The climate of Des Moines
Sitting in the heartland of the United States, the climate of
Des Moines,
Iowa, is best classified as Dfa or humid continental under the Köppen climate classification. This climate label signifies a substantial seasonal variation, with hot summers and cold, often snowy winters. Throughout the year, Des Moines undergoes distinct shifts in climate parameters - air pressure, sunlight hours, and levels of humidity, precipation, and temperature, each having a unique pattern.
Temperature oscillates markedly throught the year: it commences from a chilly 15.1°F (-9.4°C) in
January, surges up to a summery 83.1°F (28.4°C) in
July, and then descents back down for the winter. Rain patterns show a corresponding rhythm, with the highest rainfall from 2.64" (67mm) to 2.76" (70mm) occuring during the warmer months, from
May to
June. It is noticeable that relative humidity stays more or less constant, fluctuating between 70% to 82% year around.
In an average year, Des Moines observes snowfall from
November to
April peaking at 2.24" (57mm) in January. January and
February certainly paint a winter wonderland scene, with snowfall observed for 8.7 days and 7.8 days respectively. On the other hand, the sunniest period spreads from June to
August, with daylight hours stretching from 14.5 to 15.2, and sunshine duration extending from 9.7 hours to 10.3 hours. The city also experiences gusty conditions throughout the year with winds peaking at 16.5mph (26.6km/h) in January.
The Best Time to Visit Des Moines
Sun seekers and warmth lovers would relish the summer months in
Des Moines when the temperature typically tops between 79.5°F (26.4°C) and 83.1°F (28.4°C) from
June to
August. These three months also contain the most considerable amount of sunshine, with daily averages ranging from 8.6 hours to 10.3 hours. Visitors can enjoy long and generally dry days with comparatively lower rainfall levels. Add the fact that these months generally see fewer clouds, with cloud coverage less than 34%, and it is clear why summer is the optimal season to visit.
The Worst Time to Visit Des Moines
Winter could be a challenging time to visit and explore
Des Moines. From
December to
February, average high temperatures range from 28.2°F (-2.1°C) to 34.2°F (1.2°C) and can plunge to frigid lows between 15.1°F (-9.4°C) to 22.5°F (-5.3°C). Additionally, Des Moines sees an increased number of snowfall days, with 8.7 days in
January and 5.7 days in December, which might add difficulty to travel plans. Hence, travelers who cannot handle very cold and snowy conditions might want to avoid Des Moines in winter.
Spring Weather in Des Moines
Spring in
Des Moines is a time of warming temperatures and incremental increase in rainfall. From
March to
May, high temperatures move from 47.5°F (8.6°C) to 69.6°F (20.9°C), while lows rise from 32.2°F (0.1°C) to 53.1°F (11.7°C). While March witnesses smaller amounts of rainfall at 1.02" (26mm), the precipitation sees a significant jump to 2.76" (70mm) in May. It is a season of transformation as the snow melts away, and blooming flowers replace it.
Summer Weather in Des Moines
The summer in
Des Moines manifests high temperatures, extended daylight hours and moderate rainfall. The mercury often soars into the high 70s, peaking at 83.1°F (28.4°C) in
July. Daylight conditions are ideal during this time, with the length of the day ranging from 14.5 hours in
June to 14.8 hours in July. Rainfall fluctuates within a narrower band, from 1.5" (38mm) in July to 2.64" (67mm) in June. A mixed bag of weather, the summer can be hot, cheerful or drenched in moments.
Autumn Weather in Des Moines
Autumn sees a marked cooling from the summer's heat. Temperatures decrease from a high of 75.6°F (24.2°C) in
September to 47.1°F (8.4°C) in
November, while lows slide from 55.9°F (13.3°C) to 32.7°F (0.4°C). Rainfall also declines during autumn, progressively reducing from 1.73" (44mm) in September to 0.71" (18mm) in November. The days get visibly shorter with daylight hours dropping from 12.5 hours in September to 9.9 hours by November. Autumn is a serene time with crisp air, clear days, and impressive color change in foliage.
Winter Weather in Des Moines
Winter gradually sets in
Des Moines, snowfall commences and temperatures plunge.
December through
February records the lowest temperatures, dipping between a low 22.5°F (-5.3°C) to a high 34.2°F (1.2°C). The period also marks the peak of snowfall, hitting almost an inch in December and cresting at 2.24" (57mm) in
January. However, the season's saving grace might be the clear visibility, unaffected despite the snow, at a steady 6 miles. The winter season might be cold, but the city decked in a blanket of snow can be a fascinating sight.
Weather in January
Weather conditions in
Des Moines,
Iowa commence the year with a blend of cold temperatures, reasonably high humidity, and snow. The first month witnesses a modest change in daylight hours, and the modest sunshine hours indicate a relatively cloud-covered sky most of the time.
Weather in January »Weather in February
The city of
Des Moines experiences a slight lift in temperature in
February, hinting at the arrival of the spring season soon. Yet, the city continues to witness snowfall, making outdoor winter activities a lure for enthusiasts.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March recognizes a significant change in weather, marking the transition from winter to spring in
Des Moines. Temperature increases get accompanied by a notable rise in rainfall: the melting snow and rain contribute to increased relative humidity.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April in
Des Moines signifies the complete onset of spring, with a substantial rise in temperature and extended daylight hours. It fosters an environment for the blooming of flora and the greening of fauna, as the rainfall intensifies.
Weather in April » Weather in May
As
May arrives to
Des Moines, the weather gets closer to summer, with obvious increases in temperature and a substantial rise in rainfall often leading to the growth of lush landscapes. The city shines under high sunshine hours and longer daylight hours, hinting at the arrival of the longest day of the year.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June brings the summer season to
Des Moines, showcasing peak daylight hours and high sunshine hours that encourage outdoor activities. A decrease in relative humidity offers the perfect environment for summer cookouts and picnics.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July, often considered the peak of summer in
Des Moines, is characterized by the greatest warmth and longest daylight hours of the year. Thundery showers sporadically balance out the generally high temperature. Despite the tropical nature of the month, a dip in wind gusts provides some respite from the heat.
Weather in July » Weather in August
In
August,
Des Moines experiences a continuation of the summer with a slight downtrend in temperature and shorter daylight hours. Sunshine hours reduce gradually, hinting at the autumn season lurking around the corner. Additionally, the UV Index starts to drop, indicating less harsh sunlight.
Weather in August »Weather in September
The transition from summer to autumn becomes evident in
Des Moines during
September. The daylight hours reduce further, and slight dips in temperature make the weather more comfortable. A decrease in humidity coupled with a relatively balanced rain and sunshine duration, ensures an enjoyable outdoor ambiance.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Des Moines signifies the full swing of autumn. Temperatures spiral down further compared to
September, and daylight hours continue to wane. The beautiful fall foliage becomes vibrant, with yellow, orange, and red dominating the landscape.
Weather in October » Weather in November
As
November arrives, the city of
Des Moines prepares for winter, with further falls in temperature and shortened daylight hours. With a noticeable dip in sunshine hours and a rise in cloud coverage, November experiences the first flurries of snow.
Weather in November »Weather in December
With the arrival of
December, winter officially begins in
Des Moines. Temperature levels continue to drop, causing a palpable rise in the humidity. The shrinking daylight and sunshine hours indicate the approach of the winter solstice.
Weather in December »