When to Go

Peak Season: June to October

Plan and book in advance. Iowa summers have temperatures in the 60s through 80s. Autumn temperatures dip only slightly, perfect weather for leaf-peeping. Hotels book up quickly during football weekends in Ames and Iowa City.

Off Season: December to March

The best hotel deals can be found this time of year. This is the state’s low tourist season (average temperatures: low 40s), but it’s a boon for cold-weather enthusiasts who love outdoor sports or scouting for bald eagles along the Mississippi River in January.

Shoulder Season: November; April to May

Springtime in Iowa is fused with energy as tulips and daffodils pop up out of the ground. Temperatures fluctuate between the 30s and 60s. Fall foliage and crisp cool nights—with daytime temperatures in the 30s and 40s—could extend into early November, often before the season’s first snowfall.