Thanksgiving in Iowa usually means bundling up and keeping an eye on the forecast. Most years, chilly days bring highs in the upper 30s or low 40s, and nights often dip well below freezing.
Snow isn’t a sure thing, but flurries or even a bit of measurable snow sometimes show up during the holiday week.
Knowing what to expect makes it easier to plan travel, outdoor gatherings, or even a quick trip to the store. Iowa weather in late November can shift quickly, and conditions vary a lot across the state.
Western Iowa tends to stay a bit drier, while central and eastern areas sometimes get more clouds and precipitation.
Past patterns show Thanksgiving week often brings colder-than-average air and a higher chance of unsettled weather.
Typical Thanksgiving Weather in Iowa
Thanksgiving in Iowa usually brings cool days and chilly nights. Conditions can swing between mild and harsh.
Temperatures often hover near freezing, with light chances of snow or rain. History shows that extremes do happen, though.
Average Temperatures in Late November
By late November, most of Iowa settles into early winter weather. Daily highs usually land in the upper 30s to low 40s °F.
Lows often drop into the 20s.
For example, Des Moines averages about 41°F for a high and 24°F for a low. Waterloo sees 40°F and 21°F, while Sioux City averages 40°F and 22°F.
Across the state, temperatures stay in a similar range.
Compared to other Midwest states, Iowa sits in the middle. It’s not as cold as Minnesota, but colder than Missouri.
If you’re planning outdoor travel or family gatherings, dress in layers. Afternoons might feel mild, but evenings cool off fast.
Historical Weather Patterns
Weather records in Iowa show how much Thanksgiving conditions can change.
- Warmest Thanksgivings: Cedar Rapids got up to 68°F in 1899. Des Moines reached 69°F in 1922.
- Coldest Thanksgivings: Sioux City dropped to -5°F in 1905. Waterloo hit -2°F in 1898.
- Snow and Rain: Des Moines had 6.5 inches of snow in 1918. Iowa City recorded over 1.6 inches of rain in 2015.
These examples make it clear that while averages help, you can’t rely on them alone. Iowa’s had both mild, travel-friendly holidays and stormy, challenging ones.
This variability makes late November weather in Iowa pretty unpredictable compared to a lot of other places.
Weather Variability Year to Year
Thanksgiving weather in Iowa can shift a lot from one year to the next. Some years bring dry, calm conditions with barely a breeze.
Other years, snow-covered roads or cold snaps make travel tough.
Snow on Thanksgiving isn’t common, but it does happen. On average, Iowa sees about 0.1 to 0.2 inches that day.
Still, some years bring several inches—like 5 inches in 1968.
Iowa’s spot in the Midwest leaves it wide open to sharp temperature swings and sudden changes. Cold air from Canada or moisture from the Gulf of Mexico can move in quickly.
Each Thanksgiving really can feel different from the last.
Temperature Trends for Thanksgiving Week
Most years, Iowa brings chilly days and cold nights during Thanksgiving week. Average temperatures hover near freezing, but records show conditions can swing from mild afternoons to bitterly cold mornings.
Daytime Highs and Lows
In places like Des Moines, the average high on Thanksgiving is about 41°F, with lows near 24°F.
Other cities show similar numbers—highs around 38–41°F, lows between 21–24°F.
You’ll want jackets and layers during the day, and heavier coats at night. Nights dip well below freezing, so frost and icy spots are common.
If you travel early in the morning, you’re more likely to face cold. Afternoon highs sometimes feel better, especially with a little sun.
The difference between day and night can be more than 15–20 degrees. Packing a range of clothing is just smart.
Temperature Extremes and Records
Thanksgiving weather in Iowa has produced some wild extremes. In Des Moines, the record high hit 69°F in 1922. The record low dropped to 2°F in 1950.
Other cities show similar swings. Sioux City reached 67°F in 2011, but fell to -5°F in 1905.
You might get a mild afternoon in the 60s one year, then a morning near zero the next.
