Des Moines has a true four-season wedding calendar, so the best month depends on what you value most: sunshine, comfort, or flexibility. July stands out as the strongest historical month for daylight, with long bright evenings that suit outdoor ceremonies and photo sessions. The trade-off is summer warmth, which can make midday timelines harder on guests and formalwear. Couples who want the city at its most usable often pair July’s light with early starts, shaded venues, or indoor reception space on standby.
This report is based on historical weather from 2016-2025, so it shows patterns rather than guarantees. In Des Moines, those patterns matter most when they meet local realities: hotel demand around big summer weekends, traffic tied to downtown events, and the extra pressure that heat or storms puts on outdoor venues. The right wedding date is usually the one that balances weather comfort with vendor availability, travel, and a realistic backup plan.
July is the highest-ranked month for a wedding in Des Moines, with an average daily sunshine total of 12.02 hours and comparatively low average daily precipitation hours at 2.45. That combination is why it performs so well for ceremonies, portraits, and late-afternoon receptions that can spill outdoors. The practical catch is temperature: July also averages a 29.53°C daily maximum, so guests will appreciate shade, cold drinks, and a schedule that avoids the hottest part of the day. If you want the strongest summer light without the same weather pressure as spring, July is an appealing balance.
The strongest historical date is 17 June, with 13.47 sunshine hours, 2 precipitation hours, and a maximum temperature of 30.87°C. That makes it a useful signal for couples who want bright, reliable-looking photos and long evening celebrations, but it is still only one day in a 2016-2025 record, not a promise for any future year. For Saturdays, the best planned options are 13 June 2026 with 13.43 sunshine hours and just 1 precipitation hour, 24 July 2027 with 13.13 sunshine hours and 1.1 precipitation hours, and 17 June 2028 with 13.47 sunshine hours and 2 precipitation hours. Each suggests strong light, but summer heat and thunderstorm risk still justify an indoor backup.
Before locking in a date, check venue weather contingencies, local event calendars, and room blocks for guests. In Des Moines, summer weekends can overlap with busy travel periods and community events, so a great-weather Saturday still needs practical confirmation. If you love an early-summer date, secure shade, transport, and an indoor plan first, then decide whether the atmosphere is worth the extra logistics.
Keep reading to view the best day to get married, hours of rain per day and average high temperature per day in Des Moines, Iowa, United States for every month in 2026, 2027 and 2028:
Practical advice for timing your wedding around local weather and logistics.
Des Moines’ brightest wedding months also tend to run warm, so plan shade, water, and air-conditioned relief as carefully as you plan flowers. A beautiful outdoor ceremony can still feel polished if guests have somewhere cool to wait, the timeline avoids the hottest hour, and the venue can shift everyone inside if needed.
April and May can look appealing on paper, but both carry enough precipitation to affect portraits, parking, and outdoor cocktail plans. Ask venues how fast they can move a ceremony indoors, where umbrellas are stored, and whether the backup space still feels intentional rather than improvised.
In a city of this size, a good-weather weekend can still be stressful if it lands near a major public event, festival, or busy travel period. Confirm hotel blocks, parking access, and any road closures before sending invitations, especially if your ceremony or reception is near downtown or along a common visitor route.
Winter and late-autumn weddings need tighter timing because daylight fades quickly, while June and July give you more room to extend the day. Use that difference to your advantage: schedule portraits, ceremony, and guest arrivals around the light you actually have, not the light you wish you had.
July currently ranks highest in Dropory's historical analysis for Des Moines, Iowa, United States. Use the result alongside venue availability, guest travel and your preferred wedding style.
17 June currently has the strongest historical weather result in this report. Past patterns cannot guarantee future conditions, so keep a suitable indoor or covered option available.
Dropory compares daily sunshine, precipitation and temperature history to rank months, dates and Saturdays, then combines those signals with practical local planning guidance.
Both can work well, but they solve different problems. Summer gives you the strongest sunshine and the longest evenings, while fall is usually more comfortable for guests and easier on formal wear. If you want outdoor photos and a late reception, summer is stronger; if comfort and crisp weather matter more, September or October often feels easier.
No month is risk-free, but June through September offer the best combination of daylight and usable temperatures. July ranks highest for sunshine in this historical record, while June has standout dates with very strong light. Even so, any outdoor ceremony here should have a covered backup and a plan for heat, wind, or a quick storm change.
Yes, especially in January, February, and December. Winter weddings can be lovely in Des Moines, but snow, ice, and shorter daylight can affect driving, parking, and late arrivals. If you choose a cold-weather date, keep travel simple, choose a venue with easy access, and send guests clear instructions well before the weekend.
