Des Moines in July
Great time to visit
July is hot, humid, and busy - classic peak summer in Iowa. Great for festivals and events, but you'll be planning around the weather more than with it.
Weather
July cranks up the heat with highs often hitting 30°C and humidity that makes it feel even hotter. Thunderstorms provide dramatic relief but can be severe. Early mornings and evenings are your friends for outdoor activities.
30°C high19°C low9 rain days
Crowds & Cost
high crowds
~$140/day average
Events & Festivals
- •Iowa State Fair preparation events
- •Concerts in the parks series
July Tips
- •Schedule outdoor activities before 10am or after 6pm to avoid the worst heat
- •Many venues and trails have air-conditioned shelters - know where they are
- •This is peak season pricing - book accommodations well ahead
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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