Monthly minimum winter temperatures in Des Moines -- located near the center of the state -- average 16.7 degrees F for December, 11.7 degrees F for January, 17.8 degrees F for February and 28.7 degrees F for March. Monthly maximum temperatures average 33.1 degrees F for December, 29.1 degrees F for January, 35.4 degrees F for February and 48.2 degrees F for March.
Snowfall averages about 32 inches across Iowa. The northeast and southeast corners of the state receive the most and least snow respectively. Snow season typically begins as early as October and continues through mid-April.
The coldest temperature on record in Iowa was -47 degrees F, recorded on February 2, 1996 in Elkader. The snowiest winter seasons were 1961 and 1962, with a statewide average of 59 inches. The least snowy winter seasons were 1965 and 1966, with a statewide average of 11.9 inches.
