Des Moines (IA) Temperatures: Monthly Averages and Year-Round Insights
On this page, we’ll explore Des Moines’s temperature statistics in detail, including day and night variations and monthly averages. We’ll also compare the annual temperature to other cities in the United States of America.
Monthly Temperature Averages
The weather in Des Moines experiences significant differences between warm and cold seasons, with big shifts in temperature. Average maximum daytime temperatures range from a very warm 30°C in July, the warmest time of the year, to a very cold -1°C during cooler months like January. At night, minimum temperatures typically average around -10°C during these months.
The chart below illustrates the average maximum day and minimum night temperatures in Des Moines by month:
The lowest temperatures typically occur between 4 AM and 6 AM, while the peak temperatures are generally observed around 3 PM, when the sun's heating is most intense. July, the city’s warmest month, enjoys 335 hours of sunshine.
The chart below shows the average temperature throughout the year:
January, the city’s coldest month, receives about 21 mm of rainfall spread over roughly 7 days. For more information, please visit our Des Moines Precipitation page.
Annual Temperatures in the United States of America Compared
The map below shows the annual temperature across the United States of America. You can also select the different months in case you are interested in a specific month.
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warm
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moderate
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Des Moines Temperatures Compared World Wide
Des Moines’s average annual maximum temperature is 16°C. Let’s compare this with some popular tourist destinations:
Seville, Spain, stands out with its warm Mediterranean climate and an average annual temperature of 23°C.
In contrast, in Zermatt, Switzerland, the average annual temperature is significantly lower at 4°C, with mild summers and very cold winters.
Chicago, USA, has a significant seasonal range, with an average annual temperature of 15°C.
Adelaide, Australia, enjoys warm summers and mild winters, with an average annual temperature of 21°C.
How does the temperature feel?
Humidity is an essential factor in how you experience temperature. When a warm period is accompanied by high humidity, it results in a higher perceived temperature. This is especially true when temperatures exceed 25°C, as it can cause greater discomfort.
On the other hand, in cooler months, especially when temperatures dip below 10°C, high humidity can intensify the cold. This makes the air feel much colder than it really is.
In Des Moines, during the coolest month, January, you will experience 72% humidity, which is considered high. This is accompanied by an average maximum temperature of -1°C. In the warmest month, July, the humidity is 66% combined with an average maximum temperature of 30°C, which creates a high-feel temperature. Explore our detailed page on humidity levels for further details.
How are these Temperatures Measured?
Generally, temperature data depicting climate is usually given over a 30-year average in order to reduce short-term fluctuations and reveal better long-term trends in climate conditions.
This temperature data is taken from land-based thermometers, ocean buoys, ships, and satellites. These measurements are transmitted to weather stations and climate centers around the globe where they are processed, averaged, and analyzed in order to monitor the trends and create climate models.
Global Warming and Its Effects
Climate change is affecting worldwide temperatures, including in Des Moines. It has massive impacts on both local and global levels:
- Global Temperature Rise: The average global land and sea temperatures have risen by about 1.2°C since pre-industrial times.
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Local Impacts: Most regions of the world are witnessing warmer winters with fewer frost and snowfall days. The global frequency and severity of heatwaves have increased. For example, Europe's summers of 2018, 2019, and 2020 all broke records. Summers are also becoming drier; however, during winter, inland regions have experienced increased rainfall. This has caused elevated river levels and more cases of flooding.
Many countries are experiencing earlier springs and later autumns. This is why some bird species have shifted their migration dates.
For more detailed information about Des Moines’s weather, including monthly rainfall, sunshine hours, and humidity levels, visit our Des Moines climate page.
Current temperature in Des Moines (IA)
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