Des Moines, IA All-Time Weather Extremes
The most extreme temperature, precipitation, and snowfall ever recorded in Des Moines, from NOAA daily weather observations.
| Temperature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Record High | 105.9°F (41°C) | August 16, 1983 |
| Record Low | -34°F (-37°C) | February 3, 1996 |
| Lowest High | -13°F (-25°C) | December 22, 1989 and February 3, 1996 |
| Highest Low | 80.9°F (27°C) | July 24, 2005 and July 20, 2017 |
| Highest Mean | 91.5°F (33°C) | July 30, 1999 |
| Lowest Mean | -23.5°F (-31°C) | February 3, 1996 |
| Precipitation | ||
| Max in One Calendar Day | 4.59" (116.6 mm) | August 28, 1977 |
| Max in One Month | 14.27" (362.5 mm) | June 2010 |
| Least in One Month | 0.00" (0.0 mm) | November 1989 |
| Max in One Year | 58.18" (1477.7 mm) | 2010 |
| Least in One Year | 17.54" (445.5 mm) | 1988 |
| Snowfall | ||
| Max in One Calendar Day | 12.0" (30.5 cm) | March 16, 2004 |
| Max in One Month | 21.8" (55.4 cm) | December 1985 |
| Max in One Season | 60.2" (152.8 cm) | 1981-82 |
| Max in One Year | 65.6" (166.7 cm) | 1983 |
| Earliest Snow | 1.7" (4.3 cm) | October 18, 2020 |
| Earliest Measurable Snow | 1.7" (4.3 cm) | October 18, 2020 |
| Latest Snow | 0.2" (0.5 cm) | May 11, 2008 |
| Latest Measurable Snow | 0.2" (0.5 cm) | May 11, 2008 |
| Period of Record | ||
| Temperature | January 1, 1970 – April 9, 2021 | |
| Precipitation | January 1, 1970 – April 9, 2021 | |
| Snowfall | January 1, 1970 – April 9, 2021 | |
Note: Records compiled from NOAA GHCN-Daily observations at ANKENY (6 mi from Des Moines, IA). Quality-flagged readings are excluded. Monthly and annual totals require substantially complete reporting for “least” records.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hottest temperature ever recorded in Des Moines, IA?
The all-time record high in Des Moines, IA is 105.9°F (41°C), set on August 16, 1983.
What is the coldest temperature ever recorded in Des Moines, IA?
The all-time record low in Des Moines, IA is -34°F (-37°C), set on February 3, 1996.
What is the most rain Des Moines, IA has ever had in one day?
The most precipitation recorded in one calendar day near Des Moines, IA is 4.59 inches, on August 28, 1977.
What is the biggest snowfall ever recorded in Des Moines, IA?
The most snow recorded in one calendar day near Des Moines, IA is 12.0 inches, on March 16, 2004.
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