Des Moines in September
Great time to visit
September might be Des Moines' best-kept secret. Summer crowds disperse, weather becomes nearly perfect, and you get that gorgeous early fall atmosphere without winter's bite.
Weather
September brings relief from summer's worst heat with comfortable highs around 25°C. Humidity drops noticeably, making outdoor activities pleasant again. Rain becomes less frequent, and those crisp fall mornings start appearing.
25°C high13°C low8 rain days
Crowds & Cost
moderate crowds
~$118/day average
Events & Festivals
- •World Food & Music Festival
- •Fall festival season begins
September Tips
- •Perfect weather for the extensive trail system - this is prime biking and walking weather
- •Pack light layers - days are warm but evenings cool down quickly
- •Restaurant patios are at their best before they close for winter
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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