Des Moines County Climate
Des Moines County, Iowa
Avg Annual Temp
51.5°F
Annual Precip
39.4"
Annual Snowfall
21.8"
Extreme Heat Days
22.35
days >= 90°F/yr
Monthly Temperature
Precipitation Calendar
Seasonal Overview
National Comparison
Climate Profile
About Des Moines County Weather
Temperate and Humid Near the River
Des Moines County averages 51.5°F annually, making it one of the more temperate locations in the Midwest. The county is quite wet, receiving 39.4 inches of precipitation each year, which far exceeds the national average for most inland counties. This combination creates a humid environment with lush vegetation along the Mississippi River.
The Warmest Corner of Iowa
At 51.5°F, Des Moines County is significantly warmer than the Iowa state average of 48.0°F. It also records higher annual precipitation at 39.4 inches compared to the state's 36.1-inch average. This makes it a leader in heat and moisture for the entire state of Iowa.
Southeastern Warmth and Moisture
Des Moines County is the warmest in this regional set, edging out Davis (51.2°F) and Decatur (50.9°F). It is drastically warmer than northern counties like Dickinson, which stays nearly 6 degrees cooler on average. This makes it a regional outlier for those seeking a less harsh Iowa winter.
High Heat and Manageable Snow
Summers are hot, with 22 days reaching 90°F or higher and a July average of 75.4°F. Winter is relatively mild for Iowa, with a January average of 23.9°F and only 21.8 inches of annual snowfall. The winter season average of 27.2°F is one of the highest in the state.
Focus on Cooling and Humidity Control
With 22 extreme heat days and high precipitation, air conditioning and dehumidifiers are vital for comfort and home maintenance. The lower snowfall of 21.8 inches makes winter travel easier than in northern counties, though ice is still a seasonal risk. Residents should prepare for a climate that feels more like the lower Midwest than the Great Lakes.
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Data source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), U.S. Climate Normals 1991-2020.
Climate normals are 30-year averages of weather variables computed from 1991 to 2020. Station data is aggregated to county level using spatial averaging. Data is informational only — not a substitute for official National Weather Service forecasts or emergency weather warnings.