Skip to main content
CheckWeather USDes MoinesBest time to visit

The best time to visit Des Moines

Month-by-month climate averages for Des Moines, IA, so you can pick your dates on data rather than guesswork.

Short answer

The most comfortable time to visit Des Moines is usually April, May and October, when daytime highs sit in the pleasant 60-78°F range and the heaviest July rain is behind you.

Des Moines is warmest in June (highs near 84°F) and coldest in January (lows around 17°F), with roughly 35 inches of precipitation across the year and July the wettest month. The sweet spot for most visitors is April, May and October. Expect overnight frost in January, February, March and December.

These are long-run averages. For the actual days you are travelling, check the live Des Moines forecast — and note how much the models agree, because that tells you how much to trust it.

Des Moines weather by month

what to expect in Des Moines through the year

Here is Des Moines's typical weather in each month: the average daytime high and overnight low in °F, how each month feels, and the wettest month marked. Use it to plan any trip to Des Moines by season.

Jan
30°
17°
Cold
Feb
45°
24°
Cool
Mar
50°
31°
Cool
Apr
63°
42°
Mild
May
75°
54°
Warm
Jun
84°
64°
Warm
Jul
84°
66°
Warm
Wettest
Aug
83°
66°
Warm
Sep
79°
60°
Warm
Oct
67°
49°
Mild
Nov
51°
35°
Cool
Dec
41°
28°
Cool

Common questions

When is the best time to visit Des Moines?
The most comfortable time to visit Des Moines is usually April, May and October, when daytime highs sit in the pleasant 60-78°F range and the heaviest July rain is behind you.
What is the warmest month in Des Moines?
June is the warmest month in Des Moines, averaging highs near 84°F.
What is the coldest month in Des Moines?
January is the coldest month in Des Moines, with lows around 17°F. Overnight frost is likely in January, February, March and December.
When is the rainy season in Des Moines?
The wettest month in Des Moines is usually July, out of roughly 35 inches of precipitation across the year.

Des Moines month by month