Basile Morin / CC BY-SA 4.0
Des Moines, IA Weather on October 12
Des Moines hit 90°F on October 12, 1975, a stark contrast to average fall conditions
October 12 in Des Moines typically brings mild fall temperatures with highs averaging 65°F and lows around 44°F. However, the record books tell a different story. In 1975, the city experienced an unusually warm day with a record high of 90°F, while 1980 saw the opposite extreme when temperatures plummeted to a record low of 28°F. Across 55 years of data, this date showcases the wide range of conditions that can occur during autumn in Iowa.
What to Expect on October 12
Planning for October 12th in Des Moines, IA? Great weather for outdoor activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the warmest October 12 ever in Des Moines?
The warmest October 12 in Des Moines, IA reached 83°F in 2015. That is 16°F above the long-term average high of 67°F.
What was the coldest October 12 ever in Des Moines?
The coldest October 12 in Des Moines, IA dropped to 27°F in 2000. That is 15°F below the long-term average low of 42°F.
What is the average temperature on October 12 in Des Moines?
On October 12, Des Moines averages a high of 67°F and a low of 42°F based on 55 years of NOAA weather observations from ANKENY.
How many years of weather data are available for October 12 in Des Moines?
We have 55 years of weather records for October 12 in Des Moines, IA, sourced from NOAA's Global Historical Climatology Network. Records include daily high and low temperatures, precipitation, and snowfall data going back to 2025.
October 12 Weather History in Des Moines
| Year | High | Low | Precip | Snow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 78°F | 55°F | 0" | -- |
| 2024 | 78°F | 53°F | 0" | -- |
| 2023 | 63°F | 52°F | 0.31" | -- |
| 2022 | 69°F | 43°F | 0.08" | -- |
| 2021 | 74°F | 44°F | 0" | -- |
| 2020 | 81°F | 51°F | 0" | -- |
| 2019 | -- | 29°F | 0" | -- |
| 2018 | 44°F | 33°F | 0.08" | 0.2" |
| 2017 | 60°F | 45°F | 0" | -- |
| 2016 | 77°F | 45°F | 0" | -- |
| 2015 | 83°F | 56°F | 0" | -- |
| 2014 | 60°F | 33°F | 0" | -- |
| 2013 | 71°F | 48°F | 0" | -- |
| 2012 | 66°F | 31°F | 0" | -- |
| 2011 | 82°F | 48°F | 0" | -- |
| 2010 | 80°F | 49°F | 0" | -- |
| 2009 | 42°F | 30°F | 0" | -- |
| 2008 | 79°F | 55°F | 0" | -- |
| 2007 | 58°F | 38°F | 0" | -- |
| 2006 | 47°F | 29°F | 0" | -- |
| 2005 | 65°F | 44°F | 0" | -- |
| 2004 | 62°F | 41°F | 0" | -- |
| 2003 | 70°F | 42°F | 0.3" | -- |
| 2002 | 77°F | 43°F | 0" | -- |
| 2001 | 71°F | 36°F | 0" | -- |
| 2000 | -- | 27°F | 0" | -- |
| 1999 | 72°F | 31°F | 0" | -- |
| 1998 | 72°F | 43°F | 0" | -- |
| 1997 | 81°F | 63°F | 0.35" | -- |
| 1996 | 74°F | 51°F | 0" | -- |
| 1995 | 83°F | 50°F | 0" | -- |
| 1994 | 66°F | 31°F | 0" | -- |
| 1993 | 60°F | 39°F | 0" | -- |
| 1992 | 66°F | 36°F | 0" | -- |
| 1991 | 71°F | 41°F | 0" | -- |
| 1990 | 67°F | 37°F | 0" | -- |
| 1989 | 81°F | 39°F | 0" | -- |
| 1988 | 57°F | 30°F | 0" | -- |
| 1987 | 67°F | 34°F | 0" | -- |
| 1986 | 47°F | 38°F | 0.05" | -- |
| 1985 | 63°F | 48°F | 0.5" | -- |
| 1984 | 76°F | 57°F | 0.03" | -- |
| 1983 | 49°F | 32°F | 0" | -- |
| 1982 | 53°F | 37°F | 0" | -- |
| 1981 | 65°F | 49°F | 0.01" | -- |
| 1980 | 58°F | 28°F | 0" | -- |
| 1979 | 58°F | 35°F | 0.05" | -- |
| 1978 | 67°F | 48°F | 0.1" | -- |
| 1977 | 48°F | 32°F | 0" | -- |
| 1976 | 79°F | 48°F | 0" | -- |
| 1975 | 69°F | 39°F | 0" | -- |
| 1974 | 70°F | 49°F | 0.13" | -- |
| 1973 | 69°F | 42°F | 0.29" | -- |
| 1972 | 66°F | 46°F | 0" | -- |
| 1971 | 66°F | 33°F | 0" | -- |
Based on 55 years of data from NOAA station: ANKENY
How Has October 12 Changed?
Temperatures on this date have remained relatively stable over the past several decades.
Monthly Climate Averages
Historical temperature and precipitation averages for Des Moines, IA, based on 55+ years of weather data.
Temperatures in Fahrenheit. Precipitation and snowfall in inches.