Weather in Des Moines

Des Moines punches above its weight — Iowa's capital combines a gleaming golden-domed Capitol, one of the country's best sculpture parks, and a downtown skywalk system that makes winter visits painless. The East Village's converted Victorian storefronts now house indie boutiques and farm-to-table restaurants, while the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers cut through a city that's quietly become a foodie destination.

Best areas to stay in Des Moines

East Village

Historic Victorian buildings turned into boutiques, galleries, and restaurants just across the river from downtown.

Downtown / Western Gateway

Home to the Pappajohn Sculpture Park, the Civic Center, and a growing cluster of modern apartments and offices.

Beaverdale

A leafy residential neighbourhood with a charming small-town main street feel and good local restaurants.

Ingersoll Avenue

A trendy strip of independent shops, cafés, and bars connecting downtown to the residential west side.

Getting to Des Moines

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Flights

Des Moines International Airport (DSM) has connections via major US hubs including Chicago, Denver, and Minneapolis.

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From London

~11-13 hours from London via a connecting US hub.

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Getting around

Downtown's skywalk system and walkable streets cover most sightseeing; a car is useful for Beaverdale and outer suburbs.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Des Moines?

May through October is best for the farmers market and outdoor sculpture park visits, though the Iowa State Fair in August is a quintessential experience.

How do I get around Des Moines?

Downtown is walkable and connected by an extensive climate-controlled skywalk system; a car helps for reaching outer neighbourhoods and the airport.

What is Des Moines famous for?

It hosts the Iowa State Fair and is the traditional starting point of the US presidential caucuses, giving it an outsized political profile every four years.

Is Des Moines good for food?

Yes — the East Village and Ingersoll Avenue areas have a strong farm-to-table scene, reflecting Iowa's agricultural surroundings.

What's a must-see in Des Moines?

The Pappajohn Sculpture Park, a free outdoor gallery of major contemporary works right in the heart of downtown.

Traveler reviews

★★★★★

The sculpture park genuinely rivals what you'd find in much bigger cities, and it's completely free. East Village was full of great little restaurants too.

Helen R. · September 2023

★★★★☆

Came for the State Fair and it did not disappoint — the food stalls alone are worth the trip. Plan to walk a lot.

Tom B. · August 2024

★★★★☆

A really pleasant surprise of a city — clean, friendly, and the skywalks made exploring downtown easy even in cold weather.

Nia F. · April 2023