Easter in Iowa usually lands right in that awkward time when winter’s grip starts to slip, but spring hasn’t totally taken over yet. You’ll probably see daytime temperatures hanging out in the 50s or 60s Fahrenheit, though mornings can feel pretty chilly, and there’s always a shot at spring showers.
Snow doesn’t show up as often by Easter, but it’s not out of the question, especially up north. So, don’t pack away your boots just yet.
Knowing what kind of weather to expect really helps when you’re planning—maybe you’re hoping for an outdoor egg hunt or just want to stroll through a park. The weather in Iowa can flip fast, so it’s smart to get ready for sun or rain.
You can check out typical Easter conditions and see how they stack up against the colder winter months. It also helps to compare Iowa to other parts of the country if you’re traveling or just curious.
Typical Easter Weather in Iowa
Easter in Iowa falls in late March or April, right when winter starts to fade and spring tries to settle in. Mornings are cool, afternoons get milder, and rain starts showing up more often than it did in winter.
Average Temperatures During Easter
Central Iowa, including Des Moines, usually sees daily highs between 55°F and 65°F during Easter. Nights fall into the mid-30s to low-40s.
Northern Iowa tends to run a bit cooler, while the southern part can feel a touch warmer. Some years, you’ll wake up to near-freezing temperatures, but other years, afternoons can hit the low 70s.
Weather swings like that mean you’ll want a heavier coat in the morning and something lighter by midday. Layers are your friend.
Here’s a quick look at average April temperatures in two Iowa cities:
| City | Average High | Average Low |
|---|---|---|
| Des Moines | 64°F | 43°F |
| Sioux City | 63°F | 40°F |
The mix of chilly nights and mild days really highlights how Easter falls right between winter and summer.
Precipitation Patterns in Early Spring
Rain picks up in Iowa by April. Des Moines averages about 2.9 inches of rainfall for the month, while Sioux City gets around 2.6 inches.
That’s a noticeable jump from the drier winter. Expect 8–9 days with measurable rain during April.
Showers usually stay light to moderate, but thunderstorms start popping up more as warm air moves in. Snow could still make a cameo—Des Moines averages just 0.2 inches of snow in April, and Sioux City gets about 0.9 inches.
If snow does fall, it doesn’t stick around long. Since rain and snow are scattered throughout the month, Easter weekend could be sunny and dry, or it might turn out damp.
If you’re planning anything outside, you’ll want to keep an eye on the forecast.
Humidity Levels Around Easter
Humidity in Iowa during Easter stays pretty comfortable—usually low to moderate. Dew points in April hover in the 30s to low 50s°F, so the air doesn’t feel sticky.
You won’t run into muggy days very often. In Des Moines, you’ll see fewer than one day in April with a dew point above 65°F. Sioux City is about the same.
Lower humidity makes outdoor gatherings a lot more pleasant, even if it’s a bit cool. The sticky, heavy air typical of Iowa summers isn’t really a thing yet.
That mix of mild temperatures and moderate humidity gives Easter in Iowa that crisp, fresh feeling people love about Midwest spring.
Wind Speed Trends in April
April gets breezy in Iowa. Average wind speeds hit 12–13 mph in both Des Moines and Sioux City, and gusts can get stronger, especially out in the country where there’s nothing to block the wind.
Winds usually come from the northwest after cold fronts, but as warm air moves in, southerly winds pick up. That’s just classic spring weather in this part of the U.S.
You can count on most days around Easter being at least a little windy. It’s not extreme, but wind can make a cool morning feel colder and might mess with outdoor plans.
A light jacket or windbreaker is a good call. The steady breeze, paired with mild temps, helps dry out the ground after those spring rains and gives Iowa that brisk spring vibe.
Monthly Weather Averages Surrounding Easter
Iowa’s weather around Easter changes fast, flipping from late winter cold to spring warmth. You’ll notice big temperature swings, shifting precipitation, and a mix of snow, rain, and sun depending on the month.
March Weather Overview
March feels unsettled. Highs range from the upper 40s °F up north to low 50s °F near Des Moines.
Lows usually drop to the upper 20s or low 30s °F, so freezing nights are still pretty common. Snow can still fall, with averages between 1–2 inches across much of Iowa.
Rain starts to show up more, with 1–2 inches of precipitation during March. You’ll probably see more clouds than sun, though daylight stretches to about 12 hours by late March.
