Des Moines, IA Climate & Monthly Averages
The climate of Des Moines
Des Moines has a humid continental climate, marked by warm summers and cold, often snowy winters. Average daytime highs range from about 31°F (-1°C) in January to around 85°F (29°C) in July, and the city records roughly 106 days of measurable precipitation a year.
Climate quick facts
- Hottest month: July - highs near 85°F (29°C)
- Coldest month: January - highs near 31°F (-1°C)
- Record high: 101°F (38°C) · Record low: -23°F (-30°C) (2015–2024)
- Wettest month: May (14 rainy days) · Sunniest: July (12.7 h sun/day)
- Climate type: humid continental - warm summers and cold, often snowy winters
- Snow: about 15 days a year
Temperatures through the year
The warmest stretch of the year centers on July. Highs average 85°F (29°C) and overnight lows stay near 68°F (20°C). The coolest month is January, with typical highs of 31°F (-1°C) and lows around 15°F (-9°C). Based on 2015–2024 weather data, temperatures have reached as high as 101°F (38°C) and dropped as low as -23°F (-30°C).
Rain, sun and snow
May is usually the wettest month. It brings about 5.3 inches (135 mm) of rain over 14 days, while February is the driest. July brings the most sunshine, averaging 12.7 hours of sun a day. Snow falls on about 15 days in a typical year, mostly from October through April.
Monthly climate table
| Month | High | Low | Rain days | Precipitation | Sunshine | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 31° | 15° | 7 | 1.6 in | 5.8 h/day | 75% |
| February | 36° | 17° | 6 | 1.3 in | 7.8 h/day | 68% |
| March | 50° | 31° | 8 | 2.8 in | 7.9 h/day | 66% |
| April | 60° | 41° | 10 | 3.5 in | 9.0 h/day | 63% |
| May | 72° | 53° | 14 | 5.3 in | 9.9 h/day | 69% |
| June | 83° | 65° | 11 | 4.6 in | 12.3 h/day | 67% |
| July | 85° | 68° | 9 | 3.9 in | 12.7 h/day | 71% |
| August | 83° | 66° | 10 | 3.5 in | 11.3 h/day | 71% |
| September | 78° | 61° | 8 | 3.4 in | 10.3 h/day | 68% |
| October | 64° | 47° | 8 | 3.6 in | 8.2 h/day | 64% |
| November | 49° | 33° | 7 | 2.1 in | 6.9 h/day | 68% |
| December | 39° | 24° | 6 | 1.9 in | 5.9 h/day | 70% |
Des Moines month by month
Des Moines weather in January
January brings highs around 31°F (-1°C), lows near 15°F (-9°C), about 7 wet days and roughly 4 snowy days - typically the coldest month of the year in Des Moines.
Des Moines weather in February
February brings highs around 36°F (2°C), lows near 17°F (-8°C), about 6 wet days and roughly 4 snowy days - typically the driest month of the year in Des Moines.
Des Moines weather in March
March brings highs around 50°F (10°C), lows near 31°F (0°C), about 8 wet days and roughly 2 snowy days.
Des Moines weather in April
April brings highs around 60°F (16°C), lows near 41°F (5°C), about 10 wet days.
Des Moines weather in May
May brings highs around 72°F (22°C), lows near 53°F (12°C), about 14 wet days - typically the wettest month of the year in Des Moines.
Des Moines weather in June
June brings highs around 83°F (28°C), lows near 65°F (18°C), about 11 wet days.
Des Moines weather in July
July brings highs around 85°F (29°C), lows near 68°F (20°C), about 9 wet days - typically the hottest month and the sunniest month of the year in Des Moines.
Des Moines weather in August
August brings highs around 83°F (28°C), lows near 66°F (19°C), about 10 wet days.
Des Moines weather in September
September brings highs around 78°F (26°C), lows near 61°F (16°C), about 8 wet days.
Des Moines weather in October
October brings highs around 64°F (18°C), lows near 47°F (8°C), about 8 wet days.
Des Moines weather in November
November brings highs around 49°F (10°C), lows near 33°F (1°C), about 7 wet days.
Des Moines weather in December
December brings highs around 39°F (4°C), lows near 24°F (-5°C), about 6 wet days and roughly 2 snowy days.
Seasons in Des Moines
Spring (March through May)
Spring in Des Moines is crisp but comfortable, with daytime highs averaging 60°F (16°C) and nights around 42°F (6°C); expect showers on roughly 33 days across the season, plus around 3 snowy days.
Summer (June through August)
Summer in Des Moines is hot, with daytime highs averaging 84°F (29°C) and nights around 66°F (19°C); expect showers on roughly 30 days across the season. With the humidity factored in, afternoons often feel hotter than the thermometer reads - run the numbers through the humidity and dew point converter to see why.
Fall (September through November)
Fall in Des Moines is mild, with daytime highs averaging 64°F (18°C) and nights around 47°F (8°C); expect showers on roughly 24 days across the season.
Winter (December through February)
Winter in Des Moines is bitterly cold, with daytime highs averaging 35°F (2°C) and nights around 18°F (-8°C); expect showers on roughly 20 days across the season, plus around 10 snowy days. Wind makes those temperatures feel harsher than they sound - pair the forecast winds with the wind speed converter to judge conditions on exposed skin.
Climate questions, answered
What is the average temperature in Des Moines?
Is Des Moines hot in summer?
Is Des Moines cold in winter?
How many rainy days does Des Moines get in a year?
Best time to visit Des Moines
The best time to visit Des Moines is generally August to October and April, when this window offers the warmest, brightest days of the year. Daytime temperatures in that window typically sit near 74°F (23°C).
Pack for Des Moines with a heavy insulated coat, hat and gloves for winter; a compact umbrella or rain shell - showers are a regular feature. Evenings can feel noticeably cooler than afternoons - July nights average 68°F (20°C).
Des Moines temperature records (2015-2024)
Derived from ERA5 reanalysis data, 2015–2024. Official station records may differ.