Indiana’s Coldest January on Record Will Chill You to Your Core

Written by Nixza Gonzalez
Updated: March 16, 2023
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Indiana is a state in the United States located near Illinois, Ohio, and Kentucky. Indiana experiences cold winters especially because it’s in the north and some parts of the state are near a body of water. In Indiana, winters are cold and dry with heavy snowfall, but it depends on where in the state. Did you know January is among one of the coldest months in the year? Keep reading to discover Indiana’s coldest January on record.

Indiana’s Climate

Indiana gets the best of both worlds, hot and scorching summers, and freezing winters. In summer, the temperature skyrockets and the air becomes more humid. During winter the opposite happens, the temperature drops significantly, typically below freezing, and snow falls, but the air is dry. The average temperatures across the state vary from 21°F to 83°F. Both the warm and cold seasons last about 3 months with mild weather taking over the rest of the 6 months.

Interestingly, the state is very cloudy. Nearly 6 months of the year there are lots of clouds in the sky and just a little bit of sunshine. Just like how the coldest month in the year is January, it’s also the cloudiest month. The wet season in Indiana lasts from April 2 to August 22. Rainfall is also common in June and falls the least amount in January.

The Coldest January on Record in Indiana

The coldest temperature in January recorded in Indiana is also the overall coldest is ever been in that state. On January 19, 1994, Indiana residents woke up to freezing temperatures. The lowest that day was -27 degrees Fahrenheit observed at the Indianapolis International Airport. While Indiana has seen cold temperatures in the negatives since it has never dropped that low again!

The Coldest January Recorded in the United States

The coldest January recorded in the United States is also the coldest temperature across the country. On January 23, 1971, the temperature dropped so low in Prospect Creek, Alaska, north of Fairbanks, it reached -80 degrees Fahrenheit. This is a dangerous temperature to experience. Alaska frequently experiences below zero temperatures, but never -80 twice. If possible, stay indoors if where you live drops below -18 degrees Fahrenheit, even bundling up can still not be enough to beat the cold. Frostbite can develop quickly when you leave skin exposed to 18 degrees below Fahrenheit or lower.

What is the coldest place on Earth in January?

Baby Polar Bear - Cubs

Only animals like polar bears can survive in the coldest places on earth.

©Anne Kiel/Shutterstock.com

The coldest place on Earth in January is Oymyakon, Sakha Republic, Russia. It is the coldest inhabitable city in the world with a population of 500. The average temperature in this city is -58 degrees Fahrenheit but has reached lows of -88 degrees Fahrenheit before. According to NASA, the coldest point in the world, although uninhabitable, is a remote area in Antarctica. In the East Antarctic Plateau temperatures regularly drop to -136 degrees Fahrenheit. While we can’t survive living in Antarctica, there are Arctic animals who thrive in the environment like musk oxen and polar bears.

How to Stay Warm in Indiana Cold Winters

Staying warm will help you survive and enjoy cold winters. However, when temperatures, including wind chill, drop below -18 degrees Fahrenheit, experts don’t recommend going outside for more than 30 minutes or exposing any of your skin. However, most Indiana winters are manageable, they rarely drop into the negatives for long. Still, heavy snow is common, especially if a snowstorm is tumbling in the air.

To stay warm and safe in Indiana during the cold winters, bundle up as much as possible. If possible, invest in wool and layer up. Stay away from cotton. While it’s readily available, cotton absorbs water, so when it snows, your clothes will become soaking wet. Eat warm and nutritious foods, this helps keep your body warm during the season. It’s also important you stay hydrated! Many people forget to drink water when temperatures drop.

Animals in Indiana

Red fox

Foxes are common animals you might find in Indiana.

©Beatrice Prezzemoli/Shutterstock.com

Indiana is home to about 60 different types of mammals and even more amphibians and birds. Some of the larger mammals include black bears, white-tailed deer, coyotes, wild hogs, and mountain lions. There are also smaller animals like raccoons, foxes, groundhogs, and cottontail rabbits. Most of these animals survive winter with a thick coat, while others hibernate. If you like to bird watch, you are in for a treat! Indiana is home to some of the most popular and beautiful birds in the nation including bald eagles, wild turkeys, Canadian geese, and barn owls.

Up Next:

Discover the Coldest Place in Iowa

Discover the Coldest Place in Wisconsin 

First Snow in Wyoming: The Earliest and Latest First Snows on Record

Discover the Coldest Place in Indiana 

The photo featured at the top of this post is © iStock.com/corradobarattaphotos


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About the Author

Nixza Gonzalez is a writer at A-Z Animals primarily covering topics like travel, geography, plants, and marine animals. She has over six years of experience as a content writer and holds an Associate of Arts Degree. A resident of Florida, Nixza loves spending time outdoors exploring state parks and tending to her container garden.

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