Early winter · Weather & things to do
Des Moines in December
Des Moines cools off: highs slip to 35°F (2°C), from 49°F in November, with lows of 19°F (-7°C) and about 1.5 in (38 mm) of rain or snow.
With a comfort score of 49/100 (11th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by cool days.
- Avg high
- 35°F (2°C)
- Avg low
- 19°F (-7°C)
- Rain or snow
- 1.5 in (38 mm)
- Humidity
- 84%
- Cloud cover
- 64%
- Daylight
- ~9 h 00 min
- Comfort score
- 49/100 · Fair
What December feels like
Real cold sets in, with afternoon highs around 35°F (2°C).
Average lows of 19°F (-7°C) mean frosty nights and icy mornings.
Expect about 1.5 in (38 mm) of precipitation (rain or snow). Because the average temperature is below freezing, snow is likely on some days.
Only about 9 h 00 min of daylight means early sunsets.
Plan around December
December is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are September & October.
- Snow becomes likely from December, so check road and trail conditions.
- Shortest days of the year, about 9 h 00 min of daylight.
- Comfort slips from 64/100 in November to 49/100.
- Our Iowa Driftless & River Towns route recommends May – Oct, so December falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for December
- Hat, gloves and thermal base layerslows around 19°F
- Insulated, waterproof bootssnow is likely on some days
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Des Moines in December
Cold days call for a roof: these picks favor sit-down and indoor stops, plus a few for drier spells.
Raygun
Local print shop with screenprinted shirts and wry Midwest humor.
Why now An indoor-leaning stop when highs sit around 35°F.
Downtown Farmers' Market
One of the largest Saturday markets in the Midwest, filling Court Avenue blocks.
Why now A way to spend part of a cold day out of the wind.
Iowa State Capitol
Gold-domed capitol with a free tour and an ornate law library.
Zombie Burger + Bird
Horror-themed burger joint in the East Village with over-the-top burgers and thick shakes.
Why now A warm sit-down stop when highs sit around 35°F.
Des Moines Art Center
Free art museum in buildings by Saarinen, Pei and Meier.
Nearby in December
- Omaha in December~122 mi · highs 34°F, 1.4 in rain or snow · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Decorah in December~151 mi · highs 30°F, 1.7 in rain or snow · 3°C (5°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Dubuque in December~164 mi · highs 33°F, 1.9 in rain or snow · 1°C (2°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Kansas City in December~179 mi · highs 41°F, 1.7 in rain or snow · 3°C (6°F) warmer by day, about as wet
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid. Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Des Moines in December: quick answers
Is December a good time to visit Des Moines?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 49/100, held back mainly by cool days. The best months are September & October. Expect highs of 35°F (2°C) and 1.5 in (38 mm) of rain or snow. Our Iowa Driftless & River Towns route recommends May – Oct, so December is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Des Moines in December?
Average highs are 35°F (2°C) and average lows 19°F (-7°C), making it the 3rd-coldest month by daytime highs, with nights below freezing on average.
Does it snow a lot in Des Moines in December?
Not much: about 1.5 in (38 mm) of rain or snow falls across December on average, the 3rd-driest month of the year. With temperatures this low, much of it may fall as snow. The annual total is about 34.8 in (883 mm).
What should I pack for Des Moines in December?
Bring hat, gloves and thermal base layers (lows around 19°F), insulated, waterproof boots (snow is likely on some days) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on Des Moines
Planning Des Moines in December?
Share this December plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.