Des Moines · March
Run in the midday.
Cold: average high 49°F, low 30°F. Layering becomes the workout. Cold mornings warm into runnable midday hours — the windows around noon catch the warmest temperatures.
Avg high / low
49° / 30°F
Humidity
66%
Rain days
13/mo
Wind
14 mph
What March feels like in Des Moines
Sunrise
07:23
Mid-month average
Sunset
19:22
Mid-month average
Time-of-day breakdown
Morning
Steady cool air, low wind, and good light. The standard runner window in most months.
Midday
Often the warmest few hours of a cold day. If you can only run once, midday gives you the most temperate window.
Evening
Cold drops back in fast after sunset. Tight window — done before headlamp territory.
What to wear running in Des Moines in March
The kit for March in Des Moines: cold-weather layers, gloves, and ear coverage on most mornings, a wind-blocking layer for exposed routes, a water-resistant cap or jacket on standby.
March vs the surrounding months
vs February
+16° avg high
+3 rain days
Des Moines in February →
March
49°F avg high
13 rain days
Best: midday
vs April
-11° avg high
0 rain days
Des Moines in April →
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time of day to run in Des Moines in March?+
Midday. Cold mornings warm into runnable midday hours — the windows around noon catch the warmest temperatures.
What's the average temperature in Des Moines in March?+
Average high 49°F, average low 30°F.
How does March compare to surrounding months in Des Moines?+
Compared to February (avg high 33°F), March is warmer. Compared to April (avg high 60°F), March is cooler.
Does it rain often in Des Moines in March?+
Expect about 13 measurable rain days in March, on average.