Extreme cold isn’t common, but it can happen, especially when Thanksgiving lands later in November. Warm highs are rare but do pop up, making travel easier—just don’t count on it.
Always check the forecast before making plans.
Precipitation and Snowfall Chances
Late November in Iowa often brings unsettled weather. Some years see light precipitation, while others stay dry.
Snow can happen, but heavy amounts are rare. Usually, it’s just light flurries or a thin layer.
Rainfall Probability
Rain is less common than snow this time of year, but it does show up. In Des Moines, the wettest Thanksgiving brought just over 1 inch of rain (1.09 inches in 1918).
Cedar Rapids and Iowa City have seen similar single-day totals, up to 1.5–1.7 inches.
Most years, rainfall is minimal. Late November averages are low, and many Thanksgivings pass with no measurable rain.
If rain falls, it’s usually just a light shower or drizzle, not a soaking storm.
Since temperatures are often near freezing, rain can quickly turn into a wintry mix. Even small amounts can make travel conditions tricky.
Wet roads are more likely if temperatures hover in the mid-30s.
Snowfall Frequency and Amounts
Snow is more common than rain on Thanksgiving, but big totals are rare. In Des Moines, the snowiest Thanksgiving brought 6.5 inches in 1918.
Other cities have seen less—4.5 inches in Waterloo, 3.2 inches in Dubuque. These are outliers, not the norm.
On average, Iowa sees about 0.1 to 0.2 inches of snow on Thanksgiving. Many years have no snow at all.
When snow does fall, it’s often light and doesn’t last long.
Still, since temperatures are cold enough, even a dusting can make roads slick. Flurries are possible, especially in northern or higher spots.
Heavier snowfalls are rare, but they’ve happened before.
Likelihood of Snow on the Ground
Even if it doesn’t snow on Thanksgiving, you might see snow on the ground. By late November, Iowa often gets at least one early-season storm.
Patches of snow can linger, especially in shaded or rural spots.
Northern Iowa has a better chance for continuous snow cover than Des Moines or southern areas. Central Iowa often has bare ground or just traces of snow by the holiday.
If you’re traveling, don’t count on deep snowpack. Expect variability—some years you’ll see green fields, other years a thin white layer sticks around from earlier storms.
That’s just how Iowa’s late November climate works.
Regional Differences Across Iowa
Weather patterns around Thanksgiving in Iowa change depending on where you are. Temperatures, snowfall, and rainfall records vary between central, northern, southern, eastern, and western parts of the state.
This can definitely affect travel and outdoor plans.
Weather in Des Moines
In Des Moines, average highs sit around 41°F and lows near 24°F. The city sits right in the middle of Iowa’s climate range.
Record extremes pop up now and then. The warmest Thanksgiving hit 69°F in 1922, and the coldest dropped to 2°F in 1950.
Snow does happen—6.5 inches in 1918 is the record. Rain has topped just over 1 inch in the wettest year.
Des Moines, sitting in central Iowa, often balances between the colder north and milder south. If you’re traveling through, prepare for quick changes—snow and rain have both disrupted holiday travel here before.
Northern vs. Southern Iowa
Northern Iowa usually runs colder than the south. Cities like Waterloo and Dubuque often see lower lows, sometimes dipping into the teens.
Snow is more common up north, with totals like 4.5 inches in Waterloo in 1945 showing what’s possible.
Southern Iowa tends to have slightly warmer Thanksgiving temperatures. Frost and light snow still show up, but heavy snow is less likely.
This difference can make driving easier in the south than the north.
If you’re planning a road trip across Iowa, keep this in mind. You might leave Des Moines with mild weather and run into colder air and slick roads up north.
Eastern and Western Iowa Comparisons
Eastern Iowa—think Dubuque, Iowa City, Cedar Rapids—often sees wetter conditions. Rainfall events over 1.5 inches have happened in recent decades, making for wet ground and muddy travel.
Snowfall totals are moderate, with 3 to 6 inches possible in some years.
