Early autumn · Weather & things to do
Des Moines in September
Des Moines cools off: highs slip to 78°F (26°C), from 85°F in August, with lows of 55°F (13°C) and about 3.4 in (87 mm) of rain.
September opens the best stretch on our comfort score, at 90/100 (the top score of the year).
- Avg high
- 78°F (26°C)
- Avg low
- 55°F (13°C)
- Rain
- 3.4 in (87 mm)
- Humidity
- 69%
- Cloud cover
- 44%
- Daylight
- ~12 h 16 min
- Comfort score
- 90/100 · Great
What September feels like
Days are warm, averaging 78°F (26°C), easy weather for being outside from morning to evening.
Mornings start much cooler: lows average 55°F (13°C), about 13°C (23°F) below the afternoon high.
Some rain is likely, about 3.4 in (87 mm) in the month, so pack for a shower or two.
Plan around September
September is one of Des Moines's best months on the climate data.
- Last warm month for a while: October highs fall to 63°F.
- Opens the best-scoring stretch on our comfort score: September & October.
- Comfort improves from 75/100 in August to 90/100.
- September sits inside the May – Oct window our Iowa Driftless & River Towns route recommends.
What to pack for September
- Light, breathable clotheshighs average 78°F
- A warm layer for eveningslows near 55°F
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaabout 3.4 in of rain
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Des Moines in September
September is good outdoor weather here, so these picks lean toward the open air.
Downtown Farmers' Market
One of the largest Saturday markets in the Midwest, filling Court Avenue blocks.
Zombie Burger + Bird
Horror-themed burger joint in the East Village with over-the-top burgers and thick shakes.
Fong's Pizza
Des Moines cult pizzeria famous for the Crab Rangoon pizza and tiki-bar drinks, now in the old Peace Tree space.
Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
Riverside gardens and a domed tropical conservatory.
Why now September scores 90/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Des Moines Art Center
Free art museum in buildings by Saarinen, Pei and Meier.
Nearby in September
- Omaha in September~122 mi · highs 78°F, 3.3 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Decorah in September~151 mi · highs 73°F, 4.0 in rain · 3°C (5°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Dubuque in September~164 mi · highs 76°F, 3.9 in rain · 1°C (2°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Kansas City in September~179 mi · highs 80°F, 3.6 in rain · 1°C (2°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 September: quick answers
Is September a good time to visit Des Moines?
Yes. On the climate data it's one of the best months, scoring 90/100. Expect highs of 78°F (26°C) and 3.4 in (87 mm) of rain. September is inside the May – Oct window our Iowa Driftless & River Towns route recommends.
How hot is Des Moines in September?
Average highs are 78°F (26°C) and average lows 55°F (13°C), making it the 4th-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Des Moines in September?
Some: about 3.4 in (87 mm) of rain falls across September on average, the 6th-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 34.8 in (883 mm).
What should I pack for Des Moines in September?
Bring light, breathable clothes (highs average 78°F), a warm layer for evenings (lows near 55°F), packable rain jacket or umbrella (about 3.4 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 September
- Iowa Driftless & River Towns May – Oct
Planning Des Moines in September?
Share this September plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.