Des Moines in May
Great time to visit
May is when Des Moines really shines. Great weather, major festivals, and everything's open and operating at full capacity. This is peak time to visit.
Weather
May hits the sweet spot with warm days around 22°C and cool nights perfect for sleeping. Rain is common but usually comes in short bursts rather than all-day affairs. Humidity starts building but isn't oppressive yet.
22°C high10°C low12 rain days
Crowds & Cost
moderate crowds
~$120/day average
Events & Festivals
- •Des Moines Arts Festival
- •World Food & Music Festival
May Tips
- •Book hotels early - May kicks off event season and good weather brings crowds
- •Perfect weather for the extensive trail system along the Des Moines River
- •Pack light layers - evenings can still be cool even when days are warm
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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