Central Iowa, Iowa, United States of America: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2021]
This article contains affiliate links to Amazon and other vendors. We may earn commission from purchases made through these links. Traveling to 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
- Important essentials for Central Iowa
- Central Iowa in January: weather and what to pack
- Central Iowa in February: weather and what to pack
- Central Iowa in March: weather and what to pack
- Central Iowa in April: weather and what to pack
- Central Iowa in May: weather and what to pack
- Central Iowa in June: weather and what to pack
- Central Iowa in July: weather and what to pack
- Central Iowa in August: weather and what to pack
- Central Iowa in September: weather and what to pack
- Central Iowa in October: weather and what to pack
- Central Iowa in November: weather and what to pack
- Central Iowa in December: weather and what to pack
When to go to Central Iowa, Iowa, United States of America
Based on the climate and weather in Central Iowa, the best time to go is September. See below for details.
Important esssentials for Central Iowa, Iowa, United States of America
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Central Iowa, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
IMPORTANT COVID-19 PACKING ESSENTIALS
- proof of COVID-19 vaccination if you have it
- vaccine card protector
- N95 masks for top protection
- kids' KN95 masks
- hand sanitizer
- touchless thermometer
- travel disinfecting wipes (for plane, etc)
- A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. This one is sufficent for most areas, but check with your hotel.
- A portable power bank, like this one
- A SIM card that works in Central Iowa. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some locations you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone
- Emergency water purifier
- For families with young children:
- Ankeny travelers may do a lot of walking, so a lightweight backpack like this is essential
- Airplane or car necessities:
- Photography items that we like:
- cell phone photography gimbal
- camera drone for outdoor shots
- extra batteries
- extra memory cards
What to wear/what to pack for Central Iowa, Iowa, United States of America by month
January
January here is freezing. Temperatures average in the high 20s F (single digits below 0 C) during the day. It rains once in a while and snows sometimes.
What to wear/what to pack:
- Multiple layer jacket shell:
- Neck warmer/cold weather face mask our favorite
- Insulated water bottle
- Fleece for under jacket
- Thick pajamas
- Extreme cold weather gear
- Coveralls; We pick:
- Heated socks. We found these to be the best
- Goggles for eye protection our pick
- Thermal undergarments. We chose:
- Lip balm
- Insulated boots:
- Heated gloves
- In addition to standard footwear, you should bring snow boots. For travel to Central Iowa, a great option is these boots:
- Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
- Waterproof boots
- A wind resistant umbrella is important here. This one is an excellent choice.
February
February in Central Iowa is very cold. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 10s F (single digits below 0 C), with a few days below 0 F (10+ below zero C).
It tends to rain occasionally. It also snows occasionally.
What to wear/what to pack:
- Scarf our favorite
- Multiple layer jacket shell:
- Heavy sweaters:
- Gloves
- Very heavy socks, or heated socks like these
- Insulated boots. We use:
- Coveralls; here are some of the best choices:
- Fleeces
- Lip balm
- Pajamas
- Thermal undergarments. We love:
- In addition to standard shoes, it's important to bring snow boots. For traveling to Central Iowa, a great option is these boots:
- Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
- Waterproof boots
- A wind resistant umbrella is worth investing in for this weather. This one is a perfect choice.
March
March in Central Iowa is pretty cool. The rain/snow can amount to several inches/centimeters.
During this time, temperatures average in the 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:
- Heavy socks, such as:
- Warm pants or jeans
- Heavy jacket
- Sweaters
- Gloves or mittens
- Lip balm
- Insulated water bottle
- Cold weather footwear
- In addition to regular footwear, it's important to bring snow boots. For traveling to Central Iowa, we suggest these boots:
- Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
- Waterproof boots
- A wind resistant umbrella is worth investing in for this weather. This one is an excellent option.
April
April here is cool and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the low 60s F (mid 10s C) during the day. It rains 5-10 days this month.
What to wear/what to pack:
- Lip balm
- Jacket or coat
- Fleeces
- Warm pants or jeans
- Socks
- Light gloves or mittens
- Standard footwear
- A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
- Waterproof footwear. We use:
- A waterproof phone bag; we like this one
- Windproof umbrella. This one is a perfect option.
