Des Moines (IA) Weather & Climate: Best Time to Visit
Average temperatures, rainfall, sunshine and the best time to visit Des Moines.
Climate overview of Des Moines
Des Moines, Iowa, United States of America, sees big temperature differences between seasons, with July peaking at 30°C (86°F) and January dropping to -1°C (30°F).
The city receives around 959 mm (38 in) of rain/snowfall per year. It experiences a distinct dry season from January to February, with very warm summers and very cold winters. June is the wettest month and January the driest. The sunniest month is July, with 11.2 hours of sunshine per day on average.
Des Moines Weather by Month
Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in Des Moines - and find the best time to visit.
Monthly Temperature in Des Moines
Visitors to Des Moines can expect significant temperature changes throughout the year. On average, daytime temperatures range from a very warm 30°C (86°F) in July to a very cold -1°C (30°F) in January.
Nighttime temperatures range from 19°C (66°F) in July to -10°C (14°F) in January.
Check out our detailed temperature page for more information.
Temperature ranges by month
Rainfall in Des Moines
Generally, Des Moines experiences moderate precipitation patterns, averaging 959 mm (38 in) yearly. The seasons in Des Moines bring significant changes in precipitation. The wettest month, June, receives high rainfall, with an average of 158 mm (6.2 in) of precipitation. This rainfall is distributed across 12 rainy days.
In contrast, the driest month, January, experiences much less snowfall, totaling 21 mm (0.8 in) 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 Hours in Des Moines
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
Humidity in Des Moines by Month
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%. What does this mean? Read our detailed page on humidity levels for further details.
Relative humidity over the year
Wind Speed in Des Moines
The mean wind speed over the year ranges from 3 m/s (6 knots) in July, August and September to 5 m/s (10 knots) in March and April. What does this mean?
The mean monthly wind speed over the year (meters per second)
Best Time to Visit Des Moines
Monthly ratings reflect general weather comfort, based on daytime temperature and rainfall. Swimming and winter conditions are highlighted separately where relevant.
- Best overall: September
- Warmest weather: July and August
- Most sunshine: July
- Fewest rainy days: January, February and November
- Wettest months: April, May, June, July, August and September, when rainfall is highest.
- Seasonal pattern: A distinct dry season from January to February, with very warm summers and very cold winters
- Coldest conditions: January, with freezing nights around -10°C (14°F).
Frequently asked questions about the climate in Des Moines
What is the best time to visit Des Moines?
September typically offers the most optimal weather in Des Moines. In contrast, January, February, March, November and December tend to have less optimal conditions. Des Moines has a distinct dry season from January to February, with very warm summers and very cold winters.
What temperatures can I expect in Des Moines?
Daytime highs range from -1°C (30°F) in January to 30°C (86°F) in July. Nighttime lows range from -10°C (14°F) to 19°C (66°F). Temperatures vary considerably through the year.
How much rain does Des Moines get?
Annual rainfall is around 959 mm (38 in). June is the wettest month with 158 mm (6.2 in), while January is the driest with 21 mm (0.8 in).
How sunny is Des Moines?
Des Moines receives around 2,700 hours of sunshine per year. July is the sunniest month with 335 hours, while December is the cloudiest with just 129 hours. Overall, Des Moines enjoys abundant sunshine.
Des Moines 3-Day Forecast
Des Moines on the map
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