Retirement Lists

Climate in Ames, Iowa

Iowa State University
Photo by Dirk DBQ via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0

Ames climate

Can Ames's hot summer and severe winter fit your retirement week?

The current rows rate Overall Comfort 2.4 out of 5, Summer Feel 4.1, and Winter Feel 1.0. Average summer high is 85°F, with 27 days above 90°F. Average winter low is 16°F / -9°C, with 148 days below freezing. Humidity is 73%, comfortable months number five, solar exposure is 1,478 peak-sun hours, and air quality is rated 4.7 out of 5 with modeled fine-particle pollution of 5.9 µg/m³.

May through September are the best months, while February, January, and December are toughest. Allergy levels are Poor, heat risk is Moderate, drought risk is High in the county row, and weather volatility is 3.1 out of 5. The home needs dependable heat, safe winter access, cooling, storm planning, indoor activities, and a plan for long periods outside the comfortable window.

Living through the seasons

Summers are the easier season. Winter comfort deserves a closer look.

Overall Comfort
Moderate

2.4 / 5

Average Summer High
85°F

Warm · 85°F

Days Above 90°F
27 days/year

Excellent

Summer Feel
Very Good

4.1 / 5

Average Winter Low
16°F / -9°C

Poor

Days Below Freezing
148 days/year

Poor

Winter Feel
Poor

1 / 5

The shape of the year

Humidity, comfortable months, and sunshine show how the seasons differ.

Humidity
73%

Good

Comfortable Months
5 months

Fair

Solar Exposure
1478 peak sun hrs/yr

Poor

Air, allergies, and weather

Air quality and allergies shape day to day comfort. The best months and weather risks help with timing.

Air and allergies

Air Quality
Excellent

4.7 / 5

Allergy Levels
Poor

Current AQI

Checking…

Current PM2.5

Checking…

Timing and weather

Long Term Fine Particle Pollution
5.9 µg/m³ 2021-2025 modeled average

Good · 5.9 µg/m³ 2021-2025 modeled average

Best Months
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Toughest Months
Feb, Jan, Dec
Heat Risk
Moderate

Good

Drought Risk
High
Weather Volatility
Moderate

3.1 / 5

Ames in everyday life

Could Ames work for you?

What may work well

  • Summer Feel is Very Good, with an 85°F average high and a low modeled fine-particle value.
  • Air Quality is Excellent at 4.7 out of 5.
  • Parks, campus culture, library programs, and indoor arts can carry the week through difficult weather.

What to think about

  • Winter Feel is Poor, with 148 freezing days and a 16°F / -9°C average low.
  • Only five months are comfortable, while 27 days exceed 90°F and allergy levels are Poor.
  • The climate rows are modeled screening values and should be paired with current conditions and a property review.

Turn Ames weather rows into a home decision

  1. Inspect heat and cooling

    Ask for seasonal bills, heating and cooling source, insulation, windows, condensation, power backup, repairs, and who pays for maintenance.

  2. Walk the winter route

    Check sidewalks, slopes, crossings, handrails, lighting, parking, snow service, transit, and the route to groceries, pharmacy, and care.

  3. Plan hot and poor-air days

    Keep cooling, hydration, air information, medication access, indoor programs, and a comfortable place to rest.

  4. Compare the five comfortable months

    Visit in a warm month and a cold month so the household can judge light, heating, footing, energy, indoor life, and time with family.

Questions retirees ask

Is Ames weather suitable for retirement?

The rows show a Very Good summer feel but a Poor winter feel, with an 85°F average summer high, 16°F / -9°C average winter low, 27 hot days, and 148 freezing days. The home and winter tolerance decide the fit.

Which months look best?

May through September are the best months in the current rows. January, February, and December are toughest. Visit in more than one season before deciding.

What should the home provide?

Dependable heating, cooling, insulation, safe footing, snow service, good light, power resilience, indoor activities, and convenient routes to care and groceries.

Should allergies affect the choice?

Allergy levels are Poor in the current row. Follow current air and pollen information, confirm medicine access, and plan comfortable indoor alternatives.

Ames offers strong summer and air-quality rows, but the climate decision is the winter. Choose a home with dependable heat, safe routes, indoor life, cooling, storm preparation, and enough support for 148 freezing days.

Sources

Climate comfort helps estimate how practical daily life may feel across the year, especially for heat, humidity, cold, and seasonal constraints.

Seasonal timing, health conditions, air conditioning, air quality, and elevation can change the lived experience.

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How this city research is made

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