January weather forecast
West Des Moines, IA

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The bright red and yellow sun rising over the horizon in West Des Moines, Iowa, casting the glow over the famed City Campus Pond and trees
The bright red and yellow sun rising over the horizon in West Des Moines, Iowa, casting the glow over the famed City Campus Pond and trees

Weather in January

The new year starts with chilly January weather in West Des Moines, Iowa, often characterized by a thick, white snow blanket. Average temperatures hover around 14.9°F (-9.5°C) at night and rise only up to 27.9°F (-2.3°C) during daytime, which marks January as the coldest month of the year. Steady winds from the north contribute to the overall bite of coldness, often intensifying the feeling of chill. This month is also notable for its short days and reduced sunshine, making indoor activities a better option for residents. Snowfall events are quite common, amounting to a total of 4.37" (111mm) spread over 10.4 days, making snow removal a frequent necessity.

Temperature

January, with its average high-temperature of 27.9°F (-2.3°C) and an average low-temperature of 14.9°F (-9.5°C), holds the record as the coldest month in West Des Moines.

Humidity

The months with the highest humidity in West Des Moines, Iowa, are January, February and June, with an average relative humidity of 82%.

Rainfall

The month with the least rainfall in West Des Moines is January, when the rain falls for 4.9 days and typically collects 0.91" (23mm) of precipitation.

Snowfall

January through May, October through December are months with snowfall. The month with the most snowfall in West Des Moines is January, when snow falls for 10.4 days and typically aggregates up to 4.37" (111mm) of snow.

Daylight

In January, the average length of the day in West Des Moines is 9h and 35min.
On the first day of the month, sunrise is at 7:41 am and sunset at 4:55 pm. On the last day of January, in West Des Moines, sunrise is at 7:27 am and sunset at 5:28 pm CST.

Sunshine

The month with the least sunshine in West Des Moines, Iowa, is January, with an average of 4.3h of sunshine.

UV index

With an average maximum UV index of 1, January is the month with the lowest UV index. A UV Index value of 2, and less, symbolizes a low threat to health from exposure to the Sun's UV rays for ordinary individuals.
Note: An average UV index of 1 in January transforms into this advice:
Children, infants, and individuals with sensitive skin should be constantly protected from extended sun exposure. The midday Sun can be harmful due to its potent UV radiation; seek shade and reduce exposure. Wearing a wide-brim hat can block approximately 50% of UV radiation, protecting the eyes. Be prepared! The intensity of the Sun's UV radiation can be amplified nearly double due to snow reflection.
Updated: Feb 12, 2024
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate

Frequently asked questions

What are the coldest months in West Des Moines?

January is West Des Moines's coldest month, registering average high temperatures of 27.9°F (-2.3°C) and lows of 14.9°F (-9.5°C).

How cold is January in West Des Moines?

The high-temperature, in January, in West Des Moines, is 27.9°F (-2.3°C), while the low-temperature averages to 14.9°F (-9.5°C).

What is the most humid month in West Des Moines?

The months with the highest humidity are January, February and June, with an average relative humidity of 82%.

What is the average humidity in January in West Des Moines?

The average relative humidity in January in West Des Moines, Iowa, is 82%.

What is the driest month in West Des Moines?

The month with the least rainfall in West Des Moines is January, when the rain falls for 4.9 days and typically collects 0.91" (23mm) of precipitation.

How many days does it rain in January in West Des Moines?

In West Des Moines, Iowa, during January, the rain falls for 4.9 days and regularly aggregates up to 0.91" (23mm) of precipitation.

What is the snowiest month in West Des Moines?

The month with the most snowfall is January, when snow falls for 10.4 days and typically aggregates up to 4.37" (111mm) of snow.

How much does it snow in West Des Moines in January?

In West Des Moines, Iowa, in January, snow falls for 10.4 days, with typically accumulated 4.37" (111mm) of snow.

What is the average length of the day in January in West Des Moines?

The average day length in January in West Des Moines, Iowa, is 9h and 35min.

When are sunrise and sunset in January in West Des Moines?

In January, on the first day of the month, sunrise is at 7:41 am and sunset at 4:55 pm. On the last day of the month, sunrise is at 7:27 am and sunset at 5:28 pm CST.

What is the month with the least sunshine in West Des Moines?

The month with the least sunshine is January, with an average of 4.3h of sunshine.

How long on average sun shines in January in West Des Moines?

The average sunshine duration in January is 4.3h.

What is the month with the lowest UV index in West Des Moines?

The month with the lowest UV index in West Des Moines is January, with an average maximum UV index of 1.

What is the UV index reading in January in West Des Moines?

In West Des Moines, Iowa, the average daily maximum UV index in January is 1. A UV Index of 2, and less, symbolizes a low health threat from exposure to Sun's UV rays.
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 January
West Des Moines, IA

Average temperature in January - West Des Moines, IA
  • Average high temperature in January: 27.9°F

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (82.9°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (27.9°F).

  • Average low temperature in January: 14.9°F

The month with the highest average low temperature is July (65.3°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (14.9°F).

Average pressure in January
West Des Moines, IA

Average pressure in January - West Des Moines, IA
  • Average pressure in January: 30.16"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 January
West Des Moines, IA

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

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

Average humidity in January
West Des Moines, IA

Average humidity in January - West Des Moines, IA
  • Average humidity in January: 82%

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

Average rainfall in January
West Des Moines, IA

Average rainfall in January - West Des Moines, IA
  • Average rainfall in January: 0.91"

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is May (4.33").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is January (0.91").

Average rainfall days in January
West Des Moines, IA

Average rainfall days in January - West Des Moines, IA
  • Average rainfall days in January: 4.9 days

The month with the highest number of rainy days is June (17.3 days).
The month with the least rainy days is February (4.3 days).

Average snowfall in January
West Des Moines, IA

Average snowfall in January - West Des Moines, IA
  • Average snowfall in January: 4.37"

The month with the highest snowfall is January (4.37").
The months with the least snowfall are June, July, August and September (0").

Average snowfall days in January
West Des Moines, IA

Average snowfall days in January - West Des Moines, IA
  • Average snowfall days in January: 10.4 days

The month with the highest number of snowfall days is January (10.4 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are June, July, August and September (0 days).

Average daylight in January /
Average sunshine in January
West Des Moines, IA

Average daylight in January / Average sunshine in January - West Des Moines, IA
  • Average daylight in January: 9h and 4min

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 January: 4h and 2min

The month with the most sunshine is July (Average sunshine: 10h and 24min).
The month with the least sunshine is January (Average sunshine: 4h and 18min).

Average sunshine days in January
West Des Moines, IA

Average sunshine days in January - West Des Moines, IA
  • Average sunshine days in January: 17.3 days

The months with the most sunshine days are November and December (18.7 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is June (11.3 days).

Average UV index in January
West Des Moines, IA

Average UV index in January - West Des Moines, IA
  • Average UV index in January: 1

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 January
West Des Moines, IA

Average cloud cover in January - West Des Moines, IA
  • Average cloud cover in January: 53

The month with the most cloud cover is January (Cloud cover 53).
The months with the least cloud cover are July and September (Cloud cover 29).

Average visibility in January
West Des Moines, IA

Average visibility in January - West Des Moines, IA
  • Average visibility in January: 5mi

The months with the highest visibility are February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (6mi).
The month with the lowest visibility is January (5mi).

West Des Moines, Iowa, USA

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