It’s finally feeling like fall in Iowa as evening temperatures start to drop into the low 50s and 40s.

AccuWeather’s snow forecast predicts the 2025-2026 season to be a “bookend winter.” The most significant storms will kick off winter in the Midwest and return at the end of the season as well.

When is the first day of winter?

The winter season officially begins in the Northern Hemisphere at 10:03 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025. This is also known as the winter solstice, or the day with the fewest hours of sunlight, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac.

The meteorological first day of winter is Dec. 1, 2025.

When will Iowa see its first frost?

Here are the latest, earliest and average dates for the first frost around Iowa, according to the National Weather Service.

Des Moines

Decorah

Iowa City

Mason City

Sioux City

When is the last frost in Iowa?

Here are the latest, earliest and average dates for the final frost around Iowa, according to the National Weather Service.

Des Moines

Decorah

Iowa City

Mason City

Sioux City

Kate Kealey is a general assignment reporter for the Des Moines Register. Reach her at kkealey@registermedia.com or follow her on Twitter at @Kkealey17.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: When is the first frost in Iowa? Here are the historical trends.