Central Iowa, Iowa, United States of America: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
Traveling to Central Iowa, Iowa, United States of America? If you're planning to go to Central Iowa, we've got 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
- Activities 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

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.
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 essentials 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.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
Travel insurance
If you or a companion get COVID-19, your amazing trip can be ruined. Good travel insurance can help. See plans
-
Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks are not available for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
-
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an easy-to-carry plane-friendly choice.
-
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards may get worn. An unreadable vaccine card can have severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps avoid that.
-
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
-
N95 masks to use in crowded airports
These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID-19 protection possible.
General health necessities
Don't forget these
-
Airplane or car necessities
-
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. This one should be sufficient for most countries, but check with your hotel.
-
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.
-
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
-
For families with young children
What to wear/what to pack for Central Iowa, Iowa, United States of America by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
Traveling to Central Iowa in January, you will notice that it is very cold. Expect it to rain once in a while and snow occasionally. Daytime temperatures are in the high 20s F (single digits below 0 C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Night cap
It's a good idea to wear a cap at night here like this
-
Heated gloves
-
Fleece for under jacket
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick:
-
Thick pajamas
-
Insulated boots
The best value
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are an excellent value:
-
Thermal undergarments
We like:
-
Heated socks.
We've found
these to be the best
-
Neck gaiter/ski mask
-
Goggles for eye protection
-
Coveralls
We like:
-
Lip balm
Our pick: here
-
Extreme cold weather gear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard footwear, you should bring snow boots. For traveling to Central Iowa, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A windproof umbrella
This is something you need here. This one is an excellent choice.
February
February 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 once in a while. It also snows occasionally.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Fleece inner layer
-
Very heavy heated socks
Like these
-
Extreme cold weather gloves
-
Lip balm
The best is: this
-
Thermal undergarments
We chose:
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are a great value:
-
Heavy sweaters
-
Coveralls/snow pants
Here are some of our favorites:
-
Pajamas
-
Insulated ice boots
We use:
-
Scarf/neck warmer
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard shoes, it's important to bring snow boots. For traveling to Central Iowa, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A windproof umbrella
This is essential in this type of weather. This one is a perfect option.
March
If you go to Central Iowa in March, you will notice that it is brisk. Expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the 40s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Lip balm
Our favorite option: here
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Sweaters
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick:
-
Gloves
-
Heavy jacket
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day footwear, it's important to bring snow boots. For travel to Central Iowa, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A umbrella
This is essential here. This one is an excellent choice.
April
April in this region 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:
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Jacket or coat
-
Fleece
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Extra socks
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best pick: this
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants are essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags remain dry. We like:
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 about a third of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Extra socks
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Light skirts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Bug repellent
-
Sandals
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants are essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We recommend:
June
June in Central Iowa is hot 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:
-
Sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Bug repellent
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Light skirts
-
Extra socks
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These are essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags don't get wet. We suggest:
July
July in Central Iowa is really 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:
-
Skirts
-
Sunglasses
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can keep you cool and guard against skin damage:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite also cleans contaminants:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Bug repellent
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
A rain coat to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things remain dry. We like:
August
August for Central Iowa is extremely warm. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day. It rains regularly.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunglasses
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can keep you cool and protect you from UV rays:
-
Bug repellent
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and cool you.
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Skirts
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite also filters harmful contaminants:
-
A rain coat to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We like:
September
September in this region is warm. Temperatures average in the 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day. It rains 5-10 days this month.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Bug repellent
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Sandals
-
Light skirts
-
Extra socks
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We recommend:
October
If you go to Central Iowa in October, you will notice that it is crisp. Expect it to rain 5-10 days this month. Daytime temperatures are in the 60s F (high 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Pants or jeans
-
Dresses
-
Extra socks
-
Standard footwear
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
A rain coat to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We recommend:
November
If you are traveling to Central Iowa in November, you will notice that it can be very chilly. Expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the high 40s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our choice:
-
Sweaters
-
Lip balm
Our pick is: this one
-
Heavy jacket
-
Gloves
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day 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
-
A wind resistant umbrella
This is essential here. This one is a great choice.
December
Traveling to Central Iowa in December, you will notice that it can be extremely cold. Expect it to rain sometimes and snow occasionally. Daytime temperatures are in the low 30s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Thermal undergarments
Our favorites:
-
Extreme cold weather gloves
-
Lip balm
The best choice: here
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are a great value:
-
Fleece inner layer
-
Insulated ice boots
We use:
-
Scarf/neck warmer
-
Coveralls/snow pants
Here are some of the best values:
-
Heavy sweaters
-
Very heavy heated socks
Like these
-
Pajamas
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular shoes, it's important to bring snow boots. For traveling to Central Iowa, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A wind resistant umbrella
This is essential in this type of weather. This one is a great choice.
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