Des Moines Parks & Trails, IA

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West Fork Des Moines River along Cottonwood Trail in Humboldt, Iowa
West Fork Des Moines River along Cottonwood Trail in Humboldt, Iowa - Brandonrush, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Today’s Forecast:

☁
63°F
High: 63° | Low: 60°
Current Temperature
Mostly Cloudy
Station: KDSM
Observed at: 10:10 pm CDT on 9/26/26
Wind: 9 mph | Humidity: 94%
Tonight:Rain showers likely before 10pm, then showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 60. Southeast wind 5 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
Sunday:A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 69. East southeast wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
Sunday Night:Mostly cloudy, with a low around 60. East wind around 5 mph.
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Today’s Report:

🚲 Biking

Use Caution
  45 /100

Use Caution for biking. High near 68°F. Risk of rain later today (32%). Slight chance of thunderstorms.

  • Temp: Favorable conditions
  • Rain: Marginal weather factor
  • Wind: Favorable conditions
  • Thunderstorm: Marginal weather factor
Tomorrow's Outlook:
Fair 65/100
Fair for biking. High near 71°F. Low rain risk (6%). Light wind (6 mph). Slight chance of thunderstorms.

🎪 Outdoor Events / Activities

Use Caution
  45 /100

Use Caution for outdoor events / activities. High near 68°F. Risk of rain later today (32%). Slight chance of thunderstorms.

  • Temp: Favorable conditions
  • Rain: Marginal weather factor
  • Wind: Favorable conditions
  • Thunderstorm: Marginal weather factor
Tomorrow's Outlook:
Fair 65/100
Fair for outdoor events / activities. High near 71°F. Low rain risk (6%). Light wind (6 mph). Slight chance of thunderstorms.

⛳ Golf

Use Caution
  45 /100

Use Caution for golf. High near 68°F. Risk of rain later today (32%). Slight chance of thunderstorms.

  • Temp: Favorable conditions
  • Rain: Marginal weather factor
  • Wind: Favorable conditions
  • Thunderstorm: Marginal weather factor
Tomorrow's Outlook:
Fair 65/100
Fair for golf. High near 71°F. Low rain risk (6%). Light wind (6 mph). Slight chance of thunderstorms.

About Des Moines Parks & Trails

Des Moines Parks & Trails covers metro greenways, river paths, urban lakes, golf courses, large parks, and outdoor events across Iowa’s biggest population center.

Make the Most of a Des Moines Parks & Trails Day

Choose a loop with nearby shelter when storms are possible, or use connected paved trails for a longer stable-weather day. Flooding on one river segment does not necessarily close the whole metro network.

Weather Tips for Des Moines Parks & Trails

  • For Des Moines Parks & Trails, check temperature, wind, rain timing, and thunderstorm potential before choosing the day’s route.
  • If thunder is possible, complete exposed overlooks, prairie routes, golf, and event grounds early and keep shelter close.
  • After steady rain, favor paved paths or well-drained routes until natural surfaces recover.
  • Open-country wind and summer humidity can make biking and hiking feel harder than the mileage suggests.

Nearby Towns and Areas

This page can also be useful when planning outdoor time near:

  • West Des Moines
  • Ankeny
  • Urbandale
  • Gray’s Lake
  • Jester Park
  • Raccoon River Park
  • Neal Smith Trail
  • Easter Lake

Plan Around the Conditions

Use the forecast to choose the best version of a Des Moines Parks & Trails day. Match wind, storm timing, water levels, trail surfaces, road conditions, and temperature to the activity that gives your group the safest and most comfortable plan.

7-Day Forecast for Des Moines Parks & Trails

☁
63°F
High: 63° | Low: 60°
Current Temperature
Mostly Cloudy
Station: KDSM
Observed at: 10:10 pm CDT on 9/26/26
Wind: 9 mph | Humidity: 94%
Sun ⛈
69° 60°
36%
Mon ⛅
71° 60°
6%
Tue ⛈
69° 64°
82%
Wed 🌧
70° 63°
67%
Thu ⛈
69° 57°
69%
Fri ⛈
67° 55°
34%
Sat ⛈
66° --°
16%

7-Day High Temperature Trend

69° Sun 71° Mon 69° Tue 70° Wed 69° Thu 67° Fri 66° Sat

7-Day Low Temperature Trend

60° Sun 60° Mon 64° Tue 63° Wed 57° Thu 55° Fri 50° Sat

📊 7-Day Outdoor Outlook

Good Fair Poor 65 Sun 100 Mon 21 Tue 94 Wed 21 Thu 65 Fri 65 Sat
Forecast data from the National Weather Service  |  Last Updated: September 26, 2026 10:32 pm CDT

Des Moines Parks & Trails Weather by Season

Winter

Winter at Des Moines Parks & Trails brings cold, wind chill, snow, and freeze-thaw ice. Shaded paths, stairs, bridges, and rural roads may stay slick after sunny areas clear. Check road and facility status before a long drive.

Spring

Spring around Des Moines Parks & Trails is changeable, with rain, muddy surfaces, rising waterways, and severe thunderstorms. Give natural-surface trails time to drain after heavy rain. Lightning, hail, and strong wind can arrive well ahead of a rain core.

Summer

Summer days at Des Moines Parks & Trails are often warm and humid, with strong sun, mosquitoes, and afternoon thunderstorm potential. Earlier starts make exposed routes and event grounds more comfortable. Carry water and use shade breaks during the hottest part of the day.

Fall

Fall is often one of the most comfortable seasons at Des Moines Parks & Trails, with lower humidity, cooler nights, and changing color. Dry spells can produce excellent trail and cycling conditions. Watch for harvest traffic on rural roads and hunting activity near public lands.

Key Climate Data Points

  • Annual average temperature: around 52°F based on the surrounding Iowa region.
  • Annual snowfall: generally 25–35 inches, with meaningful year-to-year variation.
  • Warmest months: June through August are typically warmest, with July often bringing the highest heat and humidity.
  • Coolest months: December through February are coldest, and January commonly has the strongest winter chill.
  • Wettest season: late spring and early summer usually brings the greatest rainfall and thunderstorm frequency.
  • Driest season: winter is normally driest, although snow, ice, and frozen ground still affect plans.
  • Best outdoor window: April through October, with mornings favored in midsummer.