Des Moines

Iowa Weather in January

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

Considering a trip to Iowa, the United States of America this January and wondering about the expected weather conditions? Find all the crucial information you need right here, addressing your question:

What to Expect in Iowa in January

Iowa, the United States of America is a region in the United States of America. January in Iowa generally has very cold temperatures, with precipitation levels ranging from low to moderate. January is a winter month.

Temperatures

The average maximum temperatures are very cold and range from -5°C (23°F) in Mason City to 1°C (34°F) in Keokuk. Nighttime temperatures generally drop to -8°C (18°F) in Keokuk and -14°C (7°F) in Mason City. Typically, it's the chilliest month of the year. Making it a great time for staying indoors and enjoying the warmth. Make sure you're prepared by packing the right winter outfits.

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

Precipitation

In January, precipitation varies across different areas. From low snowfall in Sioux City with an average of 13 mm (0.5 in) to moderate snowfall in Burlington with 34 mm (1.3 in). In West Des Moines, this particular month consistently records the lowest levels of rainfall, making it the driest period throughout the entire year.

Average sunshine

Sunshine levels are moderate in most locations. West Des Moines typically sees 155 hours of sunlight, creating comfortable conditions that aren't too bright or too dim. Looking for something sunnier? Our weather planner helps you discover destinations with more reliable sunshine.

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 January

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 January for some of the most popular destinations in Iowa, the United States of America?

Temperature range in Iowa (January)

Precipitation variation in Iowa (January)

West Des Moines

In January West Des Moines generally has very low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around -1°C (30°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around -11°C (12°F) and low monthly snowfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

December
January
February
Max temperature
2°C (36°F)
-1°C (30°F)
0°C (32°F)
Min temperature
-8°C (18°F)
-11°C (12°F)
-10°C (14°F)
Monthly sun hours
129 hours
155 hours
165 hours
Monthly snowfall
57 mm (2.2 in)
21 mm (0.8 in)
36 mm (1.4 in)
Monthly rainy days
9 days
7 days
8 days
Weather conditions

Ames

In January Ames generally has very low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around -2°C (28°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around -12°C (10°F) and low monthly snowfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

December
January
February
Max temperature
1°C (34°F)
-2°C (28°F)
-1°C (30°F)
Min temperature
-9°C (16°F)
-12°C (10°F)
-11°C (12°F)
Monthly sun hours
129 hours
155 hours
165 hours
Monthly snowfall
56 mm (2.2 in)
21 mm (0.8 in)
31 mm (1.2 in)
Monthly rainy days
9 days
6 days
8 days
Weather conditions

Urbandale

In January Urbandale generally has very low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around -1°C (30°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around -11°C (12°F) and low monthly snowfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

December
January
February
Max temperature
2°C (36°F)
-1°C (30°F)
0°C (32°F)
Min temperature
-8°C (18°F)
-11°C (12°F)
-10°C (14°F)
Monthly sun hours
129 hours
155 hours
165 hours
Monthly snowfall
58 mm (2.3 in)
21 mm (0.8 in)
36 mm (1.4 in)
Monthly rainy days
9 days
6 days
8 days
Weather conditions

Ankeny

In January Ankeny generally has very low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around -1°C (30°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around -11°C (12°F) and low monthly snowfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

December
January
February
Max temperature
1°C (34°F)
-1°C (30°F)
0°C (32°F)
Min temperature
-8°C (18°F)
-11°C (12°F)
-11°C (12°F)
Monthly sun hours
129 hours
155 hours
165 hours
Monthly snowfall
56 mm (2.2 in)
19 mm (0.7 in)
30 mm (1.2 in)
Monthly rainy days
9 days
7 days
8 days
Weather conditions

Clive

In January Clive generally has very low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around -1°C (30°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around -11°C (12°F) and low monthly snowfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

December
January
February
Max temperature
2°C (36°F)
-1°C (30°F)
0°C (32°F)
Min temperature
-8°C (18°F)
-11°C (12°F)
-10°C (14°F)
Monthly sun hours
129 hours
155 hours
165 hours
Monthly snowfall
57 mm (2.2 in)
21 mm (0.8 in)
36 mm (1.4 in)
Monthly rainy days
9 days
7 days
8 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 January

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

City Weather Day temp Night temp Rainfall
West Des Moines -1°C (30°F) -11°C (12°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
Ames -2°C (28°F) -12°C (10°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
Urbandale -1°C (30°F) -11°C (12°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
Ankeny -1°C (30°F) -11°C (12°F) 19 mm (0.7 in)
Clive -1°C (30°F) -11°C (12°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
Cedar Falls -3°C (27°F) -13°C (9°F) 23 mm (0.9 in)

Iowa weather in January: frequently asked questions

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

January in Iowa, the United States of America brings poor weather. In West Des Moines, daytime temperatures are typically around -1°C (30°F) and nighttime lows hover near -11°C (12°F).

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

In West Des Moines, the average daytime high in January is -1°C (30°F), while nighttime temperatures drop to around -11°C (12°F).

Does Iowa, the United States of America get a lot of snow in January?

Rain is generally moderate to light in Iowa, the United States of America during January, with West Des Moines averaging close to 21 mm (0.8 in).

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

In our view, January 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. In contrast, 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.