Des Moines in December
Not the best time
December is when Des Moines settles into winter mode. Cold weather limits outdoor activities, but holiday decorations and events provide some seasonal charm if you can handle the chill.
Weather
December brings winter's arrival with temperatures dropping to around 3°C during the day and well below freezing at night. Snow becomes common, and Iowa's famous winter wind makes everything feel colder than the thermometer reads.
3°C high-7°C low7 rain days
Crowds & Cost
low crowds
~$95/day average
Events & Festivals
- •Holiday lights at the Botanical Garden
- •New Year's Eve events downtown
December Tips
- •Serious winter gear required - don't underestimate Iowa winter weather
- •Many outdoor attractions close or operate limited hours
- •Holiday events provide some bright spots, but book restaurant reservations early
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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