Des Moines in March
Good time to visit
March is transition month - too unpredictable for reliable outdoor plans but finally showing signs of life. You'll catch glimpses of why people love Iowa spring, mixed with reminders of why winter drags on here.
Weather
March brings the first real hope of spring, though it's unpredictable. Temperatures swing wildly - you might see 15°C one day and snow the next. Rain becomes more common than snow, creating muddy conditions everywhere.
10°C high-2°C low9 rain days
Crowds & Cost
low crowds
~$95/day average
Events & Festivals
- •St. Patrick's Day celebrations downtown
- •NCAA March Madness viewing parties
March Tips
- •Pack layers - March weather changes hourly in Iowa
- •Avoid outdoor activities early in the month when conditions are still unpredictable
- •Hotels remain cheap, but book restaurants ahead for St. Patrick's Day weekend
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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