Climate
Des Moines weather by month
Average highs, lows, rain and snow for every month, from 30 years of weather records.
Average temperatures
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Best time to visit: May, August, September, when highs are mild and rain is lightest.
Month by month
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Snow | Wet days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 31°F | 14°F | 1.1 in | 9.4 in | 8 |
| February | 36°F | 18°F | 1.3 in | 10.2 in | 8 |
| March | 49°F | 30°F | 2.2 in | 4.4 in | 10 |
| April | 62°F | 41°F | 4.0 in | 1.2 in | 12 |
| May | 72°F | 52°F | 5.2 in | 0.20 in | 13 |
| June | 82°F | 62°F | 5.3 in | 0.00 in | 12 |
| July | 86°F | 66°F | 3.8 in | 0.00 in | 10 |
| August | 84°F | 64°F | 4.2 in | 0.00 in | 9 |
| September | 77°F | 55°F | 3.2 in | 0.00 in | 8 |
| October | 63°F | 43°F | 2.8 in | 0.50 in | 9 |
| November | 48°F | 30°F | 1.9 in | 2.7 in | 8 |
| December | 36°F | 20°F | 1.6 in | 7.9 in | 8 |
NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, Des Moines Intl Ap, Ia Us (3.9 mi away, 957 ft). Wet days: days with at least 0.01 in of precipitation.
Questions
What is the hottest month in Des Moines?
July, with an average high of 86°F and low of 66°F.
What is the coldest month in Des Moines?
January, with an average low of 14°F and high of 31°F.
When does it rain most in Des Moines?
June is the wettest month, averaging 5.3 in of precipitation; the year totals about 36.6 inches.
Does it snow in Des Moines?
Yes. Snowfall averages about 37 inches a year, mostly in February and January.
What is the best time to visit Des Moines?
For mild weather (highs between 65°F and 85°F) with the least rain, May, August, September.
Where do these numbers come from?
NOAA’s 1991–2020 U.S. Climate Normals for the Des Moines Intl Ap weather station, 3.9 miles from downtown: 30-year averages, not a forecast.