Des Moines, Iowa, United States of America: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2023]

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Ready to pack for Des Moines, Iowa, United States of America? If you're planning to go to Des Moines, I've got some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Des Moines, Iowa, United States of America

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

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

Already know when you're traveling?

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

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

January

January in Des Moines can be extremely cold and snowy. 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 5-10 days this month. It also snows about a third of the time. But the colder weather doesn't bring low humidity, which is in the 60% to 70% range on average.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

  • Room protection door lock

    If going to a hostel or AirBNB, protect yourself with a portable door lock.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you get the right type. The vast majority of adapters currently available are simply plug changers and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most countries.

  • 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 penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you go to Blank Park Zoo, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:

February

If you are traveling to Des Moines in February, you will notice that it is frosty and snowy. Expect it to rain about a third of the time and snow once in a while. Daytime temperatures are in the 30s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • Room protection door lock

    If you stay in a hostel or AirBNB, protect your room with a portable door lock.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing bags these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    What we like is this one

  • 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 large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to find the correct type. Many adapters on sale are just plugs and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most countries.

If you go to Blank Park Zoo, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:

March

March in Des Moines is cold, snowy and somewhat rainy. The snow can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 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 repeatedly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

  • Room protection door lock

    If you stay in a hostel or AirBNB, protect your room with a portable door lock.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For additional protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to choose the right type. Most adapters available online are just plug changers and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

If you go to Blank Park Zoo, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:

April

In April, Des Moines is cool and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the low 60s F (high 10s C) and 5-10 days this month jump into the 60s F (high 10s C) range. At night, lows are in the low 40s F (single digits C). During your visit, you can expect a few inches of snow. This is also a rainy time for Des Moines, with several of the days of the month having rain. In April, humidity reaches as high as 50%.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Room protection door lock

    If going to a hostel or AirBNB, protect your room with a portable door lock.

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

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

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to choose the necessary type. Most adapters available are just plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most countries.

If you go to Blank Park Zoo, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:

May

If you go to Des Moines in May, you will notice that it is mild and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain about a third of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the low 70s F (low 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Room protection door lock

    If you stay in a hostel or AirBNB, protect yourself with a portable door lock.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing luggage 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

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you find the necessary kind. A lot of adapters that you can buy are just plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most areas.

  • Travel pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

If you go to Blank Park Zoo, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:

June

If you go to Des Moines in June, you will notice that it is hot and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain about a third of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the low 80s F (high 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • Room protection door lock

    If staying a hostel or AirBNB, protect your room with a portable door lock.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For additional protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    A good option is this one

  • 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 voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you pick the right type. The vast majority of adapters currently available are just plugs and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you go to Blank Park Zoo, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:

July

If you visit Des Moines during July, you might see that it is constantly hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the 80s F (low 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 60s F (high 10s C). Humidity is generally between 50 and 60% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

  • Room protection door lock

    If you stay in a hostel or AirBNB, get some added protection with a portable door lock.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For some more protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to get the correct kind. The vast majority of adapters on sale are just plug changers and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most locations.

  • 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. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

If you go to Blank Park Zoo, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:

August

August in Des Moines is extremely warm. Temperatures average in the 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

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

  • Room protection door lock

    If you stay in a hostel or AirBNB, get some added protection with a portable door lock.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to pick the correct type. The majority of adapters currently being sold are just plugs and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent 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

If you go to Blank Park Zoo, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:

September

Traveling to Des Moines in September, you will notice that it is warm. Expect it to rain about a third of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the 70s F (mid 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For some more protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • Room protection door lock

    If you stay in a hostel or AirBNB, protect your room with a portable door lock.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to get the correct type. Many adapters currently available are simply plug changers and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

If you go to Blank Park Zoo, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:

October

Traveling to Des Moines in October, you will notice that it is relatively cool. Expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the low 60s F (high 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • Room protection door lock

    If you stay in a hostel or AirBNB, get some added protection with a portable door lock.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Des Moines. 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

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you pick the right kind. Many adapters for sale now are just plug changers and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

If you go to Blank Park Zoo, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:

November

If you vacation in Des Moines during November, you are likely to notice that it is cold. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 40s F (single digits C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 30s F (single digits below 0 C). Humidity is generally between 50 and 60% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain regularly.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing luggage recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

  • Room protection door lock

    If staying a hostel or AirBNB, get some added protection with a portable door lock.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you pick the necessary kind. A lot of adapters for sale now are just plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you go to Blank Park Zoo, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:

December

If you are traveling to Des Moines in December, you will notice that it can be extremely cold and snowy. Expect it to rain about a third of the time and snow about a third of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the 30s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • Room protection door lock

    If you stay in a hostel or AirBNB, protect yourself with a portable door lock.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you find the necessary kind. The vast majority of adapters currently sold are just plugs and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Save money 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

  • Travel neck support pillow

    An excellent option is this one

If you go to Blank Park Zoo, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:

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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