October weather forecast
Des Moines, IA

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

Weather in October

October in Des Moines signifies the full swing of autumn. Temperatures spiral down further compared to September, and daylight hours continue to wane. The beautiful fall foliage becomes vibrant, with yellow, orange, and red dominating the landscape. A distinct dip in rainfall, landing at just 1.18" (30mm), characterizes the month. Meanwhile, the city gears up for the onset of another winter as the daylight duration dwindens and temperatures dip.

Temperature

With the onset of October, Des Moines experiences a distinct temperature drop, with the average high-temperature reducing from September's moderately hot 75.6°F (24.2°C) to a mild 60.6°F (15.9°C). In the month of October, Des Moines witnesses a consistent average low-temperature of 45°F (7.2°C).

Humidity

October is the least humid month, with an average relative humidity of 70%.

Rainfall

In October, the rain falls for 8.5 days. Throughout October, 1.18" (30mm) of precipitation is accumulated. In Des Moines, during the entire year, the rain falls for 114.4 days and collects up to 16.38" (416mm) of precipitation.

Snowfall

Months with snowfall are January through May, October through December. October is the first month it typically snows. Throughout October, in the average 0.6 snowfall days, it receives 0.2" (5mm) of snow. In Des Moines, Iowa, during the entire year, snow falls for 30.9 days and aggregates up to 7.36" (187mm) of snow.

Daylight

In October, the average length of the day is 11h and 4min.
On the first day of the month, sunrise is at 7:12 am and sunset at 6:55 pm. On the last day of October, in Des Moines, sunrise is at 7:46 am and sunset at 6:09 pm CDT.

Sunshine

In October, the average sunshine is 5.6h.

UV index

In Des Moines, the average daily maximum UV index in October is 2. A UV Index estimate of 2, and below, represents a minimal health vulnerability from exposure to the Sun's UV rays for ordinary individuals.
Note: A typical high UV index of 2 in October suggests the following recommendations:
Extended time in the sun generally does not harm most, but those with sensitive skin, infants, and children should always be protected. UV radiation from the Sun is most dangerous during midday; take precautions and seek shade. For excellent sun protection for the eyes, ears, face, and neck, consider a wide-brim hat. Remember! The Sun's UV radiation can be magnified almost twofold by the reflection of snow.
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Frequently asked questions

What are October temperatures in Des Moines?

The average high-temperature and low-temperature in Des Moines, Iowa, during October are 60.6°F (15.9°C) and 45°F (7.2°C) respectively. The average heat index (a.k.a. 'real feel', 'apparent temperature'), which calculates the temperature value influenced by the moisture in the air, in August is computed to be 87.8°F (31°C).

What is the least humid month in Des Moines?

With an average relative humidity of 70%, October is the least humid month in Des Moines, Iowa.

What is the average humidity in October in Des Moines?

In October, the average relative humidity in Des Moines, Iowa, is 70%.

How much does it rain in Des Moines in October?

In October, in Des Moines, the rain falls for 8.5 days. Throughout October, 1.18" (30mm) of precipitation is accumulated.

When does it start snowing in Des Moines?

October is the first month it typically snows. Throughout October, in the average 0.6 snowfall days, it receives 0.2" (5mm) of snow.

How many hours of daylight does Des Moines have in October?

The average day length in October is 11h and 4min.

When is the sunrise / sunset in October in Des Moines?

In October, on the first day of the month, sunrise is at 7:12 am and sunset at 6:55 pm. On the last day of the month, in Des Moines, sunrise is at 7:46 am and sunset at 6:09 pm CDT.

How many hours of sunshine does Des Moines have in October?

The average sunshine duration in October in Des Moines, Iowa, is 5.6h.

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

The average daily maximum UV index in October in Des Moines, Iowa, is 2. A UV Index of 2, and less, symbolizes a minimal hazard to health from unsafe exposure to Sun's UV rays.
Average humidity
Average rainfall days
Average snowfall
Average snowfall days
Average daylight
Average sunshine
Average sunshine days
Average UV index
Average cloud cover
Average visibility

Average temperature in October
Des Moines, IA

Average temperature in October - Des Moines, IA
  • Average high temperature in October: 60.6°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 October: 45°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 October
Des Moines, IA

Average pressure in October - Des Moines, IA
  • Average pressure in October: 30.01"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 October
Des Moines, IA

Average wind speed in October - Des Moines, IA
  • Average wind speed in October: 9.5mph

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 October
Des Moines, IA

Average humidity in October - Des Moines, IA
  • Average humidity in October: 70%

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 October
Des Moines, IA

Average rainfall in October - Des Moines, IA
  • Average rainfall in October: 1.18"

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 October
Des Moines, IA

Average rainfall days in October - Des Moines, IA
  • Average rainfall days in October: 8.5 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 October
Des Moines, IA

Average snowfall in October - Des Moines, IA
  • Average snowfall in October: 0.2"

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 October
Des Moines, IA

Average snowfall days in October - Des Moines, IA
  • Average snowfall days in October: 0.6 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 October /
Average sunshine in October
Des Moines, IA

Average daylight in October / Average sunshine in October - Des Moines, IA
  • Average daylight in October: 11h and 1min

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 October: 5h and 4min

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 October
Des Moines, IA

Average sunshine days in October - Des Moines, IA
  • Average sunshine days in October: 21.2 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 October
Des Moines, IA

Average UV index in October - Des Moines, IA
  • Average UV index in October: 2

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 October
Des Moines, IA

Average cloud cover in October - Des Moines, IA
  • Average cloud cover in October: 36

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 October
Des Moines, IA

Average visibility in October - Des Moines, IA
  • Average visibility in October: 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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