Mid-winter · Weather & things to do
Des Moines in January
This is the coldest month in Des Moines: highs average 31°F (-1°C) and lows 14°F (-10°C), with about 0.9 in (23 mm) of rain or snow.
With a comfort score of 48/100 (12th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by cool days.
- Avg high
- 31°F (-1°C)
- Avg low
- 14°F (-10°C)
- Rain or snow
- 0.9 in (23 mm)
- Humidity
- 83%
- Cloud cover
- 65%
- Daylight
- ~9 h 18 min
- Comfort score
- 48/100 · Fair
What January feels like
It's cold: daytime highs average just 31°F (-1°C), so build the days around warm stops.
Nights drop below freezing, with an average low of 14°F (-10°C), so expect frost and ice.
Precipitation is light, about 0.9 in (23 mm) of rain or snow, and since the average temperature is below freezing, what does fall may well be snow.
Daylight is short, roughly 9 h 18 min mid-month, so start sightseeing early.
Plan around January
January is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are September & October.
- Comfort holds steady from December (49 → 48/100).
- Our Iowa Driftless & River Towns route recommends May – Oct, so January falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for January
- Hat, gloves and thermal base layerslows around 14°F
- Insulated, waterproof bootssnow is likely on some days
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Des Moines in January
With highs near 31°F, these picks lean toward food, drink and places with a roof, with outdoor options when the weather breaks.
Court Avenue Brewing Company
Brewpub open since 1996 in a historic downtown warehouse.
Why now A warm sit-down stop when highs sit around 31°F.
Zombie Burger + Bird
Horror-themed burger joint in the East Village with over-the-top burgers and thick shakes.
Why now Somewhere to warm up between colder walks.
Fong's Pizza
Des Moines cult pizzeria famous for the Crab Rangoon pizza and tiki-bar drinks, now in the old Peace Tree space.
Why now A cozy break on a 31°F day.
Iowa State Capitol
Gold-domed capitol with a free tour and an ornate law library.
Why now An indoor-leaning stop when highs sit around 31°F.
Raygun
Local print shop with screenprinted shirts and wry Midwest humor.
Why now A way to spend part of a cold day out of the wind.
Nearby in January
- Omaha in January~122 mi · highs 31°F, 0.7 in rain or snow · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Decorah in January~151 mi · highs 25°F, 1.0 in rain or snow · 3°C (6°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Dubuque in January~164 mi · highs 28°F, 1.2 in rain or snow · 1°C (3°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Kansas City in January~179 mi · highs 37°F, 1.3 in rain or snow · 4°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 January: quick answers
Is January a good time to visit Des Moines?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 48/100, held back mainly by cool days. The best months are September & October. Expect highs of 31°F (-1°C) and 0.9 in (23 mm) of rain or snow. Our Iowa Driftless & River Towns route recommends May – Oct, so January is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Des Moines in January?
Average highs are 31°F (-1°C) and average lows 14°F (-10°C), making it the coldest month by daytime highs, with nights below freezing on average.
Does it snow a lot in Des Moines in January?
Not much: about 0.9 in (23 mm) of rain or snow falls across January on average, the 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 January?
Bring hat, gloves and thermal base layers (lows around 14°F), insulated, waterproof boots (snow is likely on some days) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
More on Des Moines
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