March weather forecast
Des Moines, IA

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City buildings in Des Moines, Iowa
City buildings in Des Moines, Iowa

Weather in March

March recognizes a significant change in weather, marking the transition from winter to spring in Des Moines. Temperature increases get accompanied by a notable rise in rainfall: the melting snow and rain contribute to increased relative humidity. The growing daylight hours pave the way for longer outdoor activities. This month is characterized by an average rainfall amounting to 1.02" (26mm). A heightened UV Index compared to the previous months also marks the advent of the sunnier season.

Temperature

March's onset witnesses a marked shift in the average high-temperature, moving from a cold 32.4°F (0.2°C) in February to a chilly 47.5°F (8.6°C). In the month of March, Des Moines's average low-temperature falls to a cold 32.2°F (0.1°C).

Humidity

In March, the average relative humidity is 75%.

Rainfall

In Des Moines, in March, it is raining for 8.7 days, with typically 1.02" (26mm) of accumulated precipitation. Throughout the year, there are 114.4 rainfall days, and 16.38" (416mm) of precipitation is accumulated.

Snowfall

Months with snowfall in Des Moines are January through May, October through December. In Des Moines, in March, during 4.6 snowfall days, 0.98" (25mm) of snow is typically accumulated. Throughout the year, there are 30.9 snowfall days, and 7.36" (187mm) of snow is accumulated.

Daylight

In March, the average length of the day in Des Moines is 11h and 58min.
On the first day of the month, sunrise is at 6:47 am and sunset at 6:05 pm CST. On the last day of March, sunrise is at 6:57 am and sunset at 7:39 pm CDT.
Note: On Sunday, March 10. 2024, at 2:00 am, Daylight Saving Time starts, and the time zone changes from CST to CDT. Daylight Saving Time lasts until Sunday, November 3. 2024, at 2:00 am; consequently, the time zone reverts from CDT to CST.

Sunshine

In March, the average sunshine is 6h.

UV index

The average daily maximum UV index in March is 3. A UV Index of 3 to 5 symbolizes a moderate threat to health from unsafe exposure to UV radiation for the average person.
Note: An average maximum UV index of 3 in March leads to these recommendations:
Guard yourself - An obligation to protect skin and eyes from harm exists. UV radiation from the Sun is most dangerous during midday; take precautions and seek shade. A wide-brimmed hat provides unparalleled sun protection for sensitive areas like the eyes, ears, and neck. Be advised! The UV radiation from the Sun can be almost doubled due to the reflective properties of snow.

Frequently asked questions

What is the temperature in March?

During March, Des Moines experiences an average high-temperature of 47.5°F (8.6°C) and a low-temperature of 32.2°F (0.1°C).

What is the average humidity in March?

In March, the average relative humidity is 75%.

How many days does it rain in March?

In March, the rain falls for 8.7 days. Throughout March, 1.02" (26mm) of precipitation is accumulated.

How many days does it snow in March in Des Moines?

In Des Moines, in March, snow falls for 4.6 days, with typically accumulated 0.98" (25mm) of snow.

How many hours of daylight does Des Moines have in March?

In Des Moines, the average day length in March is 11h and 58min.

What time are sunrise and sunset in March?

In March, on the first day of the month, sunrise is at 6:47 am and sunset at 6:05 pm CST. On the last day of the month, sunrise is at 6:57 am and sunset at 7:39 pm CDT.

When does Daylight Saving Time (DST) start in March?

On Sunday, March 10. 2024, at 2:00 am, Daylight Saving Time starts, and the time zone changes from CST to CDT. DST ends Sunday, November 3. 2024, at 2:00 am.

How many hours of sunshine does Des Moines have in March?

In Des Moines, the average sunshine duration in March is 6h.

What is the UV index reading in March?

In March, the average daily maximum UV index is 3. A UV Index estimate of 3 to 5 represents a moderate vulnerability from exposure to the Sun's UV radiation.
Average humidity
Average rainfall days
Average snowfall days
Average daylight
Average sunshine
Average sunshine days
Average UV index
Average cloud cover
Average visibility

Average temperature in March
Des Moines, IA

Average temperature in March - Des Moines, IA
  • Average high temperature in March: 47.5°F

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (83.1°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (28.2°F).

  • Average low temperature in March: 32.2°F

The month with the highest average low temperature is July (65.5°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (15.1°F).

Average pressure in March
Des Moines, IA

Average pressure in March - Des Moines, IA
  • Average pressure in March: 30.07"Hg

The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is January (30.16"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is June (29.88"Hg).

Average wind speed in March
Des Moines, IA

Average wind speed in March - Des Moines, IA
  • Average wind speed in March: 10.3mph

The windiest months (with the highest average wind speed) are January, February, March and April (10.3mph).
The calmest months (with the lowest average wind speed) are July and August (7mph).

Average humidity in March
Des Moines, IA

Average humidity in March - Des Moines, IA
  • Average humidity in March: 75%

The months with the highest relative humidity are January and June (82%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is October (70%).

Average rainfall in March
Des Moines, IA

Average rainfall in March - Des Moines, IA
  • Average rainfall in March: 1.02"

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is May (2.76").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is January (0.47").

Average rainfall days in March
Des Moines, IA

Average rainfall days in March - Des Moines, IA
  • Average rainfall days in March: 8.7 days

The month with the highest number of rainy days is June (15.9 days).
The month with the least rainy days is February (3 days).

Average snowfall in March
Des Moines, IA

Average snowfall in March - Des Moines, IA
  • Average snowfall in March: 0.98"

The month with the highest snowfall is January (2.24").
The months with the least snowfall are June, July, August and September (0").

Average snowfall days in March
Des Moines, IA

Average snowfall days in March - Des Moines, IA
  • Average snowfall days in March: 4.6 days

The month with the highest number of snowfall days is January (8.7 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are June, July, August and September (0 days).

Average daylight in March /
Average sunshine in March
Des Moines, IA

Average daylight in March / Average sunshine in March - Des Moines, IA
  • Average daylight in March: 12h and 0min

The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 15h and 6min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 9h and 12min).

  • Average sunshine in March: 6h and 0min

The month with the most sunshine is July (Average sunshine: 10h and 18min).
The month with the least sunshine is January (Average sunshine: 4h and 18min).

Average sunshine days in March
Des Moines, IA

Average sunshine days in March - Des Moines, IA
  • Average sunshine days in March: 18 days

The month with the most sunshine days is December (22.3 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is June (12.2 days).

Average UV index in March
Des Moines, IA

Average UV index in March - Des Moines, IA
  • Average UV index in March: 3

The months with the highest UV index are June, July and August (UV index 6).
The month with the lowest UV index is January (UV index 1).

Average cloud cover in March
Des Moines, IA

Average cloud cover in March - Des Moines, IA
  • Average cloud cover in March: 50

The month with the most cloud cover is January (Cloud cover 54).
The months with the least cloud cover are July and September (Cloud cover 29).

Average visibility in March
Des Moines, IA

Average visibility in March - Des Moines, IA
  • Average visibility in March: 6mi

The months with the highest visibility are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (6mi).
The months with the lowest visibility are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (6mi).

Des Moines, Iowa, USA

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