December weather forecast
West Des Moines, IA

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The bright red and yellow sun rising over the horizon in West Des Moines, Iowa, casting the glow over the famed City Campus Pond and trees
The bright red and yellow sun rising over the horizon in West Des Moines, Iowa, casting the glow over the famed City Campus Pond and trees

Weather in December

Closing the year, December in West Des Moines, Iowa, sees the true onset of winter. The festive season is often accompanied by a beautiful white blanket of snow measuring 1.54" (39mm). The chilly aura and AM-PM average temperatures from 22.3°F (-5.4°C) to 34°F (1.1°C) make room for winter sports and activities. The shortened days and reduced hours of sunshine make stringing bright holiday lights on homes and trees a local tradition. Despite the cold, the Holiday spirit warms the hearts of the people, making December a joyful month.

Temperature

West Des Moines's progression into December includes a drop in the average high-temperature, from a frosty 47.1°F (8.4°C) in November to an icy 34°F (1.1°C). West Des Moines experiences an average nighttime temperature of 22.3°F (-5.4°C) in the month of December.

Humidity

In December, the average relative humidity in West Des Moines is 78%.

Rainfall

In West Des Moines, during December, the rain falls for 5.8 days and regularly aggregates up to 1.06" (27mm) of precipitation. Throughout the year, in West Des Moines, there are 130.3 rainfall days, and 25.91" (658mm) of precipitation is accumulated.

Snowfall

January through May, October through December are months with snowfall. In December, in West Des Moines, it is snowing for 6.7 days. Throughout December, 1.54" (39mm) of snow is accumulated. Throughout the year, in West Des Moines, there are 35.4 snowfall days, and 12.99" (330mm) of snow is accumulated.

Daylight

December has the shortest days of the year, with an average of 9h and 12min of daylight.
On the first day of the month, sunrise is at 7:22 am and sunset at 4:45 pm. On the last day of December, in West Des Moines, sunrise is at 7:41 am and sunset at 4:54 pm CST.

Sunshine

The average sunshine in December is 4.7h.

UV index

In West Des Moines, the average daily maximum UV index in December is 2. A UV Index value of 2, and less, symbolizes a low health risk from exposure to the Sun's UV radiation for average individuals.
Note: The daily high UV index of 2 in December translates into this advice:
Unlike children, who always need sun protection, most individuals can remain in the sun for up to an hour without getting burnt. Being in direct Sun during midday can be harmful due to intense solar radiation; take precautions. Your best bet for sun defense on the face, eyes, and neck is a hat with a wide brim. Note well! The intensity of the Sun's UV rays can be nearly doubled by snow reflection.
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Frequently asked questions

How cold is December in West Des Moines?

In December, the average high-temperature and low-temperature are 34°F (1.1°C) and 22.3°F (-5.4°C) respectively. In August, the average heat index (a.k.a. 'real feel', 'felt air temperature'), which combines air temperature and relative humidity, is estimated at 87.8°F (31°C).

What is the average humidity in December in West Des Moines?

In West Des Moines, the average relative humidity in December is 78%.

How much does it rain in West Des Moines in December?

In West Des Moines, Iowa, in December, it is raining for 5.8 days, with typically 1.06" (27mm) of accumulated precipitation.

How much does it snow in West Des Moines in December?

In December, it is snowing for 6.7 days. Throughout December, 1.54" (39mm) of snow is accumulated.

What is the month with the shortest days in West Des Moines?

With an average of 9h and 12min of daylight, December has the shortest days of the year in West Des Moines, Iowa.

How many hours of daylight does West Des Moines have in December?

The average day length in December in West Des Moines is 9h and 13min.

When is the sunrise / sunset in December in West Des Moines?

In December, on the first day of the month, sunrise is at 7:22 am and sunset at 4:45 pm. On the last day of the month, sunrise is at 7:41 am and sunset at 4:54 pm CST.

How long on average sun shines in December in West Des Moines?

In December, the average sunshine duration in West Des Moines is 4.7h.

What is the UV index intensity in December in West Des Moines?

In December, the average daily maximum UV index in West Des Moines, Iowa, is 2. A UV Index value of 2, and less, symbolizes a low health threat from unprotected exposure to UV radiation.
Average humidity
Average rainfall days
Average snowfall days
Average daylight
Average sunshine
Average sunshine days
Average UV index
Average cloud cover
Average visibility

Average temperature in December
West Des Moines, IA

Average temperature in December - West Des Moines, IA
  • Average high temperature in December: 34°F

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (82.9°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (27.9°F).

  • Average low temperature in December: 22.3°F

The month with the highest average low temperature is July (65.3°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (14.9°F).

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Average pressure in December
West Des Moines, IA

Average pressure in December - West Des Moines, IA
  • Average pressure in December: 30.12"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 December
West Des Moines, IA

Average wind speed in December - West Des Moines, IA
  • Average wind speed in December: 9.9mph

The windiest months (with the highest average wind speed) are January, 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 December
West Des Moines, IA

Average humidity in December - West Des Moines, IA
  • Average humidity in December: 78%

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

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Average rainfall in December
West Des Moines, IA

Average rainfall in December - West Des Moines, IA
  • Average rainfall in December: 1.06"

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is May (4.33").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is January (0.91").

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Average rainfall days in December
West Des Moines, IA

Average rainfall days in December - West Des Moines, IA
  • Average rainfall days in December: 5.8 days

The month with the highest number of rainy days is June (17.3 days).
The month with the least rainy days is February (4.3 days).

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Average snowfall in December
West Des Moines, IA

Average snowfall in December - West Des Moines, IA
  • Average snowfall in December: 1.54"

The month with the highest snowfall is January (4.37").
The months with the least snowfall are June, July, August and September (0").

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Average snowfall days in December
West Des Moines, IA

Average snowfall days in December - West Des Moines, IA
  • Average snowfall days in December: 6.7 days

The month with the highest number of snowfall days is January (10.4 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are June, July, August and September (0 days).

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Average daylight in December /
Average sunshine in December
West Des Moines, IA

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

The month with the most sunshine is July (Average sunshine: 10h and 24min).
The month with the least sunshine is January (Average sunshine: 4h and 18min).

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Average sunshine days in December
West Des Moines, IA

Average sunshine days in December - West Des Moines, IA
  • Average sunshine days in December: 18.7 days

The months with the most sunshine days are November and December (18.7 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is June (11.3 days).

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Average UV index in December
West Des Moines, IA

Average UV index in December - West Des Moines, IA
  • Average UV index in December: 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 December
West Des Moines, IA

Average cloud cover in December - West Des Moines, IA
  • Average cloud cover in December: 49

The month with the most cloud cover is January (Cloud cover 53).
The months with the least cloud cover are July and September (Cloud cover 29).

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Average visibility in December
West Des Moines, IA

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

The months with the highest visibility are February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (6mi).
The month with the lowest visibility is January (5mi).

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West Des Moines, Iowa, USA

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