Des Moines Weather, When to Go and Climate Information

(Des Moines, Iowa - IA, USA)

Visitors to the Iowa state capital can expect to find a fairly predictable climate. Des Moines experiences cold and frosty winter weather, while when the summer arrives, temperatures are known to reach as high as 30°C / 86°F or more on the hottest days.

Although temperatures begin to approach 20°C / 86°F towards the end of April and rise slightly higher in May, by the time that June arrives, highs of more than 25°C / 77°F can be expected. The warm summer months and pleasant climate means that this is therefore the perfect time to pay a visit to Des Moines.

It is worth noting that June to August experience the highest precipitation levels and periods of fairly high humidity. This 'high heat index' can mean that outdoor activities may be a little uncomfortable during the heat of the day, particularly for those not used to these periods of humidity.

Seasonal Climate Variations / When to Go

June sees an average of 4.5 inches / 11.4 cm of rain, while July is slightly less at 3.8 inches / 9.7 cm, compared with January at just 1 inch / 2.5 cm. However, rainy weather in Des Moines rarely lasts long enough to spoil a vacation, with short, heavy thunderstorms at times.

The autumn weather arrives quickly in the latter part of September, with fall colors adding interest in October, being accompanied by chilly nights.

When November arrives in Des Moines, the climate quickly begins to cool down and nighttime frosts are to be expected, dropping lower than 10°C / 50°F on the coldest nights in November and December. Snowfall can come along anytime between November and March, with occasional flurries outside of this period.

Des Moines Weather and Climate Chart (Averages)

	Maximum	Minimum
January	-2°C / 28°F	-11°C / 12°F
February	1°C / 34°F	-9°C / 16°F
March	8°C / 46°F	-2°C / 28°F
April	17°C / 63°F	4°C / 39°F
May	23°C / 73°F	11°C / 52°F
June	28°C / 82°F	16°C / 61°F
July	30°C / 86°F	19°C / 66°F
August	29°C / 84°F	18°C / 64°F
September	24°C / 75°F	13°C / 55°F
October	18°C / 64°F	6°C / 43°F
November	9°C / 48°F	-1°C / 30°F
December	0°C / 32°F	-9°C / 16°F