Use these buttons to select the year you're planning your event in. Use the °F / °C buttons to choose your preferred temperature scale.
The sun shows you the median hours of sunny weather & clear skies on this day in the last 10 years
The thermometer shows you the average max temperature on this day during the last 10 years
The drop shows you the median hours of rainfall / precipitation on this day during the last 10 years
Des Moines, Iowa, United States
Top date in January, 2027:
29 January
Top dates with the most sunshine
29 January
- 8 median hours of sunny weather
20 January
- 6.6 median hours of sunny weather
04 January
- 6.4 median hours of sunny weather
13 January
- 6.3 median hours of sunny weather
18 January
- 6.3 median hours of sunny weather
Top Saturdays in January 2027
30 January
- 6.2 median hours of sunny weather
02 January
- 5.9 median hours of sunny weather
16 January
- 5.5 median hours of sunny weather
09 January
- 5 median hours of sunny weather
23 January
- 4.5 median hours of sunny weather
Based on data from: 2016-2025
01
28 °F
4.5 h
2.4 h
02
30 °F
5.9 h
2.5 h
03
34 °F
5.6 h
2.9 h
04
29 °F
6.4 h
1.7 h
05
28 °F
6.1 h
1 h
06
28 °F
3.8 h
2.4 h
07
31 °F
5.9 h
2.6 h
08
35 °F
4.7 h
2.9 h
09
34 °F
5 h
1.8 h
10
31 °F
5.7 h
2.3 h
11
35 °F
5.2 h
3.2 h
12
29 °F
5.4 h
5.1 h
13
31 °F
6.3 h
1.2 h
14
30 °F
5.3 h
4 h
15
27 °F
5 h
4.2 h
16
26 °F
5.5 h
2.7 h
17
29 °F
4.6 h
2.6 h
18
32 °F
6.3 h
3.3 h
19
24 °F
6 h
2.6 h
20
20 °F
6.6 h
1.6 h
21
28 °F
6.3 h
3.2 h
22
31 °F
4 h
6.1 h
23
31 °F
4.5 h
3.5 h
24
33 °F
5.2 h
3.4 h
25
29 °F
4.1 h
6.9 h
26
31 °F
5.4 h
2.3 h
27
34 °F
6.2 h
2.1 h
28
30 °F
5.9 h
2.2 h
29
31 °F
8 h
1.3 h
30
32 °F
6.2 h
1.1 h
31
37 °F
5.3 h
1.7 h
January in Des Moines is firmly winter wedding season, with average daily sunshine at 5.5 hours and average daily maximum temperatures of -0.96°C. The month can work beautifully for intimate indoor celebrations, especially if you want lower competition for venues and a cosy guest experience. But travel can be slower, coats become part of the guest arrival moment, and snow or ice can complicate parking and transport. The strongest historical date, 29 January, reached 7.98 sunshine hours, yet winter couples should still plan for limited daylight and a reception that begins early enough for photos. Choose venues with easy indoor circulation and covered entry.
Des Moines, Iowa, United States
Top date in February, 2027:
27 February
Top dates with the most sunshine
27 February
- 9.4 median hours of sunny weather
26 February
- 9.3 median hours of sunny weather
25 February
- 9.1 median hours of sunny weather
18 February
- 8.5 median hours of sunny weather
23 February
- 8.2 median hours of sunny weather
Top Saturdays in February 2027
27 February
- 9.4 median hours of sunny weather
13 February
- 7.8 median hours of sunny weather
20 February
- 7.3 median hours of sunny weather
06 February
- 6.6 median hours of sunny weather
Based on data from: 2016-2025
01
39 °F
7.5 h
1.2 h
02
33 °F
5.3 h
3 h
03
35 °F
6.4 h
1 h
04
38 °F
6.6 h
2.2 h
05
30 °F
5.9 h
1.9 h
06
35 °F
6.6 h
2.8 h
07
31 °F
6 h
4.9 h
08
31 °F
7.2 h
3.1 h
09
30 °F
7.2 h
3.7 h
10
30 °F
6.3 h
3.6 h
11
33 °F
7.5 h
3.9 h
12
28 °F
6.9 h
3.3 h
13
27 °F
7.8 h
3.3 h
14
31 °F
7.4 h
3.5 h
15
34 °F
6.9 h
0.7 h
16
32 °F
6.9 h
3.9 h
17
32 °F
6.2 h
4.4 h
18
38 °F
8.5 h
1.4 h
19
37 °F
7.5 h
1.5 h
20
41 °F
7.3 h
3.2 h
21
40 °F
7.9 h
1.1 h
22
42 °F
6.8 h
4 h
23
41 °F
8.2 h
3.1 h
24
37 °F
5 h
5 h
25
38 °F
9.1 h
0.1 h
26
46 °F
9.3 h
0.5 h
27
50 °F
9.4 h
1.9 h
28
46 °F
8.1 h
1.9 h
February brings a slight lift in daylight, averaging 7.19 sunshine hours, while temperatures remain cool at a 2.14°C daily maximum. That makes it a practical month for couples who want a winter feel without January’s deepest cold. The best historical date, 27 February, saw 9.35 sunshine hours and a notably mild 9.83°C maximum, which shows how changeable late winter can be. In Des Moines, February can suit city venues, hotel weddings, and chapel ceremonies, but it is still wise to think about road conditions, guest footwear, and heating comfort for older relatives. Confirm arrival timing and offer flexible check-in information for travellers.
