December in Des Moines, IA: cool / cold season for golf — expect distance loss and stiff muscles. Best tee times: midday when temperatures are warmest.
| Average December Weather | |
|---|---|
| Avg daily high | 39°F |
| Avg daily low | 24°F |
| Rainy days | 9 / mo |
| Avg peak wind | 13.4 mph |
Based on 10 years of climate data (2015–2024), December in Des Moines, IA averages 39°F highs and 24°F lows. Expect about 9 days with measurable precipitation and peak winds averaging 13.4 mph. Our playability scoring treats wind under 8 mph as ideal, temperatures of 60–80°F as optimal, and rain probability below 20% as a green light — use these averages to gauge how often December hits those thresholds.
For Des Moines in December, plan to midday when temperatures are warmest. Wind typically rises through the afternoon as thermal mixing builds, so earlier rounds tend to score higher on our playability scale.
Climate normals show the long-term picture, but day-to-day weather varies. Check today's live golf weather score for Des Moines, IA for the current playability rating, hourly wind, temperature, and the recommended tee time window.
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