Des Moines

Iowa Weather in December

Average temperatures, rainfall, sunshine and the best places to visit in Iowa, the United States of America in December.

Are you planning a trip a to Iowa, the United States of America in December and wondering what kind of weather to expect? This page has all the details you need.

What to Expect in Iowa in December

Iowa, the United States of America is a region in the United States of America. December in Iowa generally has temperatures that range from very cold to cold, with moderate precipitation. December is a winter month.

Temperatures

The average highest temperatures fluctuate between very cold in Okoboji at -2°C (28°F) to cold in Keokuk at 4°C (39°F). Nighttime temperatures generally drop to -5°C (23°F) in Keokuk and -11°C (12°F) in Okoboji. In numerous regions in the United States of America, December is marked by its cold weather conditions. If you're heading to these areas during this month, it's vital to be well-prepared. Dressing in layered and insulated outfits will ensure you stay warm.

For a closer look at conditions across Iowa, the United States of America, refer to the map below.

Precipitation

In December, precipitation varies across different areas. From moderate snowfall in Okoboji with an average of 32 mm (1.3 in) to moderate snowfall in Davenport with 73 mm (2.9 in).

Average sunshine

Sunshine is fairly consistent across many areas. West Des Moines receives about 129 hours of sunlight in December, providing a good balance between sunny spells and cloud cover. If you're after more sunshine hours, take a look at our weather planner for other sun-rich destinations worldwide.

Explore Iowa by month

Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in Iowa — and find the best time to visit. (based on West Des Moines)

Best Places to Visit in Iowa in December

Click on a destination dot for more details. Toggle the map to compare temperatures or precipitation across Iowa.

perfect weather
pleasant
tolerable
unpleasant
poor

Perfect weather is subjective. On this map perfect weather has been defined with temperatures between 20°C (68°F) and 29°C (84°F) and not too much precipitation (less than 90 mm (3.5 in) a month).

Popular Destinations in Iowa

What is the weather like in December for some of the most popular destinations in Iowa, the United States of America?

Temperature range in Iowa (December)

Precipitation variation in Iowa (December)

West Des Moines

In December West Des Moines generally has very low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 2°C (36°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around -8°C (18°F) and moderate monthly snow/rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

November
December
January
Max temperature
10°C (50°F)
2°C (36°F)
-1°C (30°F)
Min temperature
-1°C (30°F)
-8°C (18°F)
-11°C (12°F)
Monthly sun hours
141 hours
129 hours
155 hours
Monthly snow/rainfall
40 mm (1.6 in)
57 mm (2.2 in)
21 mm (0.8 in)
Monthly rainy days
7 days
9 days
7 days
Weather conditions

Ames

In December Ames generally has very low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 1°C (34°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around -9°C (16°F) and moderate monthly snow/rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

November
December
January
Max temperature
9°C (48°F)
1°C (34°F)
-2°C (28°F)
Min temperature
-2°C (28°F)
-9°C (16°F)
-12°C (10°F)
Monthly sun hours
141 hours
129 hours
155 hours
Monthly snow/rainfall
44 mm (1.7 in)
56 mm (2.2 in)
21 mm (0.8 in)
Monthly rainy days
7 days
9 days
6 days
Weather conditions

Urbandale

In December Urbandale generally has very low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 2°C (36°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around -8°C (18°F) and moderate monthly snow/rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

November
December
January
Max temperature
10°C (50°F)
2°C (36°F)
-1°C (30°F)
Min temperature
-1°C (30°F)
-8°C (18°F)
-11°C (12°F)
Monthly sun hours
141 hours
129 hours
155 hours
Monthly snow/rainfall
43 mm (1.7 in)
58 mm (2.3 in)
21 mm (0.8 in)
Monthly rainy days
7 days
9 days
6 days
Weather conditions

Ankeny

In December Ankeny generally has very low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 1°C (34°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around -8°C (18°F) and moderate monthly snow/rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

November
December
January
Max temperature
10°C (50°F)
1°C (34°F)
-1°C (30°F)
Min temperature
-2°C (28°F)
-8°C (18°F)
-11°C (12°F)
Monthly sun hours
141 hours
129 hours
155 hours
Monthly snow/rainfall
41 mm (1.6 in)
56 mm (2.2 in)
19 mm (0.7 in)
Monthly rainy days
7 days
9 days
7 days
Weather conditions

Clive

In December Clive generally has very low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 2°C (36°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around -8°C (18°F) and moderate monthly snow/rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

November
December
January
Max temperature
10°C (50°F)
2°C (36°F)
-1°C (30°F)
Min temperature
-1°C (30°F)
-8°C (18°F)
-11°C (12°F)
Monthly sun hours
141 hours
129 hours
155 hours
Monthly snow/rainfall
43 mm (1.7 in)
57 mm (2.2 in)
21 mm (0.8 in)
Monthly rainy days
7 days
9 days
7 days
Weather conditions

Is your destination not in the list? Have a look at all destinations in Iowa, in the United States of America.

Popular cities in December

Day & night temperatures, rainfall and average weather in Iowa in December.

City Weather Day temp Night temp Rainfall
West Des Moines 2°C (36°F) -8°C (18°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Ames 1°C (34°F) -9°C (16°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Urbandale 2°C (36°F) -8°C (18°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Ankeny 1°C (34°F) -8°C (18°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Clive 2°C (36°F) -8°C (18°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Cedar Falls 0°C (32°F) -9°C (16°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)

Iowa weather in December: frequently asked questions

What is the weather like in Iowa, the United States of America in December?

Iowa, the United States of America typically experiences poor weather in December, part of the winter season. Daytime highs in West Des Moines average around 2°C (36°F), and temperatures drop to about -8°C (18°F) at night.

What is the average temperature in Iowa, the United States of America in December?

Daytime temperatures in West Des Moines peak at roughly 2°C (36°F) in December, dropping to about -8°C (18°F) overnight.

Does Iowa, the United States of America get a lot of snow/rain in December?

December is on the drier side in Iowa, the United States of America. West Des Moines averages only about 57 mm (2.2 in), with most days staying dry.

Is December a Good Time to Visit Iowa, the United States of America?

In our view, December might not be the best time to travel to Iowa, the United States of America with often poor weather in West Des Moines.

Generally speaking, September provides perfect weather in West Des Moines. On the other hand, the months of January, February, March, November and December tend to have poor weather conditions.

Interested in more climate information?

We have much more information about the climate in Iowa.

Weather and climate has detailed information for every country in the world. Are you going to the United States of America? Get detailed historical weather averages for many cities in the United States of America.

Not sure yet where to go? We now have a tool which recommends destinations that suit your ideal travel conditions. Find out where to go with our weather planner.

Bucket list

Need travel inspiration? Check out our bucket list articles and be inspired.