Des Moines, Iowa, United States
Top date in March, 2027:
01 March
Top dates with the most sunshine
01 March
- 9.7 median hours of sunny weather
21 March
- 9.6 median hours of sunny weather
03 March
- 9.6 median hours of sunny weather
04 March
- 9.5 median hours of sunny weather
19 March
- 9.3 median hours of sunny weather
Top Saturdays in March 2027
20 March
- 8.8 median hours of sunny weather
06 March
- 7.9 median hours of sunny weather
27 March
- 7.7 median hours of sunny weather
13 March
- 6.9 median hours of sunny weather
Based on data from: 2016-2025
01
46 °F
9.7 h
1.2 h
02
43 °F
8.3 h
0.7 h
03
45 °F
9.6 h
0.7 h
04
52 °F
9.5 h
0.8 h
05
49 °F
5.5 h
6.1 h
06
47 °F
7.9 h
3.8 h
07
48 °F
8.6 h
2.5 h
08
49 °F
7.3 h
4.4 h
09
46 °F
5.8 h
7.5 h
10
45 °F
8.9 h
2.6 h
11
48 °F
8.4 h
2.5 h
12
49 °F
7.7 h
3.1 h
13
50 °F
6.9 h
3.5 h
14
53 °F
7.2 h
4.6 h
15
52 °F
8.1 h
3 h
16
51 °F
6.4 h
3.4 h
17
48 °F
8.2 h
2.7 h
18
47 °F
7.3 h
3.8 h
19
53 °F
9.3 h
3.8 h
20
53 °F
8.8 h
3.3 h
21
52 °F
9.6 h
0.6 h
22
51 °F
5.4 h
5.8 h
23
50 °F
3.8 h
6.2 h
24
48 °F
4.4 h
7.2 h
25
51 °F
6.7 h
4.1 h
26
51 °F
4.8 h
5.2 h
27
52 °F
7.7 h
3.3 h
28
54 °F
9 h
1.5 h
29
55 °F
8.6 h
4.1 h
30
58 °F
6.3 h
3.3 h
31
53 °F
8.6 h
3 h
March is a transitional month in Des Moines, with 7.55 sunshine hours on average and a higher 3.49 precipitation hours, so it often feels like winter and spring sharing the same week. The average daily maximum rises to 9.99°C, which is enough to tempt couples into earlier outdoor photos, but not enough to rely on open-air plans without a backup. The strongest historical date, 01 March, delivered 9.69 sunshine hours and only 1.2 precipitation hours, which is encouraging but not typical. March weddings work best when the venue has excellent indoor lighting and guests can move inside quickly if the weather turns damp or windy.