Wind stays brisk, averaging 12–13 mph. If you’re heading outside, dress in layers and be ready for surprises.
April Weather Overview
April finally starts to feel like spring. Highs climb into the low to mid-60s °F, and lows often stay in the 40s °F.
Frost can still pop up early in the month, but afternoons are usually warmer. Rainfall bumps up to 2.5–3 inches for April, and thunderstorms start to replace most of the snow.
Snow drops to less than half an inch on average. You get more sun, with daylight stretching to about 13.5 hours by late April.
Humidity remains pretty manageable, though it starts to rise. Winds calm down a bit compared to March, averaging 10–12 mph, but breezy days still happen.
May Weather Overview
By May, spring really settles in. Highs reach the low to mid-70s °F, and lows sit in the 50s °F.
Nights feel milder, and most of Iowa’s growing season gets underway. Rainfall peaks, with 3.5–4 inches being typical in central Iowa.
Expect 10–12 days of measurable precipitation, often from thunderstorms. The risk of severe weather jumps, so keep an eye on forecasts if you’re spending time outside.
Daylight averages about 14.5 hours by late May, so evenings stretch out nicely. Winds drop a bit more, averaging 9–11 mph, and muggy days start to sneak in, especially late in the month.
May really gets busy, both for planting and for people heading outdoors.
Easter Weather in Des Moines
Easter in Des Moines usually means cool mornings, mild afternoons, and a mix of wet and dry weather. You’ll see temperatures bounce around, occasional rainfall, and steady winds that shape how it feels to be outside.
Temperature Trends in Des Moines
Easter falls in early to mid-spring, so Des Moines is just shaking off winter. Daytime highs run from the upper 50s to mid-60s °F, and nighttime lows dip into the upper 30s or low 40s °F.
Frost can still show up in the mornings, especially in shady spots. You might need a light jacket early, but afternoons usually feel comfortable enough for outdoor plans.
Temperature swings are normal. A sudden warm spell could push highs into the 70s °F, but a late cold front might knock them back into the 40s °F.
Wearing layers is the best way to stay comfortable all day.
Precipitation and Humidity Levels
Rain is pretty common around Easter in Des Moines. April averages about 3 to 3.5 inches of precipitation, and storms can drop an inch or more in just a day.
Humidity usually sits in the 60–70% range, making the air feel damp during or after rain. Showers might be brief, but sometimes heavier rain can last for hours.
Snow is rare by this point, though a few flurries can still show up in early April. You’ll mostly see rain showers, and the occasional thunderstorm isn’t out of the question.
Wind Patterns in Des Moines
Des Moines gets steady winds during Easter. Average speeds run from 10 to 15 mph, and gusts can pick up during storms.
Winds from the south and southeast bring in warmer air, while north winds follow cold fronts and cool things down. This back-and-forth can make the weather feel totally different from one day to the next.
Expect breezy afternoons, especially in open spots. Wind adds a chill when it’s cool, but it also helps dry things out after rain.
Comparing Easter Weather to Winter Months
Easter in Iowa usually feels a lot milder and brighter than peak winter. If you look at January and February, you’ll really see how much things change by early spring.
January Climate Characteristics
January is Iowa’s coldest month. Highs barely reach 30–33°F, and lows often fall into the teens.
Snow is common—Des Moines sees about 3 inches, and Sioux City gets a similar amount. You only get about 10 hours of daylight.
Winds average around 12 mph, making it feel even colder. Clear skies happen about 45–50% of the time, but most days bring clouds or snow.
Travel gets tricky in January thanks to icy roads and frequent snow. If you’re outside, you’ll want layers, insulated boots, and gloves—no way around it.
Compared to Easter, January feels a lot harsher, with fewer chances for outdoor fun unless you’re into winter sports.
February Weather Patterns
February stays cold, but things start to ease up just a little. Highs average 36–38°F, and lows hover around 18–21°F.
Snow still falls frequently, about 2–3 inches on average, though bigger storms can hit. You pick up about an extra hour of daylight compared to January, with close to 11 hours by the end of February.
Winds stay brisk at 12 mph, but the higher sun helps melt snow on warmer days. Precipitation happens on about 3–4 days per month, often as snow or a wintry mix.
Roads can stay slick, so winter driving precautions are still a must. By late February, you’ll start to notice more moderate days, especially when highs sneak into the 40s.
Those early thaws are a hint of the milder weather that’s right around the corner by Easter.
