Des Moines in November
Good time to visit
November is the start of Des Moines' quiet season. Weather becomes unpredictable and chilly, but you'll find good deals and fewer crowds if you don't mind bundling up.
Weather
November turns chilly with highs around 10°C and the first real cold snaps of the season. Rain gives way to occasional snow flurries, though accumulation is usually minimal. Gray skies become more common.
10°C high-1°C low6 rain days
Crowds & Cost
low crowds
~$92/day average
Events & Festivals
- •Holiday light displays begin
- •Thanksgiving events at local venues
November Tips
- •Pack warm layers - the transition from fall to winter happens quickly
- •Many outdoor attractions start closing or reducing hours
- •Great time to explore indoor attractions before holiday crowds arrive
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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