Iowa climate and temperatures

Climate type
Mediterranean
Best time to visit
September – November
Avg. temperature
14°C – 30°C
Annual rainfall
600 mm
Warmest month
August (35°C)
Coldest month
January (11°C)
Driest month
July (22 mm)
Wettest month
October (84 mm)

The climate of Iowa is a continental climate (Köppen: Dfa), with cold winters, warm summers, and precipitation spread throughout the year. Monthly temperatures range from a minimum of -1°C in winter (December–February) to a maximum of 29°C in summer (June–August). The average annual temperature is around 16°C.

During the winter months, nighttime temperatures can drop to an average of -11°C, while summer nights average around 18°C.

Popular destinations in Iowa

View all destinations in Iowa

Climate table of Iowa

The climate table below gives you a clear overview of the climate in Iowa by month, from average temperatures and rainfall to UV levels. This makes it easy to see when the weather best suits your travel plans.

  Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Temp. max (°C) 14 16 17 19 23 27 30 30 27 23 18 16
Temp. min (°C) 6 7 9 11 15 19 22 22 19 15 10 7
Rainfall
Droplet
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Rainfall (mm) 46 34 46 64 43 23 22 75 77 84 61 25
UV index 4 5 6 7 8 8 8 8 6 5 4 4

Best time to visit Iowa

The best time to visit Iowa is May, June, July, August en September. During this period, temperatures are usually pleasant to warm and there is relatively little rainfall. Between May and September, average high temperatures range roughly from 22°C to 26°C, while rainfall remains limited. The warmest month is June, with an average daytime temperature of around 29°C. The driest month is January, with about 23 mm of rainfall, while May is usually the wettest month of the year, with approximately 163 mm. Snow is rare here, but may occasionally fall in April, October, January, February, December, March en November.

Average temperature per month

This chart shows the average daytime (maximum) and nighttime (minimum) temperatures per month in Iowa. The figures are based on climate data from recent years and are presented in degrees Celsius, so you can clearly see the temperature range for each month.

Average rainfall per month

This chart shows the average monthly rainfall in Iowa. The figures are based on long-term climate data and are displayed in millimeters, so you can immediately see which months are drier or wetter.

Average UV index per month

This chart shows the average monthly sun intensity in Iowa. The UV index ranges from 0 (no UV radiation) to 11+ (extreme). A higher UV index means you can burn more quickly, making proper sun protection increasingly important.

Average annual temperature

This chart shows the average annual temperature in Iowa based on data from the past ten years. It allows you to see at a glance how the climate is evolving and whether there are clear warming trends.

Average annual rainfall

This chart shows the average annual rainfall in Iowa over the past ten years. It allows you to see at a glance how much rain falls each year and whether there are clear fluctuations between the years.

Weather experiences in Iowa

The weather in Iowa is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 8 visitors. Have you been to Iowa? Share your experience with the weather to help other visitors plan their trip.

Average weather per month

Click on a month below and discover what the weather in Iowa is typically like. For each period, you can instantly see the average temperature, rainfall, wind, and UV index. Thanks to years of historical weather data, you’ll know exactly what to expect during your trip.