Seasons in Iowa
The main feature of the climate in Iowa is variability. The weather often changes quickly and unpredictable. In general, the state has a humid continental climate. The most changeable season is spring.
The best time to visit Iowa is considered the beginning of autumn. It is hot and humid in summer and snowy and windy in winter. The region is prone to tornadoes and check the weather forecast before going for a walk.
Seasons
Contents:
Spring in Iowa
The main characteristic of spring in Iowa is unpredictability. From late March to May, sun and rain often replace each other. It gets quite warm in April, with temperatures rising to 50-60 °F (+10 +15 °C). Flooding in rivers and lakes can lead to flooding. Thunderstorms and tornadoes come along with the heat. From March to September, up to 40 tornadoes occur in the state.
Despite the warming, there are snowfalls in March. Increased caution is required on the highway - icing of the road is possible. In April, the tourist season begins in state parks. People dress warmly and go camping or just hiking.
Climate of the Spring Months
March Max average t°: 49 °F (+10 °C) Min average t°: 30 °F (-1 °C) Sundial in the day: 7.5 hours Rainy days: 7 days Precipitation: 2.8" (72 mm) |
April Max average t°: 63 °F (+17 °C) Min average t°: 43 °F (+6 °C) Sundial in the day: 8.5 hours Rainy days: 8 days Precipitation: 4.3" (110 mm) |
May Max average t°: 72 °F (+22 °C) Min average t°: 54 °F (+12 °C) Sundial in the day: 9.5 hours Rainy days: 10 days Precipitation: 5.6" (141 mm) |
(Des Moines)
Spring Holidays
March 1st: National Women of Color Day.
March 17: St.Patrick 's Day.
April 1: April Fools' Day.
April 22: International Earth Day.
2nd Sunday of May: Mother’s Day.
last Monday in May: Memorial Day.
Summer in Iowa
In summer, temperatures in Iowa rise to 90-95 °F (+32 +35 °C), with temperature records of 100 °F (+37.5 °C). It often rains, so the air is humid. Thunderstorms with hail are likely from June to August.
This is the best time to take a boat trip on the river or lake. Plains, lakes, and rivers are informally known as Hawkeye State. The majestic Mississippi and Missouri rivers flow here. Tourists are advised to see the Capitol Building in the state capital, Des Moines. There are several interesting museums, an Arts Center, a zoo, Gray Lake Park and a botanical garden.
Climate of the Summer Months
June Max average t°: 81 °F (+27 °C) Min average t°: 64 °F (+17.5 °C) Sundial in the day: 11 hours Rainy days: 9 days Precipitation: 5.0" (128 mm) |
July Max average t°: 85 °F (+29.5 °C) Min average t°: 68 °F (+20 °C) Sundial in the day: 11 hours Rainy days: 7 days Precipitation: 3.9" (100 mm) |
August Max average t°: 83 °F (+28 °C) Min average t°: 66 °F (+19 °C) Sundial in the day: 10 hours Rainy days: 7 days Precipitation: 3.9" (98 mm) |
(Des Moines)
Summer Holidays
June 14: Day of the American flag.
June 19: Juneteenth Day.
Third Sunday of June: Father’s Day.
July 4: Independence Day.
August 26: Women's Equality Day.
Autumn in Iowa
In September, a golden autumn begins in Iowa - the best time to visit the state. The weather is calm and warm. Temperatures in the 70 °F (+21 °C) range are most comfortable for tourists. Until November it is quite warm, sunny and dry.
The forests, hills and plains of Iowa are beautiful in the fall. The foliage of the trees is painted in bright colors, the air is transparent and fresh. This is the harvest time, to which the autumn festival is dedicated in almost every city. We recommend visiting the city of Cedar Rapids. Here tourists are attracted by the Town Hall, Science Station Science Museum, Cedar Rapids Art Museum and Paramount Theater.
Climate of the Autumn Months
September Max average t°: 77 °F (+25 °C) Min average t°: 59 °F (+15 °C) Sundial in the day: 9 hours Rainy days: 6 days Precipitation: 3.5" (90 mm) |
October Max average t°: 63 °F (+17 °C) Min average t°: 47 °F (+8 °C) Sundial in the day: 7.5 hours Rainy days: 6 days Precipitation: 2.8" (72 mm) |
November Max average t°: 50 °F (+10 °C) Min average t°: 34 °F (+1 °C) Sundial in the day: 6.5 hours Rainy days: 5 days Precipitation: 2.2" (55 mm) |
(Des Moines)
Autumn Holidays
1st Monday in September: Labor Day.
2nd Monday in October: Columbus Day.
October 31: Halloween (All Hallows' Eve).
November 11: Veterans Day.
4th Thursday in November: Thanksgiving Day.
Winter in Iowa
Colds come to Iowa in November. During the three winter months, the average temperature remains between 5 °F (-5 °C) and 35 °F (+2 °C). It's colder at night than during the day. It often snows, the wind can reach the force of the storm. If a blizzard begins, it is best to stay at home.
Winter in Iowa is a family time and low tourist season. Due to the lack of mountain ranges of constant winds, snow does not accumulate. There are no conditions for skiing. Despite this, people willingly go fishing and hunting.
Climate of the Winter Months
December Max average t°: 35 °F (+2 °C) Min average t°: 21 °F (-6 °C) Sundial in the day: 5 hours Snowy days: 5 days Precipitation: 1.8" (45 mm) |
January Max average t°: 31 °F (0 °C) Min average t°: 16 °F (-9 °C) Sundial in the day: 5.5 hours Snowy days: 5 days Precipitation: 1.3" (34 mm) |
February Max average t°: 34 °F ( +1.5 °C) Min average t°: 18 °F (-8 °C) Sundial in the day: 6.5 hours Snowy days: 5 days Precipitation: 1.7" (43 mm) |
(Des Moines)
Winter Holidays
December 25: Christmas Day.
January 1: New Year’s Day.
January 20 every fourth year: Inauguration Day.
3rd Monday in January: Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.
February 14: St. Valentine's Day.
3rd Monday in February: Washington’s Birthday.