Des Moines · May
Run in the morning.
Comfortable average high of 71°F, dipping to 53°F at night. Expect 17 rain days — plan around the radar. Comfortable conditions all day, but morning consistently delivers the best combination of cool air and clear skies.
Avg high / low
71° / 53°F
Humidity
69%
Rain days
17/mo
Wind
13 mph
What May feels like in Des Moines
Sunrise
05:55
Mid-month average
Sunset
20:27
Mid-month average
Time-of-day breakdown
Morning
Steady cool air, low wind, and good light. The standard runner window in most months.
Midday
Mild but UV and traffic peak. Workable if you don't mind shifting your pace.
Evening
Warm and runnable. Crowded routes but the air's typically calm.
What to wear running in Des Moines in May
The kit for May in Des Moines: shorts and a short-sleeve are the standard kit, a water-resistant cap or jacket on standby.
May vs the surrounding months
vs April
+11° avg high
+5 rain days
Des Moines in April →
May
71°F avg high
17 rain days
Best: morning
vs June
-11° avg high
+3 rain days
Des Moines in June →
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time of day to run in Des Moines in May?+
Morning. Comfortable conditions all day, but morning consistently delivers the best combination of cool air and clear skies.
What's the average temperature in Des Moines in May?+
Average high 71°F, average low 53°F.
How does May compare to surrounding months in Des Moines?+
Compared to April (avg high 60°F), May is warmer. Compared to June (avg high 83°F), May is cooler.
Does it rain often in Des Moines in May?+
Expect about 17 measurable rain days in May, on average.