Des Moines, Iowa, United States
Top date in April, 2027:
11 April
Top dates with the most sunshine
11 April
- 10.3 median hours of sunny weather
07 April
- 10.2 median hours of sunny weather
26 April
- 10.1 median hours of sunny weather
24 April
- 10.1 median hours of sunny weather
23 April
- 10.1 median hours of sunny weather
Top Saturdays in April 2027
24 April
- 10.1 median hours of sunny weather
17 April
- 9.2 median hours of sunny weather
10 April
- 9 median hours of sunny weather
03 April
- 4.8 median hours of sunny weather
Based on data from: 2016-2025
01
51 °F
9.4 h
2.1 h
02
54 °F
6.8 h
4.7 h
03
57 °F
4.8 h
8.1 h
04
57 °F
9.4 h
1.5 h
05
56 °F
7.2 h
3.3 h
06
56 °F
8.7 h
1.8 h
07
59 °F
10.2 h
4.1 h
08
57 °F
8.3 h
3.1 h
09
57 °F
9.6 h
1.9 h
10
61 °F
9 h
3.4 h
11
62 °F
10.3 h
1.6 h
12
60 °F
7.7 h
3.7 h
13
61 °F
9.9 h
3.1 h
14
61 °F
9.4 h
3.4 h
15
59 °F
8.1 h
4.2 h
16
57 °F
9.2 h
3.3 h
17
62 °F
9.2 h
4.3 h
18
61 °F
8 h
3.5 h
19
60 °F
6.6 h
3.9 h
20
59 °F
9.1 h
3.7 h
21
58 °F
8.1 h
3.5 h
22
63 °F
8.8 h
3 h
23
66 °F
10.1 h
1.6 h
24
67 °F
10.1 h
2 h
25
63 °F
9.3 h
2.4 h
26
64 °F
10.1 h
0.9 h
27
66 °F
8.5 h
5.5 h
28
63 °F
7.1 h
3.8 h
29
64 °F
7.5 h
5.4 h
30
61 °F
7.4 h
6.7 h
April is one of the first months when Des Moines starts to feel wedding-friendly again, with 8.58 sunshine hours and an average daily maximum of 15.56°C. The extra daylight gives photographers more room to work, and the temperature is usually comfortable for layered outfits and outdoor portraits. Still, April also carries 3.45 precipitation hours on average, so spring rain remains a meaningful planning factor. The strongest historical date, 11 April, reached 10.26 sunshine hours, but one bright day does not erase the month’s variability. If you choose April, prioritize a venue with a covered ceremony option, especially if you want garden photos or an outdoor cocktail hour.
Des Moines, Iowa, United States
Top date in May, 2027:
29 May
Top dates with the most sunshine
29 May
- 12.4 median hours of sunny weather
30 May
- 12 median hours of sunny weather
22 May
- 12 median hours of sunny weather
06 May
- 11.8 median hours of sunny weather
23 May
- 11.7 median hours of sunny weather
Top Saturdays in May 2027
29 May
- 12.4 median hours of sunny weather
22 May
- 12 median hours of sunny weather
15 May
- 11.3 median hours of sunny weather
08 May
- 8.8 median hours of sunny weather
01 May
- 6.5 median hours of sunny weather
Based on data from: 2016-2025
01
64 °F
6.5 h
4.4 h
02
66 °F
9.6 h
5.1 h
03
65 °F
7.8 h
5.9 h
04
65 °F
10 h
1.8 h
05
68 °F
9.2 h
4.7 h
06
69 °F
11.8 h
2.4 h
07
71 °F
10.8 h
2.3 h
08
71 °F
8.8 h
6.7 h
09
71 °F
10.2 h
4.7 h
10
71 °F
11.3 h
4 h
11
71 °F
8.7 h
3.4 h
12
70 °F
9.9 h
3.2 h
13
72 °F
9.7 h
3.8 h
14
72 °F
8.1 h
5.5 h
15
74 °F
11.3 h
2.7 h
16
76 °F
10.5 h
3 h
17
73 °F
10.3 h
6 h
18
72 °F
9.2 h
3.9 h
19
71 °F
8.5 h
4.3 h
20
69 °F
6.8 h
7.4 h
21
69 °F
7.1 h
6.1 h
22
73 °F
12 h
3.2 h
23
72 °F
11.7 h
3.1 h
24
75 °F
9.3 h
6.8 h
25
76 °F
9.5 h
6.9 h
26
77 °F
10.5 h
2.4 h
27
77 °F
10.1 h
5.5 h
28
73 °F
8.6 h
5 h
29
75 °F
12.4 h
2.5 h
30
76 °F
12 h
1.3 h
31
78 °F
11.7 h
0.9 h
May is a popular-feeling month for a Des Moines wedding because the city is greener, the days are longer at 9.8 sunshine hours, and the average maximum temperature reaches 22.04°C. That said, it is also one of the wetter months in the record, with 4.16 precipitation hours on average, so outdoor plans need to be genuinely flexible. The strongest historical date, 29 May, brought 12.38 sunshine hours and 2.5 precipitation hours, which shows how good late-spring light can coexist with unsettled weather. May can be a lovely choice for venues with patios, tents, or quick indoor transitions, but book rain protection and guest transport with care.
