Des Moines in January
Not the best time
January is Des Moines at its most challenging - bitter cold and limited activities. But if you can handle the weather, you'll have the city mostly to yourself with rock-bottom hotel prices.
Weather
January hits Des Moines with brutal cold. Temperatures regularly drop below -10°C, and the wind chill makes it feel even worse. Snow covers the ground most of the month, with occasional ice storms that shut down the city.
-1°C high-12°C low8 rain days
Crowds & Cost
low crowds
~$85/day average
January Tips
- •Pack serious winter gear - thermal layers, waterproof boots, and a heavy coat are essential
- •Many outdoor attractions close or have limited hours, so plan indoor activities
- •Hotel rates are at their lowest, but check if amenities like pools are actually open
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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