Des Moines Weather in January

January in Des Moines brings low temperatures, with daytime highs of 8°C (46°F) and nights around 2°C (36°F). Quite a bit of rainfall is expected, around 151 mm (5.9 in), so pack an umbrella.

Rainfall in Des Moines in January

You can expect rain on roughly 19 days based on historical data, averaging 151 mm (5.9 in) for the month. Expect frequent rainfall this month, and not just light drizzle. When it rains, it tends to come down hard.

Temperature in Des Moines in January

Temperatures in Des Moines in January top out at 8°C (46°F) and drop to 2°C (36°F) overnight. The month of January belongs to the winter season. Even at the warmest part of the day, temperatures stay low. Dressing warmly from the start is the sensible approach. 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.

Sunshine in Des Moines in January

This month is characterized by fewer sunny days, with about 70 hours of sunshine. It's great for those who appreciate cooler, less sunny days.

Wind Speed in Des Moines in January

Wind speeds average 5 m/s (10 knots) during January. At this speed, gentle to moderate breezes make small trees sway and the wind creates whitecaps on water bodies. Daily variations range from moderate winds to stronger breezes, creating excellent conditions for sailing, kite flying and wind sports.

Our weather planner can help you find worldwide destinations with pleasant weather during this period. June, July, August and September typically offer the best weather for Des Moines.

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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.

Des Moines Temperature in January

Min Temperature 2°C (36°F)  

Max Temperature 8°C (46°F)  

Chance of Rain 63%  

Precipitation 151 mm (5.9 in)  

Rainy days 19 days  

Humidity 78% *  

Windspeed 5 m/s (10 knots) *  

Sunshine 70 hours *  

Percentage Sunshine 25% *  

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

What to Wear in Des Moines in January

We recommend to layer up for chilly conditions in Des Moines in January. You could start with thermal underwear or a good base layer to keep your core warm on the cooler days this month. Maybe also add a sweater or fleece, and top it off with a windproof jacket. Also bring a poncho, it will rain a lot! Waterproof everything you can. You can probably leave your sunglasses at home, because sunny days are pretty rare this month.

What To Do in Des Moines in January

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.