How Iowa’s Easter Weather Compares to the United States
Easter in Iowa always seems to land right in that season of change, so temperatures and precipitation can swing a lot. If you compare Iowa to other regions, you’ll spot some real differences in both temperature and the odds of rain or snow.
Regional Differences Across the Midwest
In Iowa, average highs around Easter usually hit the 50s to low 60s°F, and lows drop into the 30s or 40s°F. Iowa is cooler than states farther south, but a little warmer than the Upper Midwest.
Minnesota and Wisconsin are often colder, with highs in the 40s°F and a bigger chance for lingering snow. Missouri and Illinois tend to be warmer, with highs in the mid-60s°F and more steady spring rain instead of snow.
Precipitation plays a role too. Iowa gets about 5–6 wet days in April, and Easter might bring light rain or even a late snow. Down south, rain is more common than snow, while up north, you could still see measurable snowfall.
Iowa sits in a transition zone, so Easter weather isn’t as predictable as it is farther north or south. If you’re traveling around the Midwest this time of year, it’s best to prep for just about anything.
National Weather Averages for Easter
Easter weather in the United States? It’s honestly all over the place, depending on where you live. In the Northeast, you’ll usually get highs in the 50s°F, plus a fair chance of rain. Meanwhile, the Southeast basks in the 70s°F or warmer, and the sun tends to stick around a bit more.
The Great Plains—think Iowa—lands somewhere in the middle. People there might enjoy a mild day, but you’ll also run into wind and sudden swings in temperature. Out West, coastal states like California soak up 60s–70s°F with little rain, but the Rockies? They stay cooler, and you might even see some snow.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Iowa: Highs in the 50s–60s°F, lows in the 30s–40s°F, and you could get rain or even a late snow
- South: Highs in the 70s–80s°F, mostly rain, not much chance of snow
- North: Highs in the 40s–50s°F, bigger risk for snow
- West Coast: Highs in the 60s–70s°F, drier days
So, Iowa’s Easter weather feels more unpredictable than in the South or on the coasts, but it’s not quite as harsh as up north. You’ll probably get some classic spring vibes, but don’t rule out a chilly surprise or two.
Tips for Planning Around Easter Weather in Iowa
Easter lands in early or mid-spring for Iowa, so you’re right in that window where the weather flips from cold to mild. Things can change fast. Get ready for cool mornings, the chance of rain, and breezy afternoons. Try to keep your plans flexible.
Outdoor Activity Recommendations
Spring in Iowa usually means highs in the 50s to low 60s °F. Mornings? They can still dip into the 30s or 40s. If you’re picking a time for outdoor stuff, afternoons are your best bet.
Planning an Easter egg hunt? Go for a park or backyard with some trees for cover, just in case you get light rain. It helps to have a gazebo or porch nearby so you don’t have to run inside if clouds roll in.
Walking trails and gardens start to look pretty nice around Easter, with snow mostly gone and early flowers popping up. Still, watch out for mud—recent rain can make low spots messy.
If you’re hosting a bigger group, think about reserving a picnic shelter at a park. Those come with tables and a roof, so you’ve got a backup if it starts drizzling.
Weather-Appropriate Clothing for Easter
Layering is the way to go, since the temperature bounces around all day. In the morning, toss on a light sweater or fleece over your shirt. If the wind picks up, a jacket or windbreaker really helps.
Water-resistant shoes or boots make sense, because the ground stays damp for a while. Sunrise services outdoors? Bring gloves and a hat, since it can still feel pretty chilly.
For kids, pack an extra set of clothes—there’s a good chance they’ll get wet or muddy. Bright colors and lighter fabrics work for midday, but keep a warm layer ready for later.
An umbrella or a small rain poncho is a smart move, especially if there’s any mention of scattered showers in the forecast.
Travel Considerations During Spring
Around Easter, you’ll usually find the roads clear of snow, but rain can make highways pretty slick. It’s smart to give yourself a little extra time in case wet pavement or fog slows you down.
If you’re flying, keep in mind that spring storms sometimes delay regional flights. Honestly, booking flights earlier in the day seems to cut down on cancellations.
Gravel roads in rural areas can get soft and messy after a good rain. So, if you’re heading out to visit family away from the city, just double-check the road conditions first.
Parking near parks or churches? That can get muddy during a wet week, so maybe wear shoes you don’t mind messing up. Tossing a small towel or mat in your car isn’t a bad idea either, since it’ll help keep mud and water off your seats.