When you think about Thanksgiving in Indiana, the weather can feel just as unpredictable as the holiday traffic. Some years bring mild afternoons, while others have you bundling up against biting cold.
Most years, you’ll see highs near the mid-40s and lows around the freezing mark, but history shows that extremes always lurk in the background.
Maybe you remember a year when sunshine made travel a breeze, or another when a wintry mix slowed everything down. Indiana’s late November climate has churned out everything from soaking rain to measurable snow, so each holiday feels a bit different.
That variety really keeps you on your toes when planning ahead.
If you’re getting ready for gatherings, it helps to check what the numbers say about typical Thanksgiving weather, how often rain or snow shows up, and the rare but memorable extremes.
With decades of weather history to look at, you can get a sense of what’s normal—and what surprises might be waiting.
Typical Thanksgiving Temperatures in Indiana
Thanksgiving in Indiana usually brings cool to chilly conditions, but the day’s feel depends a lot on where you are in the state.
Temperatures swing widely from year to year. Some years feel mild, while others hit you with the coldest air of the season.
Average Highs and Lows
In central Indiana, including Indianapolis, you’ll usually see highs in the mid-40s to low 50s°F.
Lows often dip into the upper 20s to low 30s°F, so frosty mornings are pretty common.
Northern parts of the state, like South Bend and Fort Wayne, run a few degrees cooler.
Highs there often stick to the low to mid-40s, with lows in the mid-20s.
Southern Indiana, including Evansville, usually feels milder.
Highs often reach the low to mid-50s, while lows hover in the mid-30s. Traveling across the state can feel like you’re moving between different seasons.
| Location | Avg High (°F) | Avg Low (°F) |
|---|---|---|
| Indianapolis | 47–50 | 30–33 |
| Fort Wayne | 44–47 | 25–28 |
| South Bend | 43–46 | 25–28 |
| Evansville | 52–55 | 34–36 |
Temperature Variability Across the State
Be ready for big swings in temperature from year to year.
Some Thanksgivings feel mild enough for just a light jacket, while others force you into your heaviest coat.
Northern Indiana’s lake influence can make it feel colder, especially when the wind kicks up.
Central Indiana sees more stable conditions, but even here, highs can range from the 30s to 60s depending on the year.
Southern Indiana is your best bet for milder weather. If you’re heading there, you’ll probably notice the difference compared to central or northern counties.
This variability really defines Indiana’s late November climate.
Notable Temperature Records
Historical records reveal just how wide the range can be.
In Indianapolis, the warmest Thanksgiving hit 69°F in both 1896 and 1973.
The coldest low dropped to just 1°F in 1930, and that same year saw the coldest daytime high of 14°F.
Fort Wayne’s warmest Thanksgiving reached 67°F in 1915, while the coldest low matched Indianapolis at 1°F in 1930.
South Bend once hit 68°F on its warmest holiday, but has also plunged to 0°F on its coldest.
Evansville, sitting further south, has seen a high of 70°F on Thanksgiving, recorded in both 1981 and 2015.
Even there, the coldest lows have dipped into the low teens. These records really show how unpredictable Thanksgiving weather can be in Indiana.
Precipitation Trends and Patterns
Thanksgiving weather in Indiana swings between dry and wet, with measurable precipitation showing up in some years but not others.
Rain falls more often than snow, though both types have made their mark on holiday records.
Rainfall Frequency on Thanksgiving
If you check long-term records, measurable precipitation has shown up on about 4 out of every 10 Thanksgivings in central Indiana.
You’re more likely to see dry conditions, but rain still makes a regular appearance.
Most years just bring light showers if anything falls. Heavy rainfall is rare, but it happens—Indianapolis once picked up 1.45 inches of rain, the wettest Thanksgiving on record there.
Snow? That’s a lot less frequent.
Only about 7% of Thanksgivings have seen measurable snowfall in Indianapolis.
Even when it does snow, amounts are usually light and short-lived compared to rain events.
Notable Wet and Dry Years
Some years definitely stand out.
In 2010, central Indiana had its wettest Thanksgiving, with rainfall topping an inch and making travel and outdoor plans a hassle.
Other years, there’s not a drop of rain or a flake of snow.
The snowiest Thanksgiving in Indianapolis brought 2.4 inches back in 1902.
Fort Wayne saw 4 inches of snow in 1980, showing that northern Indiana can get heavier holiday snow than central areas.
Dry Thanksgivings aren’t rare, either. Clear skies and no precipitation make travel easier, but temperatures can still swing quite a bit.
Regional Differences in Precipitation
Your Thanksgiving precipitation experience in Indiana depends on your location.
