Central Iowa, Iowa, United States of America: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for Central Iowa, Iowa, United States of America? If you're planning to go to Central Iowa, below is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Central Iowa, Iowa, United States of America

Based on the climate and weather in Central Iowa, Iowa, United States of America, the best time to go is September. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Central Iowa, Iowa, United States of America

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Central Iowa, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Central Iowa, Iowa, United States of America by month

January

January in Central Iowa is very cold. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the single digits F (10+ below zero C). It tends to rain sometimes. It also snows occasionally.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Central Iowa. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you choose the right kind. Most adapters on sale are just plugs and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

  • Travel neck pillow

    A good option is this one

February

February in Central Iowa is very cold. Temperatures average in the 30s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains occasionally and snows sometimes.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing bags these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Central Iowa. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you choose the correct type. Many adapters currently sold are just plug changers and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

March

March in Central Iowa can be brisk. The rain/snow can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 30s F (single digits C) to 40s F (single digits C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 20s F (single digits below 0 C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing bags these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Central Iowa. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to choose the right kind. The majority of adapters currently sold are just plugs and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

April

If you vacation in Central Iowa during April, you may find that it is relatively cool and somewhat rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 60s F (mid 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 30s F (single digits C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about a third of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing things nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Central Iowa. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to find the right kind. Many adapters for sale now are simply plug changers and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

May

May in Central Iowa is balmy and somewhat rainy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 40s F (single digits C). It tends to rain regularly.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Central Iowa. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing bags recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to get the right kind. Many adapters on sale are simply plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

June

June in Central Iowa is extremely warm and somewhat rainy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 60s F (mid 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing things recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Central Iowa. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you find the right kind. The majority of adapters that you can buy are simply plugs and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

July

July in Central Iowa can be very hot. Temperatures average in the 80s F (low 20s C) during the day. It rains regularly.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Central Iowa. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to find the right kind. Most adapters available are simply plug changers and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

August

August for Central Iowa is hot. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day. It rains 5-10 days this month.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Central Iowa. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing things recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to get the correct type. Most adapters currently being sold are just plug changers and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most places.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

September

September in Central Iowa is a perfect temperature. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 60s F (high 10s C) to 70s F (mid 20s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 50s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Central Iowa. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing bags these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you pick the necessary kind. The majority of adapters currently available are just plug changers and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

October

October in Central Iowa is relatively cool. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 40s F (single digits C). It tends to rain 5-10 days this month.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing things these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Central Iowa. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you pick the correct kind. The vast majority of adapters that you can buy are just plugs and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most locations.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

November

Traveling to Central Iowa in November, you will notice that it is cold. Expect it to rain about a third of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the high 40s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Central Iowa. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to get the correct type. Most adapters for sale now are just plugs and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most places.

December

December in this region is very cold. Temperatures average in the low 30s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains once in a while and snows occasionally.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Central Iowa. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing bags these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to get the right type. Many adapters currently being sold are just plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most areas.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our favorite is this one

What to do in Central Iowa, Iowa, United States of America

Central Iowa is a beautiful region in the state that offers plenty of attractions and activities for visitors. Whether you're interested in outdoor adventures, arts and culture, or just want to explore the region's unique history, there's something for everyone in Central Iowa. Here are the top tourist attractions in Central Iowa that you shouldn't miss.

1. Iowa State Capitol - Des Moines

The Iowa State Capitol is a majestic building that never fails to impress visitors with its grand architecture and historical significance. Visitors can take free tours and learn about the state's history, government and architecture, or simply admire the magnificent dome and beautiful artworks.

2. Des Moines Art Center - Des Moines

Des Moines Art Center is a must-see for art lovers. The museum features collections of American modernism, contemporary art, and works by prominent artists from around the world. The Art Center is also known for its innovative programming, which includes lectures, artist talks, and workshops.

3. Principal Park - Des Moines

The Principal Park is situated in downtown Des Moines and is home to the Minor League baseball team, Iowa Cubs. Visitors can watch a game, enjoy delicious food, and mingle with locals in the stands.

4. Reiman Gardens - Ames

Reiman Gardens is a 17-acre garden located on the Iowa State University campus in Ames. The gardens offer beautiful landscapes, colorful flowers, and stunning artwork, making it an ideal place to relax and unwind. The Butterfly Wing, one of the gardens' main attractions, houses hundreds of butterflies and has become a popular attraction of the city.

5. Living History Farms - Urbandale

Living History Farms is an outdoor museum that showcases Iowa's rich agricultural history. Visitors can take a guided tour of the 500-acre working farm, watch costumed interpreters performing daily chores, and even sample some of the delicious seasonal food cooked using traditional methods.

6. Better Homes and Gardens Test Garden - Des Moines

Better Homes and Gardens Test Garden is a beautiful six-acre garden located in the heart of Des Moines. Visitors can enjoy the lush landscapes and beautiful flowers, get inspiration for their gardens, or just relax in the peaceful environment.

7. Pappajohn Sculpture Park - Des Moines

Pappajohn Sculpture Park is a beautiful and unique public art collection located in the heart of Des Moines. The park features more than 30 large-scale sculptures by some of the world's most acclaimed artists, including Louise Bourgeois, Keith Haring, and Jaume Plensa.

8. Iowa Arboretum - Madrid

The Iowa Arboretum is a beautiful 415-acre botanical garden located in Madrid. Visitors can enjoy scenic walks, admire the beautiful plants and flowers, and take part in educational programs that highlight the region's natural beauty and history.

Conclusion

Central Iowa is a fascinating region with plenty of tourist attractions for visitors to explore. Whether you're interested in museums, art, history or nature, there is something for everyone in the heartland of Iowa. So, plan your trip today and discover the hidden gems of Central Iowa’s top tourist attractions.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

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