Des Moines Weather in December

Des Moines in December averages 7°C (45°F) during the day and 2°C (36°F) at night. This is part of the winter season, and quite a bit of rainfall is expected this month.

Rainfall in Des Moines in December

Historically, approximately 20 days this month are expected to have rain, averaging 148 mm (5.8 in). Expect frequent rainfall this month, and not just light drizzle. When it rains, it tends to come down hard.

Temperature in Des Moines in December

Expect highs of 7°C (45°F) in Des Moines in December, with nights dropping to around 2°C (36°F). The winter season takes place during December. Expect a cold feel throughout the day, not just in the mornings and evenings. Warm layers are essential. Nights fall to 2°C (36°F), which is cold enough to feel it indoors too. A good thick duvet makes all the difference for a comfortable night's sleep. The coldest month of the year calls for plenty of warm layers. Be sure to pack your winter gear.

Sunshine in Des Moines in December

The area experiences limited sunny days, amounting to roughly 54 hours of sunshine. This makes it perfect for those who lean towards cooler, cloudier settings rather than intense sunlit days.

Wind Speed in Des Moines in December

Wind speeds average 4 m/s (8 knots) during December. At this speed, expect moderate winds that can raise dust and move small branches. Since this is an average, some days have gentle light winds while others experience stronger breezes that are quite noticeable.

If you're looking for dry conditions and comfortable temperatures, December may not be the ideal month to visit Des Moines. Our weather planner can help you explore destinations with more pleasant weather conditions.

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• January
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For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit the United States of America, check out our Des Moines's climate page.

Des Moines Temperature in December

Min Temperature 2°C (36°F)  

Max Temperature 7°C (45°F)  

Chance of Rain 67%  

Precipitation 148 mm (5.8 in)  

Rainy days 20 days  

Humidity 80% *  

Windspeed 4 m/s (8 knots) *  

Sunshine 54 hours *  

Percentage Sunshine 20% *  

* Data from: Seattle, the United States of America (5 KM, 3 Miles).

What to Wear in Des Moines in December

Dress warmly and in layers for your trip to Des Moines in December. A good base layer system works wonders. Start with good thermal underwear, add something warm like a fleece sweater, then finish with a waterproof jacket on top. Expect heavy rainfall, so bring good rain protection and waterproof bags. You can probably leave your sunglasses at home, because sunny days are pretty rare this month.

What To Do in Des Moines in December

We rated the following activities from 1 (least suitable) to 10 (best) to do.

Swimming

4/10

Cycling

4/10

Walking

4/10

Camping

3/10

Outdoor sports

4/10

Select a Month

Check the conditions for any month of the year.

• January
• February
• March
• April

• May
• June
• July
• August

• September
• October
• November
• December

For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit the United States of America, check out our Des Moines's climate page.

More climate data for Des Moines

Temperature Rainfall Sunshine Humidity Wind Speed

See the full Des Moines climate overview or explore weather in the United States of America.