Things to do in Indianapolis in January

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Overview

January is a less popular time to visit Indianapolis. The weather is usually really cold and breezy, with temperatures ranging from 20—35°F (-7—2°C). There are plenty of events to check out and activities to try in Indianapolis during this time. Some of our top recommendations: attend the Indianapolis Home Show, explore the Indianapolis Zoo's Winter Nights, attend the Devour Indy Winterfest, and more!

Indianapolis has plenty to offer for visitors of all ages and interests. In this article, we tell you the top things to see and do for your January trip to Indianapolis. Get inspired by the events, activities, attractions, and experiences unique to January. We’ll let you know where to explore events based on your interests, whether that’s food, culture, art, music, sport or others.

We’ll let you know everything you need to prepare for the weather in Indianapolis in January. Learn about what to wear and pack for your trip, the average temperatures throughout January, temperature changes from morning to evening and much more.

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Don't take our word for it
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Best events and things to do in Indianapolis in January

Top experiences in January
Attend the Indianapolis Home Show
This annual event takes place in January and offers a wide variety of home improvement and design ideas, as well as expert advice and inspiration for your next home project. Whether you're a homeowner or just looking for some creative ideas, the home show offers a unique experience to explore the latest trends in home improvement and design.
Explore the Indianapolis Zoo's Winter Nights
During January, the Indianapolis Zoo offers a special evening event where visitors can see the animals in a different light. The zoo is beautifully lit up with festive lights, and there are special activities and entertainment for the whole family to enjoy. It's a magical way to experience the zoo in the winter months.
Attend the Devour Indy Winterfest
This annual food festival takes place in January and offers special prix fixe menus at some of the city's best restaurants. It's a great opportunity to try new dishes and explore the culinary scene in Indianapolis. With a wide variety of participating restaurants, there's something for every palate to enjoy.
Take a winter hike at Eagle Creek Park
January is a great time to explore the natural beauty of Indianapolis, and Eagle Creek Park offers scenic trails and stunning views of the winter landscape. Whether you're an avid hiker or just looking for a peaceful outdoor experience, the park is a great place to connect with nature in the winter months.
Take a carriage ride through downtown Indianapolis
In January, the city offers special carriage rides that take you through the heart of downtown, offering a unique perspective on the city's architecture and landmarks. It's a romantic and charming way to experience the city in the winter months.
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Holidays in Indianapolis in January
January
  • New Year's Day (January 1)
Other notable holidays

Weather in Indianapolis in January

Temperatures on an average day in Indianapolis in January

The average temperature in Indianapolis in January for a typical day ranges from a high of 35°F (2°C) to a low of 20°F (-7°C). Some would describe it as really cold and breezy.

For comparison, the hottest month in Indianapolis, July, has days with highs of 85°F (29°C) and lows of 66°F (19°C). The coldest month, January has days with highs of 35°F (2°C) and lows of 20°F (-7°C). This graph shows how an average day looks like in Indianapolis in January based on historical data.

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Historical temperature average in January
35°F
highs
20°F
lows

General weather summary

Really cold and breezy
Feels like
26%
Chance of rain
0.115 in
Amount
16.6 mph
Wind speed
94%
Humidity
9.7 hrs
Daylight length
8:02 AM
Sunrise
5:44 PM
Sunset
38%
Cloud cover
Thick winter coat with gloves
What to wear
What to wear in January
With an average high of 35°F (2°C) and a low of 20°F (-7°C), it generally feels really cold and breezy. There might also be a small chance of rain. With that in mind, most people would dress in something toasty like a thick winter coat with gloves
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Best attractions for Indianapolis in January

Besides the array of exciting events and activities Indianapolis has to offer for travelers in January, we want to remind you of the classic attractions in Indianapolis that are great to visit at this time of the year as well! You can’t miss these iconic landmarks, local favorites, and places rich with cultural heritage. We hope to give you insights and inspiration into the best things to see and do to make the most of your visit. Here is a list of our top attractions in Indianapolis for January.
The Children's Museum of Indianapolis
1. The Children's Museum of Indianapolis
4.7
(15668)
Children's museum
Museums
Huge, interactive kids' museum including a planetarium, carousel, science labs & library.
Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum
2. Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum
4.8
(3829)
Heritage museum
Sights & Landmarks
Set within the famed racetrack, this museum showcases classic race cars & motorsports memorabilia.
Indianapolis Zoo
3. Indianapolis Zoo
4.5
(19134)
Zoo
Zoos & Aquariums
Zoo with an aquarium, rides, shows, petting & play areas, plus an indoor/outdoor garden.
Lucas Oil Stadium
4. Lucas Oil Stadium
4.7
(13023)
Stadium
Fun & Games
Retractable-roof stadium with modern amenities is home to the Indianapolis Colts, concerts & more.
Newfields
5. Newfields
4.7
(5666)
Art museum
Sights & Landmarks
Comprehensive art museum with nature park & historic mansion, plus films, concerts, lectures & more.
Victory Field
6. Victory Field
4.8
(4986)
Stadium
Sights & Landmarks
Home field for the Indianapolis Indians includes arcade, bar & grill, picnic area, fireworks & more.
Central Canal
7. Central Canal
4.8
(299)
Sights & Landmarks
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Monument Cir
8. Monument Cir
Sights & Landmarks
Monuments & Statues
Limestone monument with several sculptures & an observation level in square with many events.
Eiteljorg Museum
9. Eiteljorg Museum
4.6
(1959)
Art museum
Museums
Museum exploring the art & culture of the American West, plus cafe, workshops & kids' activities.
Indiana War Memorial & Museum
10. Indiana War Memorial & Museum
4.7
(2686)
Museum
Sights & Landmarks
This columned building houses a shrine to fallen WWI soldiers, an ornate auditorium & a war museum.
Gainbridge Fieldhouse
11. Gainbridge Fieldhouse
4.6
(10223)
Arena
Sights & Landmarks
Home stadium for the Indiana Pacers, Fever & Ice also hosts big-name concerts & comedy tours.
Indiana State Museum
12. Indiana State Museum
4.6
(3839)
Museum
Event venue
Museum with a broad array of exhibits, ranging from fossils to pop culture, plus an IMAX theater.
Soldiers & Sailors Monument
13. Soldiers & Sailors Monument
4.7
(8873)
Monument
Sights & Landmarks
This neoclassical limestone memorial with an observation deck houses a Civil War museum & gift shop.
Indiana Convention Center
14. Indiana Convention Center
4.6
(1165)
Convention center
Banquet hall
White River State Park
15. White River State Park
4.7
(5115)
State park
Zoos & Aquariums
Park home to a zoo, amphitheater & myriad cultural venues, plus a riverside trail & canal walk.
Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site
16. Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site
4.7
(455)
Historical place museum
Sights & Landmarks
Exhibits & tours on the grounds of the 23rd U.S. president's home, plus lectures, theater & more.

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Indianapolis?

Get inspired for your trip to Indianapolis with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

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