- WinterDec–Feb18°34°
- December20°36°
- January15°31°
- February19°36°
- SpringMar–May41°61°
- March30°49°
- April41°62°
- May53°72°
- SummerJun–Aug65°84°
- June63°82°
- July67°86°
- August65°84°
- AutumnSep–Nov43°63°
- September56°77°
- October43°64°
- November31°49°
Des Moines, IA Weather by Month and Climate Averages
Des Moines, IA gets 36.5 in of precipitation a year over about 113 rainy days, and about 36.5 in of snow a season. July is the warmest month (average high 86°F) and January the coldest (average low 15°F).
Des Moines climate at a glance
Humid continental climate
Des Moines, IA has hot summers and cold winters. Daytime highs range from about 31°F in January to 86°F in July. June is usually the wettest month, and snow falls in winter. The most comfortable time to visit is typically April to May and September to October, when daytime highs sit near 69°F.
How much rain does Des Moines get?
Des Moines gets 36.5 in of precipitation in an average year, spread over about 113 days with measurable rain. That is more rainy days than 72% of the US.
June is the wettest month, with 5.3 in. January is the driest, with 1.1 in. May has the most rainy days, about 13.
The longest dry spell in the last five years lasted 23 days, to November 19, 2023.
See where Des Moines ranks: rainiest cities in the US, US cities with the most rainy days, rainiest cities in Iowa.
Does it snow in Des Moines?
Yes. Des Moines gets about 36.5 in of snow in an average season, measured at the reporting station.
The snowiest winter on record is 2009–10, with 69.2 in.
The most recent measurable snow at the station fell on March 17, 2026.
See where Des Moines ranks: snowiest cities in the US.
Des Moines weather by month
Des Moines weather in January
In January, Des Moines averages a high of 31°F and a low of 15°F. It gets 1.1 in of precipitation over about 8 rainy days. The sun is out about 33% of daylight hours. The January record high is 67°F (2003) and the record low is -24°F (1970).
Des Moines weather in February
In February, Des Moines averages a high of 36°F and a low of 19°F. It gets 1.3 in of precipitation over about 8 rainy days. The sun is out about 50% of daylight hours. The February record high is 78°F (2024) and the record low is -26°F (1996).
Des Moines weather in March
In March, Des Moines averages a high of 49°F and a low of 30°F. It gets 2.2 in of precipitation over about 10 rainy days. The sun is out about 40% of daylight hours. The March record high is 91°F (2026) and the record low is -9°F (1978).
Des Moines weather in April
In April, Des Moines averages a high of 62°F and a low of 41°F. It gets 4.0 in of precipitation over about 12 rainy days. The sun is out about 48% of daylight hours. The April record high is 93°F (1980) and the record low is 9°F (1975). April is one of the most comfortable months to visit.
Des Moines weather in May
In May, Des Moines averages a high of 72°F and a low of 53°F. It gets 5.2 in of precipitation over about 13 rainy days. The sun is out about 39% of daylight hours. The May record high is 99°F (2018) and the record low is 30°F (2005). May is one of the most comfortable months to visit.
Des Moines weather in June
In June, Des Moines averages a high of 82°F and a low of 63°F. It gets 5.3 in of precipitation over about 12 rainy days. The sun is out about 52% of daylight hours. The June record high is 103°F (1988) and the record low is 41°F (1998).
Des Moines weather in July
In July, Des Moines averages a high of 86°F and a low of 67°F. It gets 3.8 in of precipitation over about 10 rainy days. The sun is out about 56% of daylight hours. The July record high is 106°F (2012) and the record low is 47°F (1971).
Des Moines weather in August
In August, Des Moines averages a high of 84°F and a low of 65°F. It gets 4.2 in of precipitation over about 9 rainy days. The sun is out about 58% of daylight hours. The August record high is 108°F (1983) and the record low is 41°F (1986).
Des Moines weather in September
In September, Des Moines averages a high of 77°F and a low of 56°F. It gets 3.2 in of precipitation over about 8 rainy days. The sun is out about 64% of daylight hours. The September record high is 101°F (2013) and the record low is 28°F (1984). September is one of the most comfortable months to visit.
Des Moines weather in October
In October, Des Moines averages a high of 64°F and a low of 43°F. It gets 2.8 in of precipitation over about 9 rainy days. The sun is out about 58% of daylight hours. The October record high is 92°F (1976) and the record low is 14°F (1972). October is one of the most comfortable months to visit.
Des Moines weather in November
In November, Des Moines averages a high of 49°F and a low of 31°F. It gets 1.9 in of precipitation over about 8 rainy days. The sun is out about 50% of daylight hours. The November record high is 81°F (1999) and the record low is -4°F (1991).
