Flying in Des Moines, IA
There are 12 airfields within 93 miles of Des Moines — the nearest is Des Moines International Airport (KDSM), about 4 miles out. Daylight runs from about 15h 01m of daylight at midsummer down to about 8h 59m at midwinter, so your VFR window shifts a lot through the year. Below: the airfields nearby, the seasonal daylight and weather, and where to find the official charts.
Airfields near Des Moines
Public and private airfields within 93 miles, nearest first.
Des Moines International Airport
Ankeny Regional Airport
Ames Municipal Airport
Newton Municipal Airport
Perry Municipal Airport
Knoxville Municipal Airport
Boone Municipal Airport
Pella Municipal Airport
Chariton Municipal Airport
Guthrie County Regional Airport
Greenfield Municipal Airport
Grinnell Regional Airport
Daylight & the VFR window
Most VFR flying happens between sunrise and sunset, so daylight length is your practical flying window. Times below are local solar time (clock times shift with your time zone and DST). Plan night currency and reserves around the short end of the year.
| Time of year | Sunrise–sunset | Daylight |
|---|---|---|
| June solstice (Jun 21) | 04:29–19:31 | 15h 01m |
| Equinox (Mar 20) | 06:03–17:57 | 11h 54m |
| December solstice (Dec 21) | 07:31–16:29 | 8h 59m |
Typical weather
Seasonal averages from 2021–2023. A guide to what to pack and plan for — always check current METARs, TAFs, and NOTAMs before you fly.
| Season | Avg high | Avg low | Avg wind | Wet days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | 15.9°C / 61°F | 5.4°C / 42°F | 24 km/h | 32% |
| Summer | 29.4°C / 85°F | 19°C / 66°F | 18 km/h | 30% |
| Autumn | 18.2°C / 65°F | 8.3°C / 47°F | 21 km/h | 17% |
| Winter | 1.4°C / 35°F | -8°C / 18°F | 22 km/h | 21% |
Airspace & charts
For the exact airspace classes, frequencies, restricted areas, and airfield plates around Des Moines, go straight to the official sources — never plan a route off this page alone.
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