Des Moines, Iowa, United States
Top date in June, 2027:
17 June
Top dates with the most sunshine
17 June
- 13.5 median hours of sunny weather
13 June
- 13.4 median hours of sunny weather
02 June
- 13.1 median hours of sunny weather
07 June
- 13.1 median hours of sunny weather
27 June
- 13.1 median hours of sunny weather
Top Saturdays in June 2027
12 June
- 12.7 median hours of sunny weather
05 June
- 12.4 median hours of sunny weather
26 June
- 11.4 median hours of sunny weather
19 June
- 9 median hours of sunny weather
Based on data from: 2016-2025
01
79 °F
12.5 h
1.8 h
02
80 °F
13.1 h
2.1 h
03
82 °F
12.4 h
0.7 h
04
83 °F
11 h
3.3 h
05
83 °F
12.4 h
2.2 h
06
82 °F
12.6 h
1.8 h
07
81 °F
13.1 h
1.3 h
08
82 °F
12.4 h
2.4 h
09
82 °F
11.2 h
2.6 h
10
81 °F
11.7 h
3.7 h
11
83 °F
11.8 h
2.9 h
12
85 °F
12.7 h
1.6 h
13
86 °F
13.4 h
1 h
14
85 °F
11.9 h
3.2 h
15
88 °F
13 h
2.2 h
16
86 °F
12.2 h
2.6 h
17
88 °F
13.5 h
2 h
18
85 °F
11.7 h
2.5 h
19
83 °F
9 h
7.6 h
20
83 °F
10.7 h
6.6 h
21
84 °F
11.2 h
5.4 h
22
85 °F
11.1 h
4.4 h
23
83 °F
12.4 h
2.6 h
24
83 °F
11.7 h
5.3 h
25
83 °F
11.6 h
4.8 h
26
82 °F
11.4 h
6.5 h
27
83 °F
13.1 h
2 h
28
84 °F
10.3 h
3.8 h
29
86 °F
10.6 h
3.6 h
30
85 °F
11.1 h
3.5 h
June is one of the most attractive months for a wedding in Des Moines because it combines long daylight at 11.89 sunshine hours with a warm but still workable average maximum temperature of 28.6°C. The historical record also shows a standout date, 17 June, with 13.47 sunshine hours and 2 precipitation hours, which is excellent for outdoor ceremonies and golden-hour portraits. The trade-off is heat, especially for afternoon vows, formal attire, and older guests. June works best when you schedule early or late in the day, provide water and shade, and make sure the venue can move everyone indoors without disrupting the mood if the weather gets uncomfortable.
Des Moines, Iowa, United States
Top date in July, 2027:
24 July
Top dates with the most sunshine
24 July
- 13.1 median hours of sunny weather
05 July
- 13 median hours of sunny weather
13 July
- 12.7 median hours of sunny weather
08 July
- 12.7 median hours of sunny weather
27 July
- 12.6 median hours of sunny weather
Top Saturdays in July 2027
24 July
- 13.1 median hours of sunny weather
10 July
- 12.4 median hours of sunny weather
17 July
- 12.2 median hours of sunny weather
03 July
- 11.9 median hours of sunny weather
31 July
- 11.1 median hours of sunny weather
Based on data from: 2016-2025
01
80 °F
10.7 h
3.8 h
02
82 °F
12 h
2.2 h
03
86 °F
11.9 h
2.6 h
04
88 °F
12.2 h
1.5 h
05
88 °F
13 h
2.8 h
06
84 °F
11.7 h
3.3 h
07
82 °F
10.8 h
3.7 h
08
84 °F
12.7 h
3.1 h
09
85 °F
12.5 h
2.9 h
10
86 °F
12.4 h
2.4 h
11
87 °F
12.2 h
2.7 h
12
84 °F
11.5 h
3.5 h
13
86 °F
12.7 h
1.8 h
14
87 °F
12.3 h
2.7 h
15
86 °F
12 h
2.9 h
16
86 °F
12.3 h
0.8 h
17
85 °F
12.2 h
1.2 h
18
85 °F
12.1 h
1 h
19
86 °F
11.4 h
3.4 h
20
86 °F
12 h
2.8 h
21
85 °F
10.8 h
3.7 h
22
85 °F
12.4 h
2.2 h
23
87 °F
12.6 h
1.3 h
24
87 °F
13.1 h
1.1 h
25
86 °F
11.5 h
1.5 h
26
85 °F
11.2 h
3.6 h
27
86 °F
12.6 h
1.8 h
28
86 °F
12.3 h
1.2 h
29
84 °F
12.2 h
2.7 h
30
83 °F
12 h
2.3 h
31
83 °F
11.1 h
3.4 h
July is the brightest month on the historical record for Des Moines, averaging 12.02 sunshine hours, and that long daylight is a major advantage for weddings that lean on outdoor photography or evening receptions. The month is also relatively less rainy than spring, with 2.45 precipitation hours on average, but the average daily maximum of 29.53°C means comfort planning matters as much as aesthetics. Couples should think about shade, air conditioning, and the pace of the day, especially if they want guests to stay relaxed through ceremony and dinner. If you are choosing July, the best strategy is to use the light without asking people to endure the hottest part of the afternoon.
