FrostList

Winter Prep Checklist for Des Moines, IA

Here's the order to prep Des Moines, IA for winter, set by local freeze data. Your first deadline is October 4 — prevent frozen pipes — and the sequence runs through the cold season into spring below.

Your winter prep order for Des Moines

  1. OctoberOctober 4 — Prevent Frozen PipesSee details →
  2. OctoberOctober 16 — Prevent Ice DamsSee details →
  3. OctoberOctober 20 — Winterize SprinklersSee details →
  4. OctoberOctober 20 — Winterize Your RVSee details →
  5. OctoberOctober 20 — Store Your MotorcycleSee details →
  6. OctoberOctober 23 — Winterize Your BoatSee details →
  7. OctoberOctober 25 — Prep Your Snow BlowerSee details →
  8. OctoberOctober 30 — Test Your Car BatterySee details →
  9. AprilApril 18 — Test Your Sump PumpSee details →

Dates are local deadlines derived from NOAA 1991–2020 freeze and snowfall normals for Des Moines. Live outlooks on each linked page can move the urgency earlier.

How the order is set

Each task is pinned to Des Moines's own NOAA 1991–2020 freeze and snowfall normals, then ordered by its local deadline. Sprinklers, RVs, and boats key off the first 28°F freeze; pipes and motorcycles off the first freezing night; snow blowers and roofs off the first plowable snow. Follow any link for the live outlook and a checklist.

Data: NOAA 1991–2020 normals via Des Moines Intl AP, live outlook by Open-Meteo. Sources · Methodology. Last updated: July 11, 2026.