ClimateForecastNovemberDecember >>

Des Moines (IA) Climate by Month

The temperature in Des Moines can vary quite a bit throughout the year. Temperatures can be very warm during the warmest months, and very cold during the cooler months. It receives a moderate amount of precipitation. Now, let’s break down all the climate details for a clearer picture.

Average day and night temperature

Visitors to Des Moines can expect significant temperature changes throughout the year. On average, daytime temperatures range from a very warm 30°C in July to a very cold -1°C in January. Nighttime temperatures can drop, with averages reaching -10°C in January.

The mean minimum and maximum temperatures throughout the year

Precipitation and rainy days

Generally, Des Moines experiences moderate precipitation patterns, averaging 959 mm yearly. The seasons in Des Moines, bring significant changes in precipitation. The wettest month, June, receives high rainfall, with an average of 158 mm of precipitation. This rainfall is distributed across 12 rainy days. In contrast, the driest month, January, experiences much less snowfall, totaling 21 mm over 7 snowy days. These distinct seasonal differences provide diverse experiences throughout the year.

The mean monthly precipitation over the year, including rain, hail and snow

Sunshine over the year

In Des Moines, summer days are longer and more sunny, with daily sunshine hours peaking at 11.2 hours in July. As the darker season arrives, the brightness of the sun becomes less. December sees a soft sun for only 4.3 hours.

Monthly hours of sunshine

Daily hours of sunshine

The best time of year to visit Des Moines in the United States of America

During the months of May and September you are most likely to experience good weather with pleasant average temperatures that fall between 20°C and 26°C.

Other facts from our historical weather data:
  • When is summer in Des Moines?
    The hottest season / summer takes place in June, July, August and September.
  • When is winter in Des Moines?
    The coldest season / winter is in the following months: January, February and December.
  • Which is the warmest month in Des Moines?
    July has an average maximum temperature of 30°C and is the warmest month of the year.
  • Which is the coldest month in Des Moines?
    The coldest month is January with an average maximum temperature of -1°C.
  • Which is the wettest month in Des Moines?
    June tops the wettest month list with 158 mm of rainfall.
  • Which is the driest month in Des Moines?
    January is the driest month with 21 mm of precipitation.
  • Which is the sunniest month in Des Moines?
    July is the sunniest month with an average of 335 hours of sunshine.

  • No idea where to travel to this year? We have a tool that recommends destinations based on your ideal conditions. Find out where to go with our weather planner.

    Forecast for Des Moines (IA)

    Fri   Nov 22
    4°C | -1°C
    NW 14 km/h
    overcast and no rain

    overcast and no rain

    Sat   Nov 23
    8°C | -2°C
    SE 14 km/h
    partly cloudy and no rain

    partly cloudy and no rain

    Sun   Nov 24
    13°C | 4°C
    S 18 km/h
    broken clouds and no rain

    broken clouds and no rain