Western Iowa, like Sioux City, tends to be drier but can get sharp cold. Average highs reach about 40°F, with lows near 22°F.
The record low of -5°F in 1905 shows how fast temperatures can drop.
Snowfall is usually lighter here, with a maximum of 2 inches on record.
Comparing east to west, precipitation is the biggest difference. The east gets more rain and heavier snow, while the west sees less moisture but stronger cold snaps.
Western Iowa may be more predictable for precipitation, but not always more comfortable.
Travel and Outdoor Planning Considerations
Late November in Iowa brings colder air, cloudy skies, and the chance for light snow or rain. These conditions can impact both road travel and outdoor holiday activities.
Preparing for variable weather helps you avoid headaches.
Weather Impacts on Thanksgiving Travel
Travel across Iowa and the Midwest can change quickly with shifts in temperature and precipitation.
Roads may turn wet or icy when light snow follows rain—a pretty common pattern in late fall.
Give yourself extra time for driving and check local forecasts before heading out.
Air travel can also face delays when storms hit nearby states. Major hubs like Chicago often get bottlenecked, and that can ripple into Iowa airports.
Even if your local weather is calm, you might hit disruptions caused by storms elsewhere.
To stay ahead, keep these tips in mind:
- Roads: Watch for slick spots in the morning and evening when temps dip below freezing.
- Flights: Book earlier in the day, since delays usually build later.
- Timing: The Tuesday before Thanksgiving and the Sunday after are the busiest travel days.
Outdoor Activities and Safety Tips
If you plan to spend time outdoors in Iowa around Thanksgiving, expect highs in the 20s to 40s depending on the year. Wind chills can make it feel colder, especially in open areas.
Dressing in layers with a windproof outer shell is your best bet for comfort.
Shorter daylight hours limit outdoor time. Sunset can happen before 5 p.m., so plan activities earlier.
A flashlight or headlamp helps if you’ll be out near dusk.
For safer, more enjoyable outings:
- Sports or games: Pick grassy areas without ice patches.
- Hiking or walks: Stick to marked trails that are less likely to be slippery.
- Holiday events: Bring extra gloves and hats—temperatures can drop fast after sunset.
Prepare for cold, wind, and early darkness, and you’ll still enjoy outdoor traditions without too much hassle.
How Thanksgiving Weather Compares to Other Months
Thanksgiving in Iowa usually brings cool days and cold nights. Still, I wouldn’t call it the harshest time of year.
Late November feels milder than the deep winter months. Sure, it can still bring snow and rain, but a lot depends on the year.
Comparison to January Weather
January really takes the prize for coldest month in Iowa. Average highs in January hover somewhere between 26–30°F. Lows? They often dip right into the single digits.
During Thanksgiving week, you’ll usually see highs in the upper 30s to low 40s. Overnight lows tend to land in the 20s.
Snowfall hits harder in January. Several inches of snow can pile up across the state that month.
Around Thanksgiving, snow events do pop up, but they’re not as common and usually a little lighter.
Travel in January gets pretty tough. Ice and snow stick around on roads for weeks at a time.
In late November, storms don’t last as long and tend to cause less trouble. So, Thanksgiving travel generally feels less risky than January trips.
November Weather Trends in Iowa
November really feels like that bridge between fall and winter, doesn’t it? At the start of the month, you’ll see average highs hanging out in the mid-40s to upper 50s.
But by the time Thanksgiving rolls around, temperatures usually drop to the upper 30s and low 40s. Lows take a dive too, falling from the upper 30s early on to the low 20s by the end.
You’ll probably notice more rain than snow in early November. As the month winds down, chances for measurable snowfall go up, especially if you’re in northern Iowa.
Des Moines, for instance, got slammed with over 6 inches of snow on Thanksgiving back in 1918. Then again, some years bring zero snow at all.
Daylight hours shrink, and the clouds seem to take over most days.
That combo makes Thanksgiving feel way colder than early November, even if the thermometer doesn’t show a huge difference.