Des Moines weather in December
In December, Des Moines averages a high of 36°F and a low of 20°F. It gets 1.6 in of precipitation over about 8 rainy days. The sun is out about 42% of daylight hours. The December record high is 74°F (2021) and the record low is -22°F (1989).
Sunshine, humidity and wind in Des Moines
September is the sunniest month in Des Moines, with sunshine about 64% of daylight hours. January is the cloudiest, at 33%. Over the year the sun shines about 49% of daylight hours. Des Moines is sunnier than 60% of the US.
Humidity peaks in January at 80% and is lowest in April at 55%.
Wind averages 10 mph over the year, and April is the windiest month at 11 mph.
Des Moines has about 25 days a year above 90°F. Des Moines is cooler than 55% of the US.
Thunderstorms occur on about 46 days a year.
See where Des Moines ranks: sunniest cities in the US, cloudiest cities in the US, hottest cities in the US.
First and last freeze in Des Moines
The first fall freeze in Des Moines typically comes around October 14, and the last spring freeze around April 18. That leaves a frost-free growing season of about 179 days.
Des Moines weather records
The hottest temperature on record at the Des Moines station is 108°F, on August 16, 1983. The coldest is -26°F, on February 3, 1996.
The wettest day on record brought 6.2 in of rain, on August 27, 1975.
40 all-time records have been set at the station since 1970.
The annual mean temperature has changed by +0.6°F per decade since 1970.
The best time to visit Des Moines
The most comfortable time to visit is typically April to May and September to October, when daytime highs sit near 69°F.
Winter (December–February) is cold, with average highs around 34°F and lows near 18°F. Snow is possible.
Spring (March–May) is mild, with average highs around 61°F and lows near 41°F.
Summer (June–August) is hot, with average highs around 84°F and lows near 65°F.
Autumn (September–November) is mild, with average highs around 63°F and lows near 43°F.
Monthly climate
| Month | Precip | Rain days | Wind | Humidity | Sunshine | Record high | Record low |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 1.1 in | 8 | 10 mph | 80% | 33% | 67° | -24° |
| February | 1.3 in | 8 | 10 mph | 66% | 50% | 78° | -26° |
| March | 2.2 in | 10 | 11 mph | 62% | 40% | 91° | -9° |
| April | 4.0 in | 12 | 11 mph | 55% | 48% | 93° | 9° |
| May | 5.2 in | 13 | 10 mph | 61% | 39% | 99° | 30° |
| June | 5.3 in | 12 | 9 mph | 61% | 52% | 103° | 41° |
| July | 3.8 in | 10 | 8 mph | 71% | 56% | 106° | 47° |
| August | 4.2 in | 9 | 8 mph | 70% | 58% | 108° | 41° |
| September | 3.2 in | 8 | 9 mph | 65% | 64% | 101° | 28° |
| October | 2.8 in | 9 | 10 mph | 58% | 58% | 92° | 14° |
| November | 1.9 in | 8 | 10 mph | 65% | 50% | 81° | -4° |
| December | 1.6 in | 8 | 10 mph | 72% | 42% | 74° | -22° |
From ERA5 reanalysis. Sunshine is estimated from cloud cover.
Des Moines climate questions
How much rain does Des Moines get?
Des Moines gets 36.5 in of precipitation in an average year, over about 113 rainy days.
What is the wettest month in Des Moines?
June is the wettest month in Des Moines, with 5.3 in. January is the driest, with 1.1 in.
How many rainy days does Des Moines have a year?
Des Moines has about 113 days with measurable rain in an average year. May has the most, about 13.
Does it snow in Des Moines?
Yes. Des Moines gets about 36.5 in of snow in an average season. The snowiest winter on record is 2009–10, with 69.2 in.
What is the hottest month in Des Moines?
July is the warmest month in Des Moines, with an average high of 86°F.
What is the coldest month in Des Moines?
January is the coldest month in Des Moines, with an average low of 15°F.
What is the record high temperature in Des Moines?
The record high at the Des Moines station is 108°F, set on August 16, 1983. The record low is -26°F, on February 3, 1996.
What is the sunniest month in Des Moines?
September is the sunniest month in Des Moines, with sunshine about 64% of daylight hours. January is the cloudiest.
When is the first frost in Des Moines?
The first fall freeze in Des Moines typically comes around October 14. The last spring freeze is around April 18.
What is the best time to visit Des Moines?
The most comfortable time to visit is typically April to May and September to October, when daytime highs sit near 69°F.
Source: NOAA GHCN-Daily station DES MOINES INTL AP (8 km away).
GraySky on your iPhone
See the forecast and climate for Des Moines, IA.
Climate for places near Des Moines, IA
Normals from NOAA GHCN-Daily station DES MOINES INTL AP.