Des Moines
WinterOff season ~30°F highs
Things to do in Des Moines in January
January is off season (quieter, and often cheaper) to visit Des Moines, with average highs around 30°F. Museums and indoor sights come into their own, with fewer crowds outside.
Best picks for January
What's famous here, weighted toward what shines in January.
Holidays in January 2027
- New Year's Day · Fri, Jan 1
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day · Mon, Jan 18
Expect busier roads and pricier stays around these dates. See long weekends.
Des Moines in January: quick answers
Is January a good time to visit Des Moines?
January is off season (quieter, and often cheaper) to visit Des Moines, with average highs around 30°F. Museums and indoor sights come into their own, with fewer crowds outside.
What is the weather like in Des Moines in January?
Average daytime highs are around 30°F, compared with 85°F in the warmest month. Check the forecast a week out; our planner favors indoor stops on rainy days.
What are the best things to do in Des Moines in January?
Top picks for January: Des Moines Art Center, Richard L. Easter Museum Complex, Farm House Museum, Historic Central School, Iowa Aviation Museum.
