Coldest Cities in Iowa

Top 86 cities ranked by coldest cities

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All Countries · United States · Iowa

Coldest Cities — Iowa

1 Estherville 45°F

2 Sheldon 45°F

3 Mason City 46°F

4 Clear Lake 46°F

5 Spirit Lake 46°F

6 Algona 46°F

7 Waterloo 46°F

8 Spencer 46°F

9 Webster City 46°F

10 Oelwein 46°F

11 Manchester 46°F

12 Independence 47°F

13 Charles City 47°F

14 Fort Dodge 47°F

15 Cherokee 47°F

16 Iowa Falls 47°F

17 Le Mars 47°F

18 Anamosa 47°F

19 Storm Lake 47°F

20 Dubuque 47°F

21 Grinnell 48°F

22 Denison 48°F

23 Marshalltown 48°F

24 Nevada 48°F

25 Maquoketa 48°F

26 Sergeant Bluff 48°F

27 Orange City 48°F

28 Sioux Center 48°F

29 Boone 48°F

30 Winterset 48°F

31 Carroll 48°F

32 Asbury 48°F

33 Decorah 49°F

34 Newton 49°F

35 Creston 49°F

36 Adel 49°F

37 Perry 49°F

38 Cedar Falls 49°F

39 Waverly 49°F

40 Atlantic 49°F

41 Washington 49°F

42 Bondurant 50°F

43 Ames 50°F

44 Altoona 50°F

45 Ankeny 50°F

46 Fairfield 50°F

47 Mount Pleasant 50°F

48 Eldridge 50°F

49 DeWitt 50°F

50 Osceola 50°F

51 Knoxville 50°F

52 Marion 50°F

53 Norwalk 50°F

54 Hiawatha 50°F

55 Centerville 50°F

56 Indianola 50°F

57 Pella 50°F

58 Oskaloosa 50°F

59 Clinton 50°F

60 Clarinda 50°F

61 Grimes 50°F

62 Urbandale 50°F

63 Polk City 50°F

64 Johnston 50°F

65 Muscatine 51°F

66 Bettendorf 51°F

67 Ottumwa 51°F

68 Red Oak 51°F

69 Waukee 51°F

70 Glenwood 51°F

71 Windsor Heights 51°F

72 West Des Moines 51°F

73 Pleasant Hill 51°F

74 Clive 51°F

75 Iowa City 51°F

76 Tiffin 51°F

77 Coralville 51°F

78 North Liberty 51°F

79 Sioux City 52°F

80 Burlington 52°F

81 Keokuk 52°F

82 Fort Madison 52°F

83 Council Bluffs 52°F

84 Cedar Rapids 53°F

85 Davenport 53°F

86 Des Moines 53°F

The coldest cities in Iowa experience low average annual temperatures, with long winters and significant snowfall. Estherville has an average annual temperature of just 45°F.

Cold-climate cities often feature distinct four-season lifestyles with winter sports, fall foliage, and summer outdoor recreation. Many residents value the seasonal changes and outdoor activities that come with colder climates, including skiing, snowboarding, and ice fishing.

Living in cold-climate cities typically means higher heating costs, the need for winter-ready vehicles and clothing, and seasonal challenges like snow removal. However, these cities often compensate with lower costs of living, less crowding, and strong community bonds forged through shared seasonal experiences.

Did You Know?

1. At 45°F average, Estherville experiences temperatures well below freezing for months each year.
2. Cold-climate cities often have underground walkway systems, enclosed skyways, or heated bus shelters to help residents navigate harsh winters.
3. Despite the cold, many of these cities rank high in quality of life due to strong economies, good schools, and vibrant cultural scenes.

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