🇺🇸 Chicago vs 🇺🇸 Des Moines
Weather Comparison
Current Weather Right Now
🇺🇸
Chicago
47°F
Scattered Clouds
Feels like 44°F
H 50°F / L 45°F
Humidity: 56%
🇺🇸
Des Moines
52°F
Clear Sky
Feels like 49°F
H 53°F / L 50°F
Humidity: 55%
Climate Overview
Chicago
Humid continental — cold harsh winters, hot humid summers, severe storms
Chicago lives up to its Windy City nickname. Lake Michigan creates its own microclimate — cooler summers and heavier lake-effect snow in winter. Summers are warm but brief; winters are among the harshest of any major American city.
Des Moines
Des Moines in central Iowa has a classic humid continental climate at the heart of tornado alley. The flat prairie surrounding the city means no terrain barriers to weather from any direction — cold Arctic blasts, warm Gulf moisture, and severe spring thunderstorms all arrive unimpeded. The Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers provide some local flooding influence.
Seasonal Comparison
| Season | 🇺🇸 Chicago | 🇺🇸 Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | 35–65°F March–May | — |
| Summer | 70–84°F June–August | — |
| Fall | 45–68°F September–November | — |
| Winter | 17–32°F December–February | — |
Chicago vs Des Moines: Frequently Asked Questions
Does Chicago or Des Moines have better weather?
Chicago and Des Moines have very different climates. Humid continental — cold harsh winters, hot humid summers, severe storms Des Moines: Des Moines in central Iowa has a classic humid continental climate at the heart of tornado alley. Th. The best city depends on your preferred season and temperature range.
When is the best time to visit Chicago vs Des Moines?
Best time for Chicago: May, June, September. Best time for Des Moines: spring and fall.