South Central Iowa, Iowa, United States of America: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to South Central Iowa, Iowa, United States of America? If you're planning to go to South Central Iowa, here is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to South Central Iowa
- Important essentials for South Central Iowa
- Activities for South Central Iowa
- South Central Iowa in January: weather and what to pack
- South Central Iowa in February: weather and what to pack
- South Central Iowa in March: weather and what to pack
- South Central Iowa in April: weather and what to pack
- South Central Iowa in May: weather and what to pack
- South Central Iowa in June: weather and what to pack
- South Central Iowa in July: weather and what to pack
- South Central Iowa in August: weather and what to pack
- South Central Iowa in September: weather and what to pack
- South Central Iowa in October: weather and what to pack
- South Central Iowa in November: weather and what to pack
- South 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 South Central Iowa, Iowa, United States of America
Based on the climate and weather in South Central Iowa, the best time to go is September. See below for details.
Important essentials for South Central Iowa, Iowa, United States of America
Here are some general tips on what to wear in South Central Iowa, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
Travel insurance that includes COVID-19 coverage
Cases are climbing again, and areas are returning to lockdown. If you or a companion get COVID-19, you may be stuck with no way home -- but travel insurance can protect you. Learn more about COVID-19 and travel insurance
-
N95 masks
These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID-19 protection available.
-
Touchless thermometer
A touchless thermometer is important to have.
-
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards often get worn. An unreadable card can cause severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps stop that.
-
(U.S. Residents) Telehealth COVID-19 test for entry to U.S.
U.S. residents still need a certified COVID-19 test to return home, but it can now be via Zoom. Learn more
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Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
-
Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks aren't sold 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 a good plane-friendly product.
General health necessities
Don't forget these
-
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in South Central Iowa. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.
-
Airplane or car necessities
-
For families with young children
-
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
-
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. This one should be sufficient for most places, but you may want to check with your hotel.
-
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
What to wear/what to pack for South Central Iowa, Iowa, United States of America by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
If you go to South Central Iowa in January, you will notice that it is very cold. Expect it to rain occasionally and snow sometimes. Daytime temperatures are in the low 30s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Very heavy heated socks
Like these
-
Lip balm
The best choice: this one
-
Insulated ice boots
We use:
-
Heavy sweaters
-
Extreme cold weather gloves
-
Thermal undergarments
Our choice is:
-
Pajamas
-
Coveralls/snow pants
Here are some of the best values:
-
Scarf/neck warmer
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are a great value:
-
Fleece inner layer
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular shoes, it's important to bring snow boots. For traveling to South Central Iowa, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A wind resistant umbrella
This is worth investing in for this weather. This one is an excellent choice.
February
If you go to South Central Iowa in February, you will notice that it is frigid. Expect it to rain occasionally and snow once in a while. Daytime temperatures are in the high 30s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Heavy sweaters
-
Pajamas
-
Lip balm
The best option: here
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are a great value:
-
Very heavy heated socks
Like these
-
Extreme cold weather gloves
-
Scarf/neck warmer
-
Insulated ice boots
We use:
-
Thermal undergarments
We love:
-
Fleece inner layer
-
Coveralls/snow pants
Here are some of the best values:
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day footwear, you should bring snow boots. For travel to South Central Iowa, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A windproof umbrella
This is important here. This one is a perfect option.
March
March in South Central Iowa can be very chilly. Temperatures average in the high 40s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains 5-10 days this month.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Insulated water bottle
Our fave:
-
Heavy jacket
-
Gloves
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Lip balm
Our choice: this one
-
Sweaters
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day footwear, you should bring snow boots. For traveling to South Central Iowa, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A wind resistant umbrella
This is vital here. This one is a perfect choice.
April
April in this region is crisp. Temperatures average in the low 60s F (high 10s C) during the day. It rains 5-10 days this month.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Jacket or coat
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best option: here
-
Extra socks
-
Fleece
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings stay dry. We like:
May
In May, South Central Iowa is mild and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the low 70s F (low 20s C) and once in a while jump into the low 80s F (high 20s C) range. At night, lows are in the high 40s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for South Central Iowa, with several of the days of the month having rain.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Bug repellent
-
Sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Extra socks
-
Light skirts
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags remain dry. We suggest:
June
If you are traveling to South Central Iowa in June, you will notice that it is extremely warm. Expect it to rain regularly. Daytime temperatures are in the low 80s F (high 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Bug repellent
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Sandals
-
Extra socks
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Light skirts
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things stay dry. We recommend:
July
Traveling to South Central Iowa in July, you will notice that it can be sweltering. Expect it to rain about a third of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the high 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can keep you comfortable and protect you from UV rays:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and cool you.
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunglasses
-
Skirts
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We like:
August
August in South Central Iowa is consistently 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
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Insulated water bottle
Our fave:
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunglasses
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can keep you cool and guard against the sun:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be a lifesaver in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We suggest:
September
September in South Central Iowa is warm. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 40s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sandals
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Light skirts
-
Extra socks
-
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things stay dry. We suggest:
October
If you are traveling to South Central Iowa in October, you will notice that it is mild. Expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the 60s F (high 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Dresses
-
Extra socks
-
Standard footwear
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Pants or jeans
-
A rain coat to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags remain dry. We like:
November
November here is brisk. Temperatures average in the low 50s F (low 10s C) during the day. It rains occasionally.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Gloves
-
Insulated water bottle
Our fave:
-
Sweaters
-
Heavy jacket
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Lip balm
Our pick is: this one
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular footwear, it's important to bring snow boots. For traveling to South Central Iowa, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A umbrella
This is important here. This one is a perfect option.
December
December in South Central Iowa can be extremely cold. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 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 sometimes.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Insulated ice boots
We use:
-
Coveralls/snow pants
Here are some of our favorites:
-
Pajamas
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are a great value:
-
Lip balm
The best choice: this one
-
Thermal undergarments
We love:
-
Very heavy heated socks
Like these
-
Heavy sweaters
-
Extreme cold weather gloves
-
Scarf/neck warmer
-
Fleece inner layer
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day footwear, you should bring snow boots. For travel to South Central Iowa, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A umbrella
This is essential in this type of weather. This one is a great option.
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