Iowa lies in the humid continental zone and generally has hot summers, cold winters, and a wet springtime. Des Moines is located far from any large bodies of water and has warm and humid summers, with daytime high temperatures averaging 86°F (30°C) in July. Tropical air masses from the Gulf of Mexico bring frequent thunderstorms, with persistent rain in June. Winters are cold, with January temperatures averaging between 14°F (-10°C) and 31°F (-1°C). Snowfall is light compared to other states. Autumn (late September to early November) is a pleasant time to visit Des Moines, as the colourful fall foliage can be spectacular.
