake, you’ll usually get comfortable weather, but be ready for a cool breeze or a warm spell.
Precipitation and Rainfall on Memorial Day
Rain is pretty common in Indiana around late May, and Memorial Day can bring unsettled weather. You should be ready for both dry and wet conditions, since rainfall on this holiday can swing either way.
Chance of Rain and Wet Days
Memorial Day lands during a stretch when spring showers still hang around. Historical records say rain falls on this holiday about one-third to one-half of the time in the Midwest, and Indiana fits that trend.
You might see measurable precipitation (at least 0.01 inches) on many Memorial Days, with lighter sprinkles also pretty common. Some years stay totally dry, while others bring showers or longer spells of rain.
Average daily rainfall for late May is modest, usually 0.10–0.20 inches, but thunderstorms can quickly push totals higher.
If you’re planning outdoor activities, remember that even a short afternoon storm can disrupt things.
On the flip side, plenty of Memorial Days stay pleasant and dry, especially if high pressure settles in. That kind of variability makes checking the forecast ahead of time a really good idea.
Notable Rainfall Events
Some Memorial Days in Indiana have featured heavy precipitation. Big storm systems have dropped over an inch of rain in places, soaking gatherings and parades. Occasionally, rainfall totals get high enough to cause localized flooding.
Thunderstorms drive most of the wetter holidays. Sometimes, severe storms bring hail, gusty winds, and downpours that push rain totals well above average. These big events aren’t super common, but they’re hard to forget when they happen.
Other years, Memorial Day passes with barely a sprinkle or none at all. That range is why you really should check the forecast before making travel or outdoor plans in Indiana.
Regional Weather Differences Across Indiana
Weather around Memorial Day in Indiana can shift depending on where you are. Central spots like Indianapolis usually see mild to warm weather, but northern and southern regions can differ in both temperature and rainfall.
Indianapolis Memorial Day Weather
In Indianapolis, late May brings daytime highs in the low to mid-70s°F and overnight lows in the mid-50s°F. The weather usually feels good for outdoor events, though humidity starts to creep up as summer nears.
Rain chances are moderate. The city averages about 4 inches of rainfall in May, with roughly 12 wet days during the month.
This means Memorial Day weekend often includes a chance of showers, but you’ll also get long stretches of dry weather.
Skies stay partly clear more than half the time, so you’re likely to see some sunshine. Daylight lasts over 14 hours, giving you plenty of time for outdoor fun, even if a quick storm rolls through.
Northern vs. Southern Indiana Conditions
Northern Indiana, including Fort Wayne and spots near Lake Michigan, tends to be cooler. Highs usually fall in the upper 60s to low 70s°F, and nights can slip into the upper 40s°F. Rainfall is lighter than in central Indiana, but cloud cover is more common, which can block out some sun.
Southern Indiana, especially near Evansville, runs warmer. Highs reach the upper 70s to near 80°F, with lows in the upper 50s to low 60s°F. Rainfall is a bit higher than up north, and the days get more humid as summer approaches.
This north-south difference means you might want a light jacket for evenings up north, while in the south, lighter clothes and maybe some extra water for muggy days work better.
Weather Considerations for Outdoor Activities
Late May in Indiana brings mild afternoons but cooler mornings and evenings. You’ll also want to watch out for scattered rain, which can affect gatherings, parades, or cookouts outside.
Planning Around Temperature Fluctuations
Temperatures around Memorial Day in Indiana usually range from the upper 60s to the mid-70s during the day. Nights and mornings often dip into the 50s, which can feel pretty cool if you’re outside for a while.
It’s smart to dress in layers. A light jacket or sweater keeps you warm in the morning, and you can switch to short sleeves by afternoon. If you’ve got young kids or older folks with you, bringing extra clothes helps everyone stay comfortable.
If you’re spending all day outside, consider shaded seating or a portable canopy. Afternoon sun can feel warm, even when the temperature says low 70s. For grilling or sports, staying hydrated is important since it can heat up fast in the sun.
| Time of Day | Typical Temperature | Suggested Clothing |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | 50s–low 60s °F | Light jacket, long sleeves |
| Afternoon | Upper 60s–mid 70s °F | Short sleeves, breathable fabrics |
| Evening | 50s–low 60s °F | Sweater or light jacket |
Rain Preparedness for Events
Rain isn’t rare around Memorial Day in Indiana. Light showers or quick storms can pass through, especially when clouds build up in the afternoon. Even if the forecast says partly sunny, you might still get a stray shower.
For outdoor events, it pays to have a backup plan. Renting a tent, setting up a covered picnic spot, or knowing the nearest indoor option keeps your plans on track. If you’re headed to a parade or memorial service, a small umbrella or poncho is easy to bring along.
Ground conditions matter, too. Lawns and parks get muddy after even a quick shower. Waterproof shoes or a blanket with a protective layer can make things more comfortable. Checking the forecast the night before—and again in the morning—gives you the best shot at adjusting your plans if rain looks likely.
Long-Term Climate Context for Memorial Day
Memorial Day weather in Indiana usually reflects the shift from spring into summer. You’ll probably get a mix of mild to warm temperatures, with rain chances that are typical for late spring—though they might stand out more since everyone’s outside.
Comparing Memorial Day to Other Spring Days
If you look at Memorial Day and stack it up against earlier spring days in Indiana, you can really feel the difference. Late May usually brings average highs in the low to mid-70s °F.
At night, temperatures often drop into the low to mid-50s °F. That’s definitely warmer than April, when highs tend to hang out in the 60s °F.
June, on the other hand, usually pushes closer to the 80s °F. So, Memorial Day lands right in the middle—not too hot, not too cool.
Rain plays a big role too. Indiana typically gets about 4 to 5 inches of rain during May, making it one of the wetter months of the year.
On Memorial Day, you’ve got about a one-in-three shot at seeing measurable rain. Other May days have pretty much the same odds.
Storms don’t follow a strict schedule, but afternoon and evening thunderstorms seem to pop up the most.
When you’re making plans, expect comfortable daytime weather most years. Still, showers or storms could show up, so don’t be surprised.
If you compare it to early spring holidays like Easter, Memorial Day almost never brings chilly conditions or frost.
Climate Change and Recent Trends
Over the past few decades, Indiana has actually gotten warmer in late May. Highs hit the upper 70s °F more often now, and nights don’t get quite as chilly as they did back in the mid-1900s.
Honestly, it’s rare to get those really cold Memorial Days anymore.
Rainfall patterns have changed too. May is still one of the wettest months, but now we get more heavy downpours than we used to.
When it rains, you’ll probably notice that it comes in fast, intense bursts instead of those gentle, all-day drizzles.
If you’re planning something outside, you’ll probably deal with warmer, stickier weather more often. There’s also a bigger chance that thunderstorms will pop up out of nowhere.
Sure, we still get those classic dry and sunny Memorial Days, but it really does seem like the wet, dramatic weather is becoming more common.