🇺🇸 Des Moines vs 🇺🇸 Chicago
Weather Comparison
Current Weather Right Now
🇺🇸
Des Moines
46°F
Clear Sky
Feels like 40°F
H 47°F / L 44°F
Humidity: 65%
🇺🇸
Chicago
43°F
Broken Clouds
Feels like 38°F
H 45°F / L 41°F
Humidity: 60%
Climate Overview
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.
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.
Seasonal Comparison
| Season | 🇺🇸 Des Moines | 🇺🇸 Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | — | 35–65°F March–May |
| Summer | — | 70–84°F June–August |
| Fall | — | 45–68°F September–November |
| Winter | — | 17–32°F December–February |
Des Moines vs Chicago: Frequently Asked Questions
Does Des Moines or Chicago have better weather?
Des Moines and Chicago have very different climates. Des Moines in central Iowa has a classic humid continental climate at the heart of tornado alley. Th Chicago: Humid continental — cold harsh winters, hot humid summers, severe storms. The best city depends on your preferred season and temperature range.
When is the best time to visit Des Moines vs Chicago?
Best time for Des Moines: spring and fall. Best time for Chicago: May, June, September.