May 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 May

May weather in West Des Moines, Iowa is characterized by significant warming, consistent with the late Spring season. There’s a surge in the amount of rainfall as it reaches a high of 4.33" (110mm). The city enlivens with the chirping of migrating birds, people flocking to parks, and barbecues filling the air with mouth-watering aromas. The high humidity levels and increased rainfall provide optimal conditions for various flora to bloom. Almost non-existent snowfall and extended sunshine hours make outdoor adventures particularly pleasant.

Temperature

With the onset of May, West Des Moines sees a temperature rise, with the average high-temperature moving from April's mild 59.5°F (15.3°C) to an agreeable 69.8°F (21°C). Throughout May, West Des Moines registers a consistent average low-temperature of 53.1°F (11.7°C).

Humidity

In West Des Moines, the average relative humidity in May is 78%.

Rainfall

May is the month with the most rainfall in West Des Moines. Rain falls for 16.9 days and accumulates 4.33" (110mm) of precipitation.

Snowfall

Months with snowfall are January through May, October through December. May is the last month it regularly snows in West Des Moines. During 0.2 snowfall days, in May, West Des Moines aggregates 0.24" (6mm) of snow. In West Des Moines, during the entire year, snow falls for 35.4 days and aggregates up to 12.99" (330mm) of snow.

Daylight

The average length of the day in May is 14h and 33min.
On the first day of the month, sunrise is at 6:10 am and sunset at 8:13 pm. On the last day of May, in West Des Moines, sunrise is at 5:43 am and sunset at 8:42 pm CDT.

Sunshine

In May, the average sunshine in West Des Moines, Iowa, is 8.7h.

UV index

In May, the average daily maximum UV index in West Des Moines is 5. A UV Index of 3 to 5 symbolizes a moderate threat to health from exposure to the Sun's UV radiation for average individuals.
Note: The daily maximum UV index of 5 in May interprets into the following advice:
Be careful. Light complexion individuals might get burns in fewer than 30 minutes. Solar radiation peaks around mid-day, so it's wise to limit exposure to the Sun at this time. Limit sun-induced ocular harm with sunglasses that feature UVA and UVB filtration. Consider carefully! The reflective quality of snow can almost double the intensity of the Sun's UV radiation.
Updated: Feb 12, 2024
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate

Frequently asked questions

What is the average May temperature in West Des Moines?

In May, in West Des Moines, the average high-temperature is 69.8°F (21°C), and the average low-temperature is 53.1°F (11.7°C).

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

In West Des Moines, the average relative humidity in May is 78%.

What is the rainiest month in West Des Moines?

May is the month with the most rainfall in West Des Moines, Iowa. Rain falls for 16.9 days and accumulates 4.33" (110mm) of precipitation.

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

In West Des Moines, in May, during 16.9 rainfall days, 4.33" (110mm) of precipitation is typically accumulated.

What is the last month it snows in West Des Moines?

May is the last month it regularly snows in West Des Moines, Iowa. During 0.2 snowfall days, in May, West Des Moines aggregates 0.24" (6mm) of snow.

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

In West Des Moines, Iowa, the average day length in May is 14h and 33min.

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

In May, on the first day of the month, sunrise is at 6:10 am and sunset at 8:13 pm. On the last day of the month, in West Des Moines, Iowa, sunrise is at 5:43 am and sunset at 8:42 pm CDT.

How many hours of sunshine does West Des Moines have in May?

The average sunshine duration in May in West Des Moines is 8.7h.

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

The average daily maximum UV index in May is 5. A UV Index reading of 3 to 5 represents a moderate health threat from unprotected exposure to 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 May
West Des Moines, IA

Average temperature in May - West Des Moines, IA
  • Average high temperature in May: 69.8°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 May: 53.1°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 May
West Des Moines, IA

Average pressure in May - West Des Moines, IA
  • Average pressure in May: 29.93"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 May
West Des Moines, IA

Average wind speed in May - West Des Moines, IA
  • Average wind speed in May: 8.8mph

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 May
West Des Moines, IA

Average humidity in May - West Des Moines, IA
  • Average humidity in May: 78%

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 May
West Des Moines, IA

Average rainfall in May - West Des Moines, IA
  • Average rainfall in May: 4.33"

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 May
West Des Moines, IA

Average rainfall days in May - West Des Moines, IA
  • Average rainfall days in May: 16.9 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 May
West Des Moines, IA

Average snowfall in May - West Des Moines, IA
  • Average snowfall in May: 0.24"

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 May
West Des Moines, IA

Average snowfall days in May - West Des Moines, IA
  • Average snowfall days in May: 0.2 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 May /
Average sunshine in May
West Des Moines, IA

Average daylight in May / Average sunshine in May - West Des Moines, IA
  • Average daylight in May: 14h and 3min

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 May: 8h and 4min

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 May
West Des Moines, IA

Average sunshine days in May - West Des Moines, IA
  • Average sunshine days in May: 12.1 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 May
West Des Moines, IA

Average UV index in May - West Des Moines, IA
  • Average UV index in May: 5

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 May
West Des Moines, IA

Average cloud cover in May - West Des Moines, IA
  • Average cloud cover in May: 41

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 May
West Des Moines, IA

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

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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