Weather
Indiana Halloween Weather: 35% of Past Holidays Saw Rain
Indianapolis, IN – With Halloween approaching Saturday, Oct. 31, families across central Indiana may be wondering whether trick or treating will require jackets, umbrellas or extra layers. Historical
By Avery Collins · 2026-10-23T09:58:53.375Z
Indianapolis, IN – With Halloween approaching Saturday, Oct. 31, families across central Indiana may be wondering whether trick or treating will require jackets, umbrellas or extra layers. Historical weather records show that Halloween in Indianapolis has brought everything from unusually warm afternoons to freezing temperatures and occasional snowfall.
According to the National Weather Service in Indianapolis, the city's average Halloween high temperature is 60 degrees, while the average low is 42 degrees, based on records dating to 1871.
However, those averages tell only part of the story.
The warmest Halloween high temperature on record reached 82 degrees in 1950. At the opposite extreme, Indianapolis recorded highs of just 35 degrees in both 1873 and 1878.
Overnight temperatures have also varied significantly. The warmest Halloween low was 62 degrees, recorded in 1876 and 1900, while the coldest low dropped to 24 degrees in 1925 and 1988.
How Often Does Halloween Bring Rain?
National Weather Service records indicate measurable precipitation has occurred on approximately 35% of Halloweens in Indianapolis since 1871.
The wettest Halloween occurred in 2013, when 2.01 inches of precipitation fell.
Snowfall is considerably less common, but it has happened. The greatest recorded Halloween snowfall was 0.1 inch, occurring in both 1890 and 2014.
Historical temperature frequencies also show that Halloween highs have landed in the 60s more often than any other temperature range, with 62 recorded occurrences in the historical dataset shown.
What This Means for Halloween 2026
These records provide historical context rather than a forecast for Saturday, Oct. 31.
Families planning outdoor celebrations should monitor updated National Weather Service forecasts as Halloween approaches, particularly for evening temperatures, precipitation and wind conditions.
For Indianapolis residents, history suggests preparing for changing conditions is a sensible Halloween tradition.