January weather forecast
Des Moines, IA

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City buildings in Des Moines, Iowa
City buildings in Des Moines, Iowa

Weather in January

Weather conditions in Des Moines, Iowa commence the year with a blend of cold temperatures, reasonably high humidity, and snow. The first month witnesses a modest change in daylight hours, and the modest sunshine hours indicate a relatively cloud-covered sky most of the time. Snowfall is common, an expected winter element in this part of the USA. January being the coldest month, possesses temperatures that range from 15.1°F (-9.4°C) to 28.2°F (-2.1°C). The city beautifully transforms into a winter wonderland, appealing to those enjoying snowy scenes.

Temperature

With average temperatures fluctuating between a high of 28.2°F (-2.1°C) and a low of 15.1°F (-9.4°C), January stands out as the coldest month in Des Moines.

Humidity

The months with the highest humidity are January and June, with an average relative humidity of 82%.

Rainfall

January is the month with the least rainfall in Des Moines. Rain falls for 4 days and accumulates 0.47" (12mm) of precipitation.

Snowfall

Months with snowfall in Des Moines are January through May, October through December. January is the month with the most snowfall. Snow falls for 8.7 days and accumulates 2.24" (57mm) of snow.

Daylight

The average length of the day in January is 9h and 34min.
On the first day of the month, sunrise is at 7:41 am and sunset at 4:54 pm. On the last day of January, sunrise is at 7:27 am and sunset at 5:28 pm CST.

Sunshine

January has the least sunshine of the year in Des Moines, with an average of 4.3h of sunshine.

UV index

January is the month with the lowest UV index, with an average maximum UV index of 1. A UV Index of 2, and less, symbolizes a low health risk from unprotected exposure to Sun's UV rays for the average person.
Note: In January, the maximum UV index of 1 suggests these recommendations:
It is important to always shield children, babies, and individuals with sensitive skin from prolonged exposure to the sun. It's recommended to limit sun exposure when its radiation is at its peak during midday. During bright days, sunglasses that offer UVA and UVB defense are recommended. Be vigilant! The reflective nature of snow can increase the Sun's UV radiation nearly twofold.
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Frequently asked questions

What part of the year is the coldest in Des Moines?

January, with its average high-temperature of 28.2°F (-2.1°C) and an average low-temperature of 15.1°F (-9.4°C), holds the record as the coldest month.

How cold is it in Des Moines in January?

In Des Moines, in January, the average high-temperature is 28.2°F (-2.1°C), and the average low-temperature is 15.1°F (-9.4°C).

What is the most humid month in Des Moines?

January and June, with an average relative humidity of 82%, are most humid months.

What is the average humidity in January in Des Moines?

The average relative humidity in January in Des Moines, Iowa, is 82%.

What is the driest month in Des Moines?

January is the month with the least rainfall in Des Moines, Iowa. Rain falls for 4 days and accumulates 0.47" (12mm) of precipitation.

How many days does it rain in January in Des Moines?

In Des Moines, during January, the rain falls for 4 days and regularly aggregates up to 0.47" (12mm) of precipitation.

What is the snowiest month in Des Moines?

The month with the most snowfall in Des Moines is January, when snow falls for 8.7 days and typically aggregates up to 2.24" (57mm) of snow.

How many days does it snow in January in Des Moines?

In Des Moines, Iowa, in January, during 8.7 snowfall days, 2.24" (57mm) of snow is typically accumulated.

What is the average length of the day in January in Des Moines?

The average day length in January in Des Moines, Iowa, is 9h and 34min.

When are sunrise and sunset in January in Des Moines?

In January, on the first day of the month, sunrise is at 7:41 am and sunset at 4:54 pm. On the last day of the month, in Des Moines, Iowa, sunrise is at 7:27 am and sunset at 5:28 pm CST.

What is the month with the least sunshine in Des Moines?

The month with the least sunshine in Des Moines, Iowa, is January, with an average of 4.3h of sunshine.

How long on average sun shines in January in Des Moines?

In Des Moines, Iowa, the average sunshine duration in January is 4.3h.

What is the month with the lowest UV index in Des Moines?

With an average maximum UV index of 1, January is the month with the lowest UV index.

How high is the UV index in January in Des Moines?

