When to visit Des Moines without the crowds
Des Moines (Iowa, United States) is calmest in February, March, April and October: fewer people and better prices. It gets busiest in January, May, June, July, August, September, November and December. Below is every month with crowds, temperatures and festivals. Careful with April: the calm has a reason (see the seasonal heads-ups).
Best months
May–Jun & Sep–Oct
When everyone heads home
The last week of August.
Tip
The Iowa State Fair draws a million people in 11 days: book from spring.
Month by month
| Month | Crowds | Avg. high | Festivals & holidays |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 3/5 · moderate | -1 °C (31 °F) | New Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day |
| February | 1/5 · calm | 3 °C (37 °F) | Presidents Day |
| March | 2/5 · calm | 10 °C (51 °F) | |
| April | 2/5 · calm ⚠ | 16 °C (61 °F) | |
| May | 3/5 · moderate ⚠ | 23 °C (73 °F) | Memorial Day |
| June | 3/5 · moderate ⚠ | 29 °C (84 °F) | Juneteenth National Independence Day |
| July | 3/5 · moderate | 30 °C (85 °F) | Independence Day |
| August | 3/5 · moderate | 29 °C (83 °F) | Iowa State Fair (August) |
| September | 3/5 · moderate | 26 °C (79 °F) | Labour Day |
| October | 2/5 · calm | 18 °C (65 °F) | |
| November | 3/5 · moderate | 10 °C (50 °F) | Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day |
| December | 3/5 · moderate | 4 °C (38 °F) | Christmas Day |
⚠ = seasonal heads-up.
Before you go: seasonal heads-ups
- Tornado season (Apr–Jun): follow weather alerts.
Crowds are a relative index for each place: 1 is its calmest month and 5 its busiest. Temperatures: Copernicus ERA5, 2016–2025 average. How it works
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to visit Des Moines without the crowds?
The calmest month is usually February (crowds 1/5). In February the average high is 3 °C (37 °F). All the calm months: February, March, April and October.
When is Des Moines most crowded?
The busiest season is January, May, June, July, August, September, November and December. The last week of August.
What is the weather like in Des Moines?
Average highs range from -1 °C (31 °F) in January to 30 °C (85 °F) in July, from Copernicus ERA5 (2016–2025).
What should I know before going to Des Moines?
Tornado season (Apr–Jun): follow weather alerts.
What festivals are there in Des Moines?
The main ones: Iowa State Fair (August) (August).