Ames (IA) Weather & Climate: Best Time to Visit
Average temperatures, rainfall, sunshine and the best time to visit Ames.
Climate overview of Ames
Ames, Iowa, United States of America, sees big temperature differences between seasons, with July peaking at 29°C (84°F) and January dropping to -2°C (28°F).
The city has a wet climate, receiving around 1017 mm (40 in) of rain/snowfall per year. Despite the high annual total, it has a distinct dry season from January to February, with warm summers and very cold winters. August is the wettest month. The sunniest month is July, with 11.2 hours of sunshine per day on average.
Ames Weather by Month
Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in Ames - and find the best time to visit.
Monthly Temperature in Ames
Visitors to Ames can expect significant temperature changes throughout the year. On average, daytime temperatures range from a comfortable 29°C (84°F) in July to a very cold -2°C (28°F) in January.
Nighttime temperatures range from 17°C (63°F) in July to -12°C (10°F) in January.
Check out our detailed temperature page for more information.
Temperature ranges by month
Rainfall in Ames
Ames is known for its substantial rain/snowfall, with annual precipitation reaching 1017 mm (40 in). The seasons in Ames bring significant changes in precipitation. The wettest month, August, receives high rainfall, with an average of 137 mm (5.4 in) of precipitation. This rainfall is distributed across 10 rainy days.
In contrast, the driest month, January, experiences much less snowfall, totaling 21 mm (0.8 in) over 6 snowy days. These distinct seasonal differences provide diverse experiences throughout the year. For more details, please visit our Ames 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 Ames
In Ames, 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 Ames by Month
The relative humidity is high throughout the year in Ames.
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
Best Time to Visit Ames
Monthly ratings reflect general weather comfort, based on daytime temperature and rainfall. Swimming and winter conditions are highlighted separately where relevant.
- Best overall: May, June, July, August and September
- Warmest weather: July and August
- Most sunshine: July
- Fewest rainy days: January, February and November
- Seasonal pattern: A distinct dry season from January to February, with warm summers and very cold winters
- Coldest conditions: January, with freezing nights around -12°C (10°F).
Frequently asked questions about the climate in Ames
What is the best time to visit Ames?
May, June, July, August and September typically offer the most optimal weather in Ames. In contrast, January, February, March, November and December tend to have less optimal conditions. Ames has a distinct dry season from January to February, with warm summers and very cold winters.
What temperatures can I expect in Ames?
Daytime highs range from -2°C (28°F) in January to 29°C (84°F) in July. Nighttime lows range from -12°C (10°F) to 17°C (63°F). Temperatures vary considerably through the year.
How much rain does Ames get?
Annual rainfall is around 1017 mm (40 in). August is the wettest month with 137 mm (5.4 in), while January is the driest with 21 mm (0.8 in).
How sunny is Ames?
Ames 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, Ames enjoys abundant sunshine.
Ames 3-Day Forecast
Ames (IA) 3-Day Forecast
Ames on the map
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