Des Moines, Iowa, United States
Top date in August, 2027:
09 August
Top dates with the most sunshine
09 August
- 12.4 median hours of sunny weather
22 August
- 12.4 median hours of sunny weather
04 August
- 12.2 median hours of sunny weather
03 August
- 12.2 median hours of sunny weather
01 August
- 12.2 median hours of sunny weather
Top Saturdays in August 2027
28 August
- 10.8 median hours of sunny weather
07 August
- 10.3 median hours of sunny weather
14 August
- 10.2 median hours of sunny weather
21 August
- 9.8 median hours of sunny weather
Based on data from: 2016-2025
01
84 °F
12.2 h
1.9 h
02
83 °F
11.8 h
2 h
03
83 °F
12.2 h
1.8 h
04
84 °F
12.2 h
1.3 h
05
84 °F
11.6 h
2.2 h
06
84 °F
11.6 h
3.9 h
07
83 °F
10.3 h
4.1 h
08
83 °F
11 h
1.9 h
09
85 °F
12.4 h
0.9 h
10
85 °F
11.3 h
2.5 h
11
85 °F
11.3 h
3 h
12
85 °F
11.1 h
3.3 h
13
83 °F
10 h
2.5 h
14
80 °F
10.2 h
3.6 h
15
80 °F
8.8 h
3.8 h
16
83 °F
10.9 h
3.2 h
17
83 °F
11.8 h
1.6 h
18
84 °F
12.1 h
3 h
19
85 °F
11.5 h
2.8 h
20
84 °F
11.4 h
5.9 h
21
81 °F
9.8 h
3.2 h
22
82 °F
12.4 h
0.3 h
23
84 °F
11.8 h
1.1 h
24
85 °F
10.5 h
2.7 h
25
84 °F
10.5 h
1.9 h
26
83 °F
9 h
2.9 h
27
84 °F
11.1 h
2.2 h
28
85 °F
10.8 h
2.6 h
29
82 °F
10.8 h
1.9 h
30
80 °F
10.4 h
1.2 h
31
79 °F
9.2 h
2.9 h
August stays very usable for weddings in Des Moines, with 11.03 sunshine hours and an average maximum of 28.47°C. It is slightly less bright than July, but still offers strong photo light and warm evenings that work well for outdoor dancing or terrace cocktails. The strongest historical date, 09 August, reached 12.42 sunshine hours and only 0.9 precipitation hours, which hints at the kind of late-summer day couples hope for. Even so, August heat can linger, and guest comfort matters once formalwear, transportation, and ceremony timing are added together. Consider a later ceremony, plenty of cold beverages, and a venue that can cool indoor spaces quickly.
Des Moines, Iowa, United States
Top date in September, 2027:
06 September
Top dates with the most sunshine
06 September
- 10.6 median hours of sunny weather
14 September
- 10.6 median hours of sunny weather
12 September
- 10.5 median hours of sunny weather
05 September
- 10.4 median hours of sunny weather
13 September
- 10.4 median hours of sunny weather
Top Saturdays in September 2027
11 September
- 10.2 median hours of sunny weather
04 September
- 10.2 median hours of sunny weather
18 September
- 10.1 median hours of sunny weather
25 September
- 9.2 median hours of sunny weather
Based on data from: 2016-2025
01
80 °F
9.8 h
3.3 h
02
81 °F
10.4 h
1.8 h
03
81 °F
10.2 h
3.1 h
04
79 °F
10.2 h
2.3 h
05
81 °F
10.4 h
2.8 h
06
80 °F
10.6 h
0.6 h
07
76 °F
9.3 h
4.7 h
08
75 °F
10.2 h
2.4 h
09
77 °F
9.7 h
3.9 h
10
76 °F
8.7 h
4.3 h
11
79 °F
10.2 h
3.3 h
12
80 °F
10.5 h
1.7 h
13
80 °F
10.4 h
0.7 h
14
82 °F
10.6 h
1 h
15
84 °F
9.9 h
3.4 h
16
82 °F
9.6 h
1.8 h
17
78 °F
10.3 h
2.2 h
18
81 °F
10.1 h
2.7 h
19
82 °F
9.3 h
2.5 h
20
84 °F
10.2 h
3.4 h
21
79 °F
9.4 h
3.1 h
22
76 °F
9 h
4.4 h
23
76 °F
9 h
2.5 h
24
78 °F
9.2 h
2.2 h
25
75 °F
9.2 h
3.7 h
26
73 °F
10 h
1.2 h
27
74 °F
8.8 h
2.2 h
28
71 °F
8.9 h
1.9 h
29
74 °F
9 h
2.4 h
30
76 °F
9.1 h
2.9 h
September often feels like the smart compromise month in Des Moines, with 9.73 sunshine hours and a more moderate 25.75°C daily maximum. It still has enough brightness for photographs and outdoor mingling, but the edge of summer heat begins to ease, which can make a noticeable difference for guests in formal clothes. Average precipitation hours sit at 2.61, so there is still some weather risk, yet the month is generally easier to host than June or July. The strongest historical date, 06 September, produced 10.61 sunshine hours and only 0.6 precipitation hours. September is a strong candidate if you want a comfortable, late-season celebration without stepping fully into autumn cold.
