Des Moines (IA) Weather and Climate: A Comprehensive Guide
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 maximum day and minimum 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 average lows reaching -10°C in January. Check out our detailed temperature page for more information.Temperature ranges by month
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. For more details, please visit our Des Moines Precipitation page.The mean monthly precipitation over the year, including rain, hail and snow
The average number of days each month with precipitation
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 per average day. Visit our detailed sunshine hours page for more information.Monthly hours of sunshine
Daily hours of sunshine
Daily percentage of sunshine
Average humidity
The relative humidity is high throughout the year in Des Moines.
The city experiences its highest humidity in January, reaching 72%. In May, the humidity drops to its lowest level at 60%. Explore our detailed page on humidity levels for further details.
Relative humidity over the year
Average wind speed
The mean wind speed over the year ranges from 3 m/s in July, August and September to 5 m/s in March and April.
The mean monthly wind speed over the year (meters per second)
overcast and heavy rain partly cloudy and no rain overcast and no rainForecast for Des Moines (IA)
4 m/s
3 m/s
4 m/s
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:
The hottest season / summer takes place in June, July, August and September.
The coldest season / winter is in the following months: January, February and December.
July has an average maximum temperature of 30°C and is the warmest month of the year.
The coldest month is January with an average maximum temperature of -1°C.
June tops the wettest month list with 158 mm of rainfall.
January is the driest month with 21 mm of precipitation.
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.
