Indiana Dunes National Park’s weather is greatly influenced by Lake Michigan and can change in the blink of an eye. Summers are hot and humid with temperatures ranging in the mid-80ºF’s (30ºC) and low temperatures ranging in the mid-60ºF’s (18ºC). There are about 2 weeks, per year above 90ºF (32ºC). Warm periods are occasionally put on pause by frontal action descending from up north, byways of Canada. The results are pleasant days of dry weather throughout the summer.

Highs in winter usually range in the low to mid 30sºF (0ºC) with low temperatures, ranging in the low 20sºF (-5ºC). There are about 2 weeks, per year below 0ºF (-18ºC). Winters tend to be cloudy except for periods of extreme cold when skies are clear.

Indiana Dunes is so big, it takes up 5 climate zones. So depending on where you’re going, you definitely need to dress appropriately and check the local weather reports. For an up-to-date weather forecast, choose an Internet weather provider and use the following zip codes for the appropriate section of the park.

1. Michigan City 46360 – Mount Baldy trails, Central Avenue Beach, Heron Rookery trails, Pinhook Bog trails.
2. Beverly Shores 46301 – Dunewood Campground, Lake View Beach, Kemil Beach, Dunbar Beach, Glenwood Dunes trails, Dune Ridge trails, Great Marsh trails.
3. Chesterton 46304 – Visitor Center, Chellberg Farm, Bailly Homestead, Porter Beach, Cowles Bog trails.
4. Portage 46368 – West Beach trails, Tolleston Dunes trails, Portage Lakefront, and Riverwalk.
5. Gary 46403 – Paul H. Douglas Center, Paul H. Douglas trails (Miller Woods), Tolleston Dunes trails.
6. Hobart 46342 – Hobart Prairie Grove trails.

On average, the warmest month is July and the highest recorded temperature was 105F in 1934. The coolest month is January, with the lowest recorded temperature of -25F in 1985. June sees the most precipitation with an average rainfall of 4.66 Inches.

All in all, the weather at Indiana Dunes, is amazing. It’s like mother nature, plans every day specifically, to be beautiful at Indiana Dunes National Park. So why not appreciate her beauty?