Des Moines
Iowa's capital pairs a gold-domed statehouse and riverside trails with a large state fair each August, at a pace that suits a short city break.
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Des Moines is the capital and largest city of Iowa, in the central part of the state. The Des Moines and Raccoon rivers meet in the city, and riverfront trails and bridges shape how you move around downtown. The gold-domed Iowa State Capitol is the best-known landmark. Terrace Hill, a Victorian mansion, has been the governor's residence since 1971. The city is also a center for insurance and finance companies.
A visit suits a relaxed city break of two or three days for travelers who like state history, parks and a walkable core. Downtown and the nearby East Village have shops and restaurants within easy walking distance of each other. The Iowa State Fair, held each August at the fairgrounds, draws large crowds, so book rooms early that week. For the mildest weather, plan late spring through early fall, since winters are cold.
Des Moines in five
- Rent a car for the Iowa tripDes Moines is spread out, and DART buses run thinly outside downtown. Pick up a rental at Des Moines International Airport (DSM) if you plan day trips.Getting around
- Set up an eSIM before you landGet mobile data from an eSIM or a US plan on arrival, so ride-hail apps and maps work from the airport.Phones and eSIM
- Book rooms early for the Iowa State FairThe Iowa State Fair runs in August on the fairgrounds in Des Moines, and downtown and nearby hotels fill quickly.Festivals
- Buy travel insurance with US medical coverUS hospital bills can be costly, so check that the policy covers emergency care and medical evacuation before you fly.Travel insurance
- Pick a base in Downtown or East VillageMost hotels, the Court Avenue bars and the Principal Riverwalk are within walking distance downtown, so you need the car less in the evening.Where to stay
Need to know
- Currency
- US dollar (USD)
- Entry
- ESTA for Visa Waiver countries; other passports need a visa Read more
- Emergency
- 911 police, fire or ambulance
- Tipping
- Customary in restaurants and bars; check the bill for a service charge
- Time
- UTC-6 (Central Time), daylight saving to UTC-5 in summer
Weather by month
- Best
- Mixed
- Poor
- JanuaryCold, snowy
- FebruaryCold, snowy
- MarchCold, thaw
- AprilRainy, mild
- MayMild, storms
- JuneWarm, humid
- JulyHot, humid
- AugustIowa State Fair
- SeptemberMild, dry
- OctoberAutumn color
- NovemberCold, grey
- DecemberCold, holiday lights
Right now in Des Moines
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
18
- Feels like
- 16°
- Humidity
- 94%
- Wind
- 26 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 67%
Iowa
04:37 PM
Monday, November 2
- Today19°15°67%Monday: Rain. High 19°, Low 15°. Chance of rain 67%.
- Tue19°9°70%Tuesday: Rain. High 19°, Low 9°. Chance of rain 70%.
- Wed10°9°26%Wednesday: Drizzle. High 10°, Low 9°. Chance of rain 26%.
- Thu14°6°16%Thursday: Cloudy. High 14°, Low 6°. Chance of rain 16%.
- Fri12°4°10%Friday: Cloudy. High 12°, Low 4°. Chance of rain 10%.
- Sat15°5°4%Saturday: Drizzle. High 15°, Low 5°. Chance of rain 4%.
- Sun10°5°10%Sunday: Drizzle. High 10°, Low 5°. Chance of rain 10%.
Updated 03:54 PM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 EUR = 1.116 USD
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Day trips by train
- Living History Farmsabout 20 minutes by carA farm museum in Urbandale with historic farm buildings and costumed interpreters.
- Wintersetabout 45 minutes by carHome of the John Wayne birthplace and the covered bridges of Madison County.
- Iowa Cityabout 1.5 hours by carA university town on the Iowa River, with the Iowa Writers' Workshop and good bookshops.Read the guide
Before you go to Des Moines
Rules for Des Moines, checked
- Visa Waiver Program travelers need an approved ESTA before flying to the US. Other passports need a visa; check eligibility at travel.state.gov first.Source
- Declare food, plants and animal products on the CBP declaration form at arrival, and check the list before you pack.
- The drinking age is 21, and bars and shops ask for photo ID. Carry your passport or a driver's license when you go out.
- Tip servers, bartenders and taxi drivers, the usual US custom. Check the bill first, since some venues add a service charge.
Plan around Des Moines
Entry, transport and money for a US trip
Read the guideIowaThe state around Des Moines and its smaller towns
Read the guideGetting aroundRental cars, DART buses and the airport ride
Read the guideMoney and costsCards, tipping and typical prices in Des Moines
Read the guideVisas and entryWho needs ESTA or a visa, and how to apply
Read the guideWhere to stayDowntown, East Village and Valley Junction compared
Read the guideDes Moines FAQ
How many days do you need in Des Moines?
Two days cover downtown, the Iowa State Capitol and the Principal Riverwalk. Add a day for the Iowa State Fair in August or for Living History Farms in Urbandale.
Is Des Moines worth visiting?
Yes, if you want a compact downtown with bars and restaurants on Court Avenue and easy access to smaller Iowa towns. It works best as a base for trips around the state rather than as a long stay.
When is the best time to visit Des Moines?
May and September to October have mild weather. Summer is hot and humid, and winter is cold with snow. The Iowa State Fair in August draws large crowds.
Do you need a car in Des Moines?
Usually yes. The city is spread out and the bus network is limited outside downtown, so a car makes day trips easier. Downtown and East Village are walkable once you are there.
Is Des Moines safe for tourists?
Keep valuables out of sight in parked cars, and stay alert late at night, as you would in any city.
How do you get from the airport to downtown?
Des Moines International Airport (DSM) is a short drive from downtown. Take a taxi or ride-hail, or rent a car at the airport.