In central Indiana, including Indianapolis, rain is the usual culprit, while snow is rare but possible.
Northern Indiana cities like Fort Wayne get a greater chance of snow thanks to colder temps and lake-effect influences.
This makes measurable snowfall more likely there than in central or southern Indiana.
In southern Indiana, conditions are milder and the risk of snow is pretty low.
Rainfall patterns are about the same as central Indiana, but snow on Thanksgiving? That’s almost unheard of.
These regional differences mean your holiday weather can look totally different depending on where you spend the day.
Snowfall Possibilities and Historical Events
Snowfall around Thanksgiving in Indiana happens, but it’s not common.
When snow does fall, it’s usually light, though a few years have brought heavier snow.
Regional differences matter—northern areas see more snow than central or southern parts.
Chances of Snowfall
Measurable snow on Thanksgiving in Indiana is rare.
Central Indiana, including Indianapolis, usually records little or no snow on the holiday.
On average, the day brings only a trace or about a tenth of an inch of precipitation, whether snow or rain.
Northern Indiana has a higher chance thanks to Lake Michigan, where lake-effect snow can kick in during late November.
Southern Indiana often stays too warm, so rain is more likely than snow.
The holiday’s timing matters, too.
Thanksgiving falls in late November, right at the transition from fall to winter.
Cold air outbreaks do happen, but sustained snow cover is pretty rare this early.
Memorable Snowy Thanksgivings
While snow isn’t typical, a few Thanksgivings in Indiana have been memorable for wintry conditions.
In 1980, Fort Wayne picked up about 4 inches of snow—the snowiest Thanksgiving on record there.
Earlier, in 1902, central Indiana saw around 2.4 inches, which is still a standout.
Other years brought less extreme but still notable snow.
Even a coating on the ground is rare enough that people remember it.
If you’re traveling, keep in mind that these snow events often meant slick roads and slower traffic.
For locals, they became part of family holiday stories.
Snowfall Amounts by Region
Snowfall amounts around Thanksgiving can vary a lot across Indiana.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Region | Typical Thanksgiving Snow | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Indiana | Up to 1–2 inches possible | Higher chance due to lake-effect snow |
| Central Indiana | Trace to 0.5 inches | Indianapolis rarely sees measurable snow |
| Southern Indiana | Rare, mostly rain | Warmer conditions limit snow chances |
If you’re in Indianapolis or other central cities, expect little to no snow most years.
Northern areas may get occasional accumulation, while southern counties almost never see snow on the holiday.
This regional difference lines up with Indiana’s climate patterns, where latitude and lake influence shape your holiday weather.
Weather Extremes on Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving weather in Indiana has ranged from mild and sunny to bitterly cold, with snow or rain.
Records show wild swings in temperature, precipitation, and even snowfall, so you never really know what you’ll get.
Warmest Thanksgivings on Record
The warmest Thanksgiving highs can reach into the upper 60s.
Indianapolis set its record high at 69°F, in both 1896 and 1973. Those years felt more like early fall than late November.
Sometimes, highs land in the 60s and lows in the 40s or 50s.
For instance, in 1966, the overnight low stayed at 55°F, which is unusually warm for this time of year.
These warm spells don’t happen often, but if you’re planning outdoor gatherings, they’re worth hoping for.
They remind you that Thanksgiving here doesn’t always mean heavy coats and frosty mornings.
Coldest Thanksgiving Days
The coldest air hit in 1930, when the high only reached 14°F and the low dropped to 1°F.
That year stands out as the harshest Thanksgiving in Indiana’s history.
More often, you’ll find highs in the 20s or 30s during colder years.
Records show at least 10 Thanksgivings with highs in the 20s and 40 with highs in the 30s.
When temperatures drop this low, travel gets tougher, and outdoor activities are limited.
Prepare for icy conditions if Thanksgiving lands during one of these cold spells.
Wettest and Driest Years
Rain and snow have shaped Thanksgiving weather, too.
The wettest year brought 1.45 inches of rain in 2010.
On average, measurable precipitation has happened on about 39% of Thanksgivings in Indianapolis.
Snow is less common, but still possible.
The heaviest Thanksgiving snowfall was 2.4 inches in 1902, and measurable snow has fallen only about 7% of the time.
Dry years show up more often, with many Thanksgivings passing without any rain or snow.
So your travel and outdoor plans are usually unaffected, but it’s always smart to check the forecast since things can turn quickly.
Regional Climate Differences Within Indiana
Indiana’s weather shifts depending on where you are.
Temperature, snowfall, and rainfall vary between the north, central, and south, so your Thanksgiving experience really depends on your location.
