Walking Weather in Des Moines, Iowa
In Des Moines, the morning is usually your friend — head out before the heat builds and the day is yours. The easiest months are May, June, September, and October. Through January and February, aim for the warmest part of the day and keep it shorter.
Walk Window finds your window in Des Moines every day — and reminds you when to head out.
Get the appWhen to walk, by season
Winter
Winter highs sit near 31°F with lows around 12°F — watch for ice and bundle up. Shorter daylight means walking a little earlier in the afternoon.
Spring
Spring runs 38–60°F at about 60% humidity — usually Des Moines's easiest walking. Watch for spring rain and pollen.
Summer
Summer highs near 86°F and 66% humidity make midday hard work — head out early or after sunset, and check the pavement before dog walks.
Fall
Fall eases to 37–60°F at about 64% humidity — often the best stretch of the year for an unhurried walk.
The months people ask about
The easy months to plan around, and the ones worth timing carefully in Des Moines.
Walking the dog in Des Moines
- •Gray's Lake Park loop is a popular dog walking destination
- •Winter ice storms can make trails extremely hazardous
- •Summer pavement is moderate compared to southern cities
In a Des Moines summer the ground can get hot enough to burn paws. Walk Window's Dog Walker mode watches the ground as well as the air and tells you when to wait. Check today's pavement risk →
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best time to walk in Des Moines?
The most comfortable months to walk in Des Moines are May, June, September, October. Most days, the morning before the afternoon heat is your easiest window.
Is it too hot to walk in Des Moines in summer?
Summer middays in Des Moines can be hard going. The early morning and the cooler evening still work — that's the window to take.
When is the most comfortable season to walk in Des Moines?
Des Moines has a humid continental with hot summers and cold winters. The easiest walking lands in May and June, when the temperature and humidity are at their kindest.
