Des Moines in April
Great time to visit
April marks the real start of Des Moines' good months. The weather cooperates most days, attractions reopen, and the city shakes off winter's gloom.
Weather
April delivers on spring's promise with mild temperatures and frequent rain showers. Highs reach comfortable levels around 17°C, though nights can still be cool. The city turns green almost overnight when conditions are right.
17°C high4°C low11 rain days
Crowds & Cost
moderate crowds
~$105/day average
Events & Festivals
- •Tulip Time Festival in nearby Pella
- •Earth Day events at the Botanical Garden
April Tips
- •Pack a good rain jacket - April showers are real and frequent
- •Perfect time to visit the Des Moines Art Center and Pappajohn Sculpture Park
- •Restaurant patios start opening, though have a backup indoor plan
All Months
Spring through fall gives you the best of Des Moines. April brings the tulips at Reiman Gardens, though you might catch a late snow. May and June are perfect – mild temperatures, everything's green, and outdoor festivals start ramping up.
Summer gets hot and humid, but that's when Des Moines really comes alive. The Iowa State Fair in August draws over a million people to nearby Altoona. July brings RAGBRAI cyclists rolling through town, and outdoor concerts fill Water Works Park.
Fall colors peak in early October, and the weather stays pleasant through Halloween. Winter? Look, it gets cold. Really cold. But hotel rates drop by half, and there's something cozy about ducking into a warm brewery when it's 10 degrees outside.
Des Moines Scores
Solo
6/10
Couples
5/10
Families
7/10
Adventure
3/10
Budget
9/10
Luxury
3/10
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