Des Moines Weather in May
May in Des Moines brings pleasant temperatures around 19°C (66°F) during the day, dropping to 8°C (46°F) at night, with some rainfall expected.
Rainfall in Des Moines in May
Historically, the month has about 12 days of rain, averaging 59 mm (2.3 in) in total. Rain this month is fairly typical, a standard mix of wet and dry days with no particularly heavy or persistent showers.
Temperature in Des Moines in May
May in Des Moines brings typical temperatures with highs around 19°C (66°F) and lows of 8°C (46°F). Conditions are often most pleasant around the middle of the day. With overnight lows of 8°C (46°F), nights are cold. The cold air does make for deep, comfortable sleep if you have enough blankets.
Sunshine in Des Moines in May
Expect a lot of sunshine this month, with about 254 hours of sun. These sunny conditions add to the overall experience.
Wind Speed in Des Moines in May
In May, average wind speeds reach 4 m/s (8 knots), leading to light to moderate breezes. Conditions vary from day to day, with both calm and windier periods.If you prefer dry days with pleasant temperatures, June, July, August and September typically offer the best circumstances. If you're seeking pleasant, dry and sunny weather somewhere else in the world, our weather planner can help you explore other options.
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
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 May
Min Temperature
8°C (46°F)
Max Temperature
19°C (66°F)
Chance of Rain
40%
Precipitation
59 mm (2.3 in)
Rainy days
12 days
Humidity
68% *
Windspeed
4 m/s (8 knots) *
Sunshine
254 hours *
Percentage Sunshine
54% *
Best Places in the United States of America in May
Find out more about the weather in the United States of America and which places have the best travel conditions in this month. See all of the United States of America in May →
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What to Wear in Des Moines in May
For Des Moines in May, you'll want flexible clothing. It's wise to pack cotton shirts, comfortable shorts, and a pair of jeans for cooler evenings. A light sweater or jacket is useful for air-conditioned spaces (like buses) or unexpected cool moments. Rain is likely on several days, so bring a good rain jacket. And with plenty of sunshine hours, don’t forget sunglasses, sunscreen, and maybe a sun hat.What To Do in Des Moines in May
We rated the following activities from 1 (least suitable) to 10 (best) to do.
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
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.
Temperature Rainfall Sunshine Humidity Wind Speed
See the full Des Moines climate overview or explore weather in the United States of America.