Des Moines, Iowa, United States
Top date in October, 2027:
04 October
Top dates with the most sunshine
04 October
- 10.3 median hours of sunny weather
17 October
- 9.5 median hours of sunny weather
08 October
- 9.4 median hours of sunny weather
18 October
- 9.3 median hours of sunny weather
23 October
- 9.1 median hours of sunny weather
Top Saturdays in October 2027
23 October
- 9.1 median hours of sunny weather
16 October
- 8.9 median hours of sunny weather
09 October
- 8 median hours of sunny weather
02 October
- 7.9 median hours of sunny weather
30 October
- 6.8 median hours of sunny weather
Based on data from: 2016-2025
01
76 °F
7.1 h
4.3 h
02
73 °F
7.9 h
1.6 h
03
75 °F
8.8 h
2.5 h
04
71 °F
10.3 h
0.8 h
05
72 °F
8.1 h
4.9 h
06
72 °F
6.9 h
5.5 h
07
65 °F
7.2 h
5 h
08
70 °F
9.4 h
2.5 h
09
70 °F
8 h
3 h
10
70 °F
6.6 h
4.4 h
11
66 °F
8.5 h
2.9 h
12
66 °F
7.4 h
3.1 h
13
63 °F
7.7 h
2.9 h
14
62 °F
6 h
3 h
15
58 °F
7.3 h
1.8 h
16
62 °F
8.9 h
0.5 h
17
65 °F
9.5 h
0.9 h
18
64 °F
9.3 h
1.4 h
19
63 °F
7.7 h
2 h
20
63 °F
8.5 h
1.3 h
21
63 °F
7.9 h
3.3 h
22
64 °F
7.7 h
2.7 h
23
63 °F
9.1 h
2.3 h
24
57 °F
7.2 h
3.9 h
25
56 °F
6.1 h
3.2 h
26
57 °F
7.4 h
3.1 h
27
55 °F
7.1 h
2.1 h
28
55 °F
7.8 h
3.1 h
29
55 °F
5.7 h
3.3 h
30
54 °F
6.8 h
2.4 h
31
54 °F
6.7 h
2.2 h
October is one of the most atmospheric months for a wedding in Des Moines, with 7.76 sunshine hours and a comfortable average maximum temperature of 17.71°C. It is a good month for couples who want crisp air, seasonal colour, and less summer humidity, though the shorter days mean earlier ceremony times if photos are important. The strongest historical date, 04 October, offered 10.29 sunshine hours and 0.8 precipitation hours, which shows how pleasant early October can be. With average precipitation hours at 2.77, it is still wise to have indoor flexibility, especially if you plan an outdoor cocktail hour or an all-day downtown itinerary.
