Soil Temperature in Iowa
The current average 2-inch soil temperature across Iowa is 75°F, based on 3 USDA and NOAA monitoring stations. Readings range from 70°F to 77°F. Last updated July 2, 2026.
Current Planting Conditions
Summer conditions across Iowa with soil averaging 75°F at 2 inches. Warm-season grasses are in peak growth; keep cool-season lawns mowed high and watered deep. The next application windows arrive in fall, starting with pre-emergent as soil falls back through 70°F.
Grass Seed Germination in Iowa
Grass seed germination
Grass seed germination temperatures across Iowa. Soil warmth varies by location, so check a city page for the live reading and what germinates there now.
| Grass species | Germination optimum | Days |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky bluegrass | 59–86°F | 14-30 |
| Tall fescue | 68–86°F | 7-12 |
| Perennial ryegrass | 68–86°F | 5-10 |
| Fine fescue | 59–77°F | 7-14 |
| Bermudagrass | 75–85°F | 10-30 |
Monitoring Stations in Iowa (3)
For root-zone timing (fertilizer, aeration, weed control), see the 4-inch soil temperature for Iowa. For accumulated-heat timing, see growing degree days for Iowa. See the Iowa soil temperature map for the full station view.
| Station | 2" Temp | Last Reading |
|---|---|---|
| Ames (Boone) | 70°F | 2026-07-02 |
| Shagbark Hills (Woodbury) | 77°F | 2026-07-02 |
| Des Moines 17 E | 77°F | 2026-07-02 |
Cities in Iowa (24)
| City | ZIP | Current Temp |
|---|---|---|
| Amana | 52203 | 77°F |
| Ames | 50010 | 70°F |
| Ankeny | 50021 | 77°F |
| Bloomfield | 52537 | 79°F |
| Boone | 50036 | 70°F |
| Cedar Falls | 50613 | 70°F |
| Cedar Rapids | 52401 | 74°F* |
| Clarion | 50525 | 70°F |
| Clinton | 52732 | 72°F |
| Council Bluffs | 51501 | 77°F |
| Davenport | 52801 | 77°F* |
| Des Moines | 50301 | 77°F |
| Dubuque | 52001 | 72°F |
| Fairfield | 52556 | 77°F* |
| Harlan | 51537 | 77°F |
| Iowa City | 52240 | 77°F* |
| Mason City | 50401 | 75°F* |
| Melcher-dallas | 50062 | 77°F |
| Red Oak | 51566 | 77°F |
| Shenandoah | 51601 | 77°F |
| Sioux City | 51101 | 77°F |
| Urbandale | 50322 | 77°F |
| Waterloo | 50701 | 75°F* |
| West Des Moines | 50265 | 77°F |
Modeled estimate from Open-Meteo where no monitoring station is within 75 miles; all other readings are measured at USDA and NOAA stations.
Lawn Care Timing Guides for Iowa
- Summer Lawn Dormancy: Keep Cool-Season Grass Alive in Heat
Cool-season grass slows once 2-inch soil sustains 75°F and goes dormant near 85°F.
- When to Apply Grub Control: The 65-70°F Soil Window
Apply preventive grub control (chlorantraniliprole or imidacloprid) before eggs hatch, when 2-4 inch soil holds 65-70°F: late June through July in most regions.
- Lawn Fungus by Temperature: Brown Patch, Dollar Spot & More
Brown patch and Pythium strike when humid nights hold above 68°F on lush, over-fertilized turf; dollar spot, red thread, and rust hit slow-growing lawns at 60-85°F.
- Grass Seed Germination Soil Temperature by Species
The soil temperature each grass species needs to germinate, from 15+ university extensions: tall fescue and perennial ryegrass 68-86°F, Kentucky bluegrass 59-86°F, fine fescue 59-77°F, cool-season 50°F trigger, warm-season 65°F.
Soil Temperature FAQ for Iowa
What is the current soil temperature in Iowa?
The current average 2-inch soil temperature across Iowa is 75°F, based on 3 USDA and NOAA monitoring stations. Readings range from 70°F to 77°F depending on location and elevation.
When should I apply pre-emergent in Iowa?
Apply pre-emergent herbicide when soil at 2 inches reaches 55°F for several consecutive days. Timing varies across Iowa, so check your city's page for station-specific readings and the pre-emergent timing recommendation.
When can I plant grass seed in Iowa?
Cool-season grasses (fescue, bluegrass) can be seeded when soil holds between 50 and 65°F. Warm-season grasses (bermuda, zoysia) need soil above 65°F. Timing varies by location, so check your city's planting window for the dates specific to your area.