Indianapolis and Central Indiana
In Indianapolis and the surrounding central counties, Thanksgiving usually brings cool days and cold nights.
Average highs land in the mid-40s °F, while lows drop near freezing.
You might see cloudy skies, light rain, or even a dusting of snow.
Records show measurable precipitation has fallen on about 4 out of 10 Thanksgivings in Indianapolis.
Snow, though, is much less common, showing up on less than 10% of holidays.
Central Indiana sits in a spot where you get both northern cold fronts and southern warm air.
This overlap creates unpredictable swings.
Some years, you might enjoy a mild 60°F afternoon. Other times, highs get stuck in the 30s.
If you’re traveling within central Indiana, pack layers.
Conditions can change fast, and evenings often feel a lot colder than the afternoon.
Northern Indiana Cities
Northern Indiana, with places like South Bend and Fort Wayne, usually feels colder than the middle of the state. Thanksgiving highs stick around the upper 30s or low 40s. Lows often drop well into the 20s.
You’ll notice snow chances go up compared to Indianapolis. Lake Michigan really affects things, especially in the northwest. Lake-effect snow sometimes brings early flurries.
Heavy snow rarely falls on Thanksgiving itself, but that chilly air hits you a bit harder up here.
Rain doesn’t show up as much as snow in late November, but cloudy skies seem to take over most days.
Expect shorter, darker days, and that damp or frosty feeling is pretty common.
If you’re traveling north, get ready for icy roads in the morning. Even a light dusting of snow or frost can make highways and rural roads slick.
Southern Indiana Patterns
Southern Indiana, with cities like Evansville and Bloomington, usually gets milder Thanksgiving weather. Highs often climb into the upper 40s or low 50s. Lows tend to hang out in the mid-30s.
Snow barely shows up here in late November. You’re more likely to get light rain or just cloudy skies. Warmer air from the south keeps things less harsh than up north.
This part of the state feels less predictable, honestly. Some years bring sunny afternoons near 60°F. Other times, you might get a quick cool-down and that damp, chilly air.
The range is wider, but you don’t see as many extremes as in central or northern Indiana.
If you’ve got outdoor plans in southern Indiana, dress for cool but not freezing temps. A light jacket usually does the trick during the day. Evenings, though, can still feel brisk.
What to Expect: Thanksgiving Weather Preparation
Thanksgiving in Indiana often brings chilly air, a shot at rain or snow showers, and busy roads packed with holiday travelers. Planning ahead helps you deal with both the weather and the travel headaches that come with this time of year.
Travel Considerations
Thanksgiving week packs the roads, and Indiana weather can slow things down. Light snow or freezing rain often makes roads slick, especially in the morning when the temperatures dip below freezing. Even a dusting can mess with traction and stretch out your travel time.
Airports in Indianapolis and nearby cities sometimes see delays if rain or a wintry mix moves through. Major storms don’t show up all that often, but even a minor weather hiccup can ripple through airline schedules.
Leave yourself extra time for the trip and check forecasts often. If you’re driving, toss an emergency kit in the car—blankets, snacks, water, and a phone charger. For longer drives, plan fuel stops early, since some rural stations close up for the holiday.
Typical Weather Outlooks
Indiana’s Thanksgiving weather jumps around, but some patterns stick. Daytime highs usually run from the upper 30s to mid-40s °F. Nighttime lows drop into the 20s. This swing means rain during the day can freeze on untreated surfaces after sunset.
Rain showers happen more often than heavy snow, but light accumulations have popped up in past years. A mix of rain and snow is especially possible when a cold front moves in just before or on the holiday.
The coldest air usually shows up after these systems, so the Friday after Thanksgiving can feel much colder than the holiday itself.
Snowfall totals usually stay light, but when a storm tracks right across the state, you might get slowed down by several inches. So, expect anything from dry and chilly weather to damp, slushy roads.
Tips for Planning Activities
If you’re hosting or going to a get-together, you’ll probably need to think about the weather. Cold air usually keeps people inside more than they’d like, so grab your coat, hat, and gloves if you plan to walk or watch football outdoors.
I always like to have a backup indoor activity ready, just in case rain or snow decides to show up.
When you’re cooking or entertaining, remember that guests might show up late if the roads get slick. It’s probably best to keep meal times flexible.
If you’re setting up outdoor decorations or planning games, try to get everything ready the day before, since the weather’s often calmer then.
For outdoor fun, pick activities that don’t need perfectly dry ground. A quick walk around the neighborhood or a short yard game usually works out better than a big hike.
If the forecast calls for the coldest air of the season, maybe just stick with cozy indoor traditions like board games or movies.