In January, the average daily maximum UV index in Des Moines, Iowa, is 1. A UV Index estimate of 2, and below, represents a low health risk from exposure to Sun's UV rays.
Today
Tomorrow
Long-term
YearJanuaryFMAMJJASOND
Dec
January
Feb
Average high temperature
34.2°F 1.2°C
28.2°F -2.1°C
32.4°F 0.2°C
Average low temperature
22.5°F -5.3°C
15.1°F -9.4°C
18°F -7.8°C
Average pressure
30.12" 765mmHg
30.16" 766mmHg
30.14" 766mmHg
Average wind speed
9.9mph 15.9km/h
10.3mph 16.6km/h
10.3mph 16.6km/h
Average max. wind speed
10.6mph 17.1km/h
10.9mph 17.5km/h
10.9mph 17.5km/h
Average wind speed gusts
15.6mph 25.1km/h
16.5mph 26.6km/h
16.2mph 26.1km/h
Average humidity
78%
82%
81%
Average rainfall
0.55" 14mm
0.47" 12mm
0.51" 13mm
Average rainfall days
4.1
4
3
Average snowfall
0.91" 23mm
2.24" 57mm
2.2" 56mm
Average snowfall days
5.7
8.7
7.8
Average daylight
9h 1min
9h 4min
10h 4min
Average sunshine
4h 4min
4h 2min
4h 5min
Average sunshine days
22.3
20.3
17.8
Average UV index
2
1
2
Average cloud cover
50%
54%
51%
Average visibility
6mi 9.7km
6mi 9.7km
6mi 9.7km

Average temperature in January
Des Moines, IA

Average temperature in January - Des Moines, IA
  • Average high temperature in January: 28.2°F

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (83.1°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (28.2°F).

  • Average low temperature in January: 15.1°F

The month with the highest average low temperature is July (65.5°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (15.1°F).

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Average pressure in January
Des Moines, IA

Average pressure in January - Des Moines, IA
  • Average pressure in January: 30.16"Hg

The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is January (30.16"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is June (29.88"Hg).

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Average wind speed in January
Des Moines, IA

Average wind speed in January - Des Moines, IA
  • Average wind speed in January: 10.3mph

The windiest months (with the highest average wind speed) are January, February, March and April (10.3mph).
The calmest months (with the lowest average wind speed) are July and August (7mph).

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Average humidity in January
Des Moines, IA

Average humidity in January - Des Moines, IA
  • Average humidity in January: 82%

The months with the highest relative humidity are January and June (82%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is October (70%).

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Average rainfall in January
Des Moines, IA

Average rainfall in January - Des Moines, IA
  • Average rainfall in January: 0.47"

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is May (2.76").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is January (0.47").

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Average rainfall days in January
Des Moines, IA

Average rainfall days in January - Des Moines, IA
  • Average rainfall days in January: 4 days

The month with the highest number of rainy days is June (15.9 days).
The month with the least rainy days is February (3 days).

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Average snowfall in January
Des Moines, IA

Average snowfall in January - Des Moines, IA
  • Average snowfall in January: 2.24"

The month with the highest snowfall is January (2.24").
The months with the least snowfall are June, July, August and September (0").

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Average snowfall days in January
Des Moines, IA

Average snowfall days in January - Des Moines, IA
  • Average snowfall days in January: 8.7 days

The month with the highest number of snowfall days is January (8.7 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are June, July, August and September (0 days).

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Average daylight in January /
Average sunshine in January
Des Moines, IA

Average daylight in January / Average sunshine in January - Des Moines, IA
  • Average daylight in January: 9h and 4min

The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 15h and 6min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 9h and 12min).

  • Average sunshine in January: 4h and 2min

The month with the most sunshine is July (Average sunshine: 10h and 18min).
The month with the least sunshine is January (Average sunshine: 4h and 18min).

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Average sunshine days in January
Des Moines, IA

Average sunshine days in January - Des Moines, IA
  • Average sunshine days in January: 20.3 days

The month with the most sunshine days is December (22.3 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is June (12.2 days).

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Average UV index in January
Des Moines, IA

Average UV index in January - Des Moines, IA
  • Average UV index in January: 1

The months with the highest UV index are June, July and August (UV index 6).
The month with the lowest UV index is January (UV index 1).

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Average cloud cover in January
Des Moines, IA

Average cloud cover in January - Des Moines, IA
  • Average cloud cover in January: 54

The month with the most cloud cover is January (Cloud cover 54).
The months with the least cloud cover are July and September (Cloud cover 29).

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Average visibility in January
Des Moines, IA

Average visibility in January - Des Moines, IA
  • Average visibility in January: 6mi

The months with the highest visibility are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (6mi).
The months with the lowest visibility are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (6mi).

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Des Moines, Iowa, USA

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