January weather forecastWest Des Moines, IA

January
Weather in January
The new year starts with chilly January weather in West Des Moines, Iowa, often characterized by a thick, white snow blanket. Average temperatures hover around 14.9°F (-9.5°C) at night and rise only up to 27.9°F (-2.3°C) during daytime, which marks January as the coldest month of the year. Steady winds from the north contribute to the overall bite of coldness, often intensifying the feeling of chill. This month is also notable for its short days and reduced sunshine, making indoor activities a better option for residents. Snowfall events are quite common, amounting to a total of 4.37" (111mm) spread over 10.4 days, making snow removal a frequent necessity.Temperature
January, with its average high-temperature of 27.9°F (-2.3°C) and an average low-temperature of 14.9°F (-9.5°C), holds the record as the coldest month in West Des Moines.Humidity
The months with the highest humidity in West Des Moines, Iowa, are January, February and June, with an average relative humidity of 82%.Rainfall
The month with the least rainfall in West Des Moines is January, when the rain falls for 4.9 days and typically collects 0.91" (23mm) of precipitation.Snowfall
January through May, October through December are months with snowfall. The month with the most snowfall in West Des Moines is January, when snow falls for 10.4 days and typically aggregates up to 4.37" (111mm) of snow.Daylight
In January, the average length of the day in West Des Moines is 9h and 35min.On the first day of the month, sunrise is at 7:41 am and sunset at 4:55 pm. On the last day of January, in West Des Moines, sunrise is at 7:27 am and sunset at 5:28 pm CST.
Sunshine
The month with the least sunshine in West Des Moines, Iowa, is January, with an average of 4.3h of sunshine.UV index
With an average maximum UV index of 1, January is the month with the lowest UV index. A UV Index value of 2, and less, symbolizes a low threat to health from exposure to the Sun's UV rays for ordinary individuals.Note: An average UV index of 1 in January transforms into this advice:
Children, infants, and individuals with sensitive skin should be constantly protected from extended sun exposure. The midday Sun can be harmful due to its potent UV radiation; seek shade and reduce exposure. Wearing a wide-brim hat can block approximately 50% of UV radiation, protecting the eyes. Be prepared! The intensity of the Sun's UV radiation can be amplified nearly double due to snow reflection.
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate
Frequently asked questions
Average temperature in January
West Des Moines, IA
- Average high temperature in January: 27.9°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 January: 14.9°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).
Average pressure in January
West 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).
Average wind speed in January
West Des Moines, IA
- Average wind speed in January: 10.3mph
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).
Average humidity in January
West Des Moines, IA
- Average humidity in January: 82%
The months with the highest relative humidity are January, February and June (82%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is October (70%).
Average rainfall in January
West Des Moines, IA
- Average rainfall in January: 0.91"
The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is May (4.33").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is January (0.91").
Average rainfall days in January
West Des Moines, IA
- Average rainfall days in January: 4.9 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).
Average snowfall in January
West Des Moines, IA
- Average snowfall in January: 4.37"
The month with the highest snowfall is January (4.37").
The months with the least snowfall are June, July, August and September (0").
Average snowfall days in January
West Des Moines, IA
- Average snowfall days in January: 10.4 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).
Average daylight in January /
Average sunshine in January
West Des Moines, IA
- Average daylight in January: 9h and 36min
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 18min
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).
Average sunshine days in January
West Des Moines, IA
- Average sunshine days in January: 17.3 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).
Average UV index in January
West 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).
Average cloud cover in January
West Des Moines, IA
- Average cloud cover in January: 53
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).
Average visibility in January
West Des Moines, IA
- Average visibility in January: 5mi
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).





