Des Moines

Iowa Weather in March

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

Considering a trip to Iowa, the United States of America this March 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 March

Iowa, the United States of America is a region in the United States of America. March in Iowa generally has cold temperatures, with moderate precipitation.

Temperatures

The average maximum temperatures are cold and range from 6°C (43°F) in Clear Lake to 11°C (52°F) in Council Bluffs. Nighttime temperatures generally drop to -2°C (28°F) in Council Bluffs and -5°C (23°F) in Clear Lake.

For specific regional insights in Iowa, the United States of America, refer to the map provided below.

Precipitation

In March, precipitation varies across different areas. From moderate snow/rainfall in Council Bluffs with an average of 36 mm (1.4 in) to moderate snow/rainfall in Davenport with 69 mm (2.7 in).

Average sunshine

Most destinations offer generous amounts of sunshine this March. For example, West Des Moines gets approximately 208 hours of sunlight, perfect for anyone wanting bright, sunny days.

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 March

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

Temperature range in Iowa (March)

Precipitation variation in Iowa (March)

West Des Moines

In March West Des Moines generally has low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 10°C (50°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around -2°C (28°F) and moderate monthly snow/rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

February
March
April
Max temperature
0°C (32°F)
10°C (50°F)
17°C (63°F)
Min temperature
-10°C (14°F)
-2°C (28°F)
4°C (39°F)
Monthly sun hours
165 hours
208 hours
225 hours
Monthly snow/rainfall
36 mm (1.4 in)
55 mm (2.2 in)
99 mm (3.9 in)
Monthly rainy days
8 days
9 days
11 days
Weather conditions

Ames

In March Ames generally has low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 8°C (46°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around -3°C (27°F) and moderate monthly snow/rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

February
March
April
Max temperature
-1°C (30°F)
8°C (46°F)
16°C (61°F)
Min temperature
-11°C (12°F)
-3°C (27°F)
3°C (37°F)
Monthly sun hours
165 hours
208 hours
225 hours
Monthly snow/rainfall
31 mm (1.2 in)
51 mm (2 in)
116 mm (4.6 in)
Monthly rainy days
8 days
9 days
12 days
Weather conditions

Urbandale

In March Urbandale generally has low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 10°C (50°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around -2°C (28°F) and moderate monthly snow/rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

February
March
April
Max temperature
0°C (32°F)
10°C (50°F)
17°C (63°F)
Min temperature
-10°C (14°F)
-2°C (28°F)
4°C (39°F)
Monthly sun hours
165 hours
208 hours
225 hours
Monthly snow/rainfall
36 mm (1.4 in)
56 mm (2.2 in)
108 mm (4.3 in)
Monthly rainy days
8 days
9 days
12 days
Weather conditions

Ankeny

In March Ankeny generally has low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 9°C (48°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around -2°C (28°F) and moderate monthly snow/rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

February
March
April
Max temperature
0°C (32°F)
9°C (48°F)
17°C (63°F)
Min temperature
-11°C (12°F)
-2°C (28°F)
4°C (39°F)
Monthly sun hours
165 hours
208 hours
225 hours
Monthly snow/rainfall
30 mm (1.2 in)
51 mm (2 in)
118 mm (4.6 in)
Monthly rainy days
8 days
9 days
12 days
Weather conditions

Clive

In March Clive generally has low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 10°C (50°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around -2°C (28°F) and moderate monthly snow/rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

February
March
April
Max temperature
0°C (32°F)
10°C (50°F)
17°C (63°F)
Min temperature
-10°C (14°F)
-2°C (28°F)
4°C (39°F)
Monthly sun hours
165 hours
208 hours
225 hours
Monthly snow/rainfall
36 mm (1.4 in)
56 mm (2.2 in)
106 mm (4.2 in)
Monthly rainy days
8 days
9 days
12 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 March

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

City Weather Day temp Night temp Rainfall
West Des Moines 10°C (50°F) -2°C (28°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Ames 8°C (46°F) -3°C (27°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Urbandale 10°C (50°F) -2°C (28°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Ankeny 9°C (48°F) -2°C (28°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Clive 10°C (50°F) -2°C (28°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Cedar Falls 7°C (45°F) -4°C (25°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)

Iowa weather in March: frequently asked questions

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

In March, Iowa, the United States of America generally has poor weather conditions. West Des Moines sees daytime temperatures near 10°C (50°F), with nights cooling to roughly -2°C (28°F).

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

Average temperatures in Iowa, the United States of America during March range from a nighttime low near -2°C (28°F) to a daytime high around 10°C (50°F) in West Des Moines.

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

March is on the drier side in Iowa, the United States of America. West Des Moines averages only about 55 mm (2.2 in), with most days staying dry.

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

In our view, March 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.