Mid-summer · Weather & things to do
Des Moines in July
Des Moines's warmest month brings highs averaging 87°F (31°C), lows of 67°F (19°C) and about 3.7 in (94 mm) of rain.
Our comfort score puts it mid-table at 73/100, 7th of 12.
- Avg high
- 87°F (31°C)
- Avg low
- 67°F (19°C)
- Rain
- 3.7 in (94 mm)
- Humidity
- 70%
- Cloud cover
- 46%
- Daylight
- ~14 h 44 min
- Comfort score
- 73/100 · Good
What July feels like
Expect proper heat: afternoons average 87°F (31°C), so plan walking and hiking for the morning and save midday for shade, lunch or a swim.
Lows average 67°F (19°C).
Some rain is likely, about 3.7 in (94 mm) in the month, so pack for a shower or two.
Plan around July
July sits mid-table; the best months are September & October.
- Inside the wettest three-month stretch, May – July.
- Comfort holds steady from June (73 → 73/100).
- July sits inside the May – Oct window our Iowa Driftless & River Towns route recommends.
What to pack for July
- Light, breathable clotheshighs average 87°F
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hatstrong sun this month
- Refillable water bottleeasy to dehydrate in the heat
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaabout 3.7 in of rain
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Des Moines in July
Afternoons run hot (87°F), so these picks mix early-start outdoor spots with cool indoor breaks.
Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
Riverside gardens and a domed tropical conservatory.
Why now July scores 73/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Pappajohn Sculpture Park
Free outdoor park with works by Jaume Plensa, Claes Oldenburg and others.
Why now Highs near 87°F and 3.7 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Zombie Burger + Bird
Horror-themed burger joint in the East Village with over-the-top burgers and thick shakes.
Why now A break from 87°F afternoons.
Des Moines Art Center
Free art museum in buildings by Saarinen, Pei and Meier.
Why now Somewhere to sit out the hottest hours.
Fong's Pizza
Des Moines cult pizzeria famous for the Crab Rangoon pizza and tiki-bar drinks, now in the old Peace Tree space.
Nearby in July
- Omaha in July~122 mi · highs 88°F, 3.2 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Decorah in July~151 mi · highs 83°F, 4.0 in rain · 3°C (5°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Dubuque in July~164 mi · highs 84°F, 4.4 in rain · 2°C (3°F) cooler by day, wetter
- Kansas City in July~179 mi · highs 89°F, 4.3 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, wetter
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 July: quick answers
Is July a good time to visit Des Moines?
It's middling, scoring 73/100. The best months are September & October, at up to 90. Expect highs of 87°F (31°C) and 3.7 in (94 mm) of rain. July is inside the May – Oct window our Iowa Driftless & River Towns route recommends.
How hot is Des Moines in July?
Average highs are 87°F (31°C) and average lows 67°F (19°C), making it the warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Des Moines in July?
Some: about 3.7 in (94 mm) of rain falls across July on average, the 4th-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 34.8 in (883 mm).
What should I pack for Des Moines in July?
Bring light, breathable clothes (highs average 87°F), sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat (strong sun this month), refillable water bottle (easy to dehydrate in the heat), packable rain jacket or umbrella (about 3.7 in of rain) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
More on Des Moines
Routes in season in July
- Iowa Driftless & River Towns May – Oct
Planning Des Moines in July?
Plan it together in TripsCircle: one itinerary, one shared packing list and costs split as you go.