Des Moines, Iowa, United States
Top date in November, 2027:
07 November
Top dates with the most sunshine
07 November
- 8.3 median hours of sunny weather
08 November
- 7.7 median hours of sunny weather
16 November
- 7.6 median hours of sunny weather
06 November
- 7.6 median hours of sunny weather
15 November
- 7.5 median hours of sunny weather
Top Saturdays in November 2027
06 November
- 7.6 median hours of sunny weather
13 November
- 7.3 median hours of sunny weather
20 November
- 6.6 median hours of sunny weather
27 November
- 6.5 median hours of sunny weather
Based on data from: 2016-2025
01
54 °F
6.5 h
0.8 h
02
54 °F
6.7 h
3.3 h
03
57 °F
5.8 h
2.8 h
04
59 °F
5.6 h
5.3 h
05
58 °F
6.7 h
4.3 h
06
57 °F
7.6 h
0.6 h
07
53 °F
8.3 h
0 h
08
55 °F
7.7 h
1.2 h
09
55 °F
6.7 h
2.9 h
10
47 °F
4.2 h
4.4 h
11
45 °F
7.4 h
2.6 h
12
43 °F
6.9 h
1.1 h
13
46 °F
7.3 h
0.9 h
14
50 °F
5.9 h
3.8 h
15
53 °F
7.5 h
2.5 h
16
53 °F
7.6 h
0.9 h
17
49 °F
5.2 h
4 h
18
48 °F
7.2 h
1.6 h
19
48 °F
6.5 h
1.8 h
20
49 °F
6.6 h
3 h
21
47 °F
5.4 h
1.5 h
22
44 °F
6.2 h
1.8 h
23
46 °F
5.3 h
2.4 h
24
50 °F
5.2 h
2.5 h
25
45 °F
5.4 h
4.4 h
26
46 °F
6 h
2.4 h
27
43 °F
6.5 h
2.1 h
28
43 °F
5.9 h
1.6 h
29
42 °F
5.1 h
3 h
30
39 °F
5.8 h
4 h
November in Des Moines moves solidly into colder, shorter-day territory, with 6.35 sunshine hours and an average daily maximum of 9.62°C. That can work well for formal indoor weddings, particularly if you want a quieter date with less pressure on outdoor venues and perhaps better vendor availability. The strongest historical date, 07 November, reached 8.32 sunshine hours and 11.76°C, which is a reminder that late autumn can be surprisingly pleasant, but it is not reliable enough for outdoor-only planning. November weddings should think about early sunsets, guest coats, and transport that does not depend on icy parking lots or long walks between locations.
Des Moines, Iowa, United States
Top date in December, 2027:
05 December
Top dates with the most sunshine
05 December
- 7.2 median hours of sunny weather
18 December
- 7 median hours of sunny weather
06 December
- 6.9 median hours of sunny weather
20 December
- 6.9 median hours of sunny weather
14 December
- 6.9 median hours of sunny weather
Top Saturdays in December 2027
18 December
- 7 median hours of sunny weather
04 December
- 5.5 median hours of sunny weather
11 December
- 5.1 median hours of sunny weather
25 December
- 4.5 median hours of sunny weather
Based on data from: 2016-2025
01
40 °F
4.7 h
2.8 h
02
41 °F
5.3 h
2.6 h
03
40 °F
6.5 h
2.2 h
04
42 °F
5.5 h
2 h
05
41 °F
7.2 h
0 h
06
35 °F
6.9 h
0.2 h
07
38 °F
6.7 h
1 h
08
40 °F
6.8 h
1 h
09
40 °F
5.6 h
1.3 h
10
39 °F
4.9 h
1.2 h
11
38 °F
5.1 h
3.3 h
12
36 °F
5.7 h
2.4 h
13
34 °F
4 h
3.9 h
14
34 °F
6.9 h
1.7 h
15
35 °F
4.2 h
4.8 h
16
36 °F
4.9 h
1.5 h
17
36 °F
6.2 h
1 h
18
34 °F
7 h
0.6 h
19
40 °F
5.2 h
2 h
20
40 °F
6.9 h
0.4 h
21
40 °F
5.2 h
2.1 h
22
40 °F
6.1 h
2.6 h
23
40 °F
6.6 h
1.7 h
24
38 °F
5.6 h
2.2 h
25
40 °F
4.5 h
4 h
26
37 °F
3.9 h
3.2 h
27
38 °F
4.1 h
3.9 h
28
39 °F
2.9 h
5.7 h
29
38 °F
3.9 h
4.5 h
30
33 °F
5.7 h
2.1 h
31
31 °F
4.7 h
2.6 h
December brings true winter conditions back to Des Moines, with just 5.46 sunshine hours on average and a 3.23°C daily maximum. For couples drawn to holiday-season decor, candlelight, and indoor celebrations, that can create a lovely mood, but the practical side is important: short daylight windows, cold arrivals, and possible snow or frozen ground. The strongest historical date, 05 December, delivered 7.24 sunshine hours and a mild 5.21°C maximum, yet that should be treated as a helpful signal rather than a dependable pattern. December weddings work best when all key logistics are close together, the venue is warm and accessible, and guests receive very clear arrival instructions.