- A waterproof luggage cover so your suitcases stay dry. We suggest: this one
May
May in Central Iowa is mild 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:
- Long and short sleeve shirts
- Skirts
- Dresses
- Shorts or short pants
- Sunscreen lotion
- Sandals
- Bug repellent
- Light footwear
- A rain coat to layer with a coat
- Waterproof footwear. We like these:
- A waterproof phone bag; we like this one
- Umbrella. This one is an excellent one to buy.
- A waterproof luggage cover so your bags stay dry. We recommend: this one
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 70s F (low 20s C) to 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:
- Light footwear
- Skirts
- Bug repellent
- Sandals
- Shorts or short pants
- Long and short sleeve shirts
- Sunscreen lotion
- Dresses
- A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
- Waterproof footwear. We like:
- A waterproof phone bag; we like this one
- Umbrella. This one is a perfect choice.
- A waterproof luggage cover so your belongings remain dry. We recommend: this one
July
July in Central Iowa can be very hot. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters.
During this time, temperatures average in the 80s F (low 20s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 60s F (mid 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
- Dresses
- Bug repellent
- Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
- Shorts
- Short sleeve shirts
- Sunglasses
- Insulated water bottle
- Skirts
- Waterproof sandals
- A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
- Waterproof footwear. We suggest:
- A waterproof phone bag; we like this one
- Wind resistant umbrella. This one is a great one to buy.
- A waterproof luggage cover so your belongings remain dry. We like: this one
August
August in Central Iowa is extremely warm. 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:
- Shorts
- Bug repellent
- Dresses
- Insulated water bottle
- Sunglasses
- Waterproof sandals
- Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
- Short sleeve shirts
- Skirts
- A rain poncho to layer with a coat
- Waterproof footwear. We like these:
- A waterproof phone bag; we like this one
- Windproof umbrella. This one is a great option.
- A waterproof luggage cover so your suitcases stay dry. We recommend: this one
September
If you vacation in Central Iowa during September, you will probably see that it is a perfect temperature. Temperatures tend to hover around the 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 50s F (low 10s C).
In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about a third of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
- Long and short sleeve shirts
- Skirts
- Light footwear
- Shorts or short pants
- Dresses
- Sunscreen lotion
- Sandals
- Bug repellent
- A rain jacket to layer with a coat
- Waterproof footwear. We recommend:
- A waterproof phone bag; we like this one
- Windproof umbrella. This one is an excellent option.
- A waterproof luggage cover so your suitcases don't get wet. We like: this one
October
October in Central Iowa is chilly. Temperatures average in the 60s F (high 10s C) during the day. It rains 5-10 days this month.
What to wear/what to pack:
- Standard footwear
- Long skirts
- Light jacket or fleece
- Dresses
- Socks
- Long sleeve shirts or blouses
- Pants or jeans
- A rain poncho to layer with a coat
- Waterproof footwear. We like these:
- A waterproof phone bag; we like this one
- Windproof umbrella. This one is a perfect option.
- A waterproof luggage cover so your bags remain dry. We recommend: this one
November
November in Central Iowa is brisk. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 20s F (single digits below 0 C). It tends to rain regularly.
What to wear/what to pack:
- Heavy jacket
- Insulated water bottle
- Sweaters
- Lip balm
- Gloves or mittens
- Heavy socks, such as:
- Warm pants or jeans
- Cold weather footwear
- In addition to regular footwear, you should bring snow boots. For visiting Central Iowa, we suggest these boots:
- Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
- Waterproof boots
- A windproof umbrella is essential in this type of weather. This one is a perfect choice.
December
December in Central Iowa is freezing. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 10s F (single digits below 0 C), with a few days below 0 F (10+ below zero C). It tends to rain sometimes. It also snows sometimes.
What to wear/what to pack:
- Insulated boots. We use:
- Thermal undergarments. Our picks:
- Heavy sweaters:
- Gloves
- Scarf our favorite
- Coveralls; here are some of our favorites:
- Very heavy socks, or heated socks like these
- Pajamas
- Multiple layer jacket shell:
- Fleeces
- Lip balm
- In addition to day-to-day footwear, you should bring snow boots. For travel to Central Iowa, a great option is these boots:
- Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
- Waterproof boots
- A umbrella is worth investing in for this weather. This one is an excellent option.
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