Dubuque (IA) Weather & Climate: Best Time to Visit
Average temperatures, rainfall, sunshine and the best time to visit Dubuque.
Climate overview of Dubuque
Dubuque, Iowa, United States of America, experiences significant temperature variation throughout the year. Summers bring daytime highs of 29°C (84°F) in July, while winters cool to -3°C (27°F) in January.
The city receives around 978 mm (39 in) of rain/snowfall per year. It experiences a distinct dry season from January to February, with warm summers and very cold winters. July is the wettest month and January the driest. The most sunshine falls in June, with an average of 10.2 hours of daily sunshine.
Dubuque Weather by Month
Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in Dubuque - and find the best time to visit.
Monthly Temperature in Dubuque
Depending on the time of the year, temperatures range from comfortable to very cold in Dubuque. On average, daytime temperatures range from a comfortable 29°C (84°F) in July to a very cold -3°C (27°F) in January.
Nighttime temperatures range from 18°C (64°F) in July to -12°C (10°F) in January.
Check out our detailed temperature page for more information.
Temperature ranges by month
Rainfall in Dubuque
Generally, Dubuque has a moderate amount of precipitation, averaging 978 mm (39 in) of rain/snowfall annually. The seasons in Dubuque bring significant changes in precipitation. The wettest month, July, receives high rainfall, with an average of 144 mm (5.7 in) of precipitation. This rainfall is distributed across 10 rainy days.
In contrast, the driest month, January, experiences much less snowfall, totaling 28 mm (1.1 in) over 9 snowy days. These distinct seasonal differences provide diverse experiences throughout the year. For more details, please visit our Dubuque Precipitation page.
The mean monthly precipitation over the year, including rain, hail, and snow
The average number of days each month with precipitation
Sunshine Hours in Dubuque
In Dubuque, summer days are longer and more sunny, with daily sunshine hours peaking at 10.2 hours in June. As the darker season arrives, the brightness of the sun becomes less. December sees a soft sun for only 3.6 hours per average day.
Visit our detailed sunshine hours page for more information.
Monthly hours of sunshine
Daily hours of sunshine
Best Time to Visit Dubuque
Monthly ratings reflect general weather comfort, based on daytime temperature and rainfall. Swimming and winter conditions are highlighted separately where relevant.
- Best overall: May, August and September
- Warmest weather: July and August
- Most sunshine: June and July
- Fewer rainy days: January, February, September, October and November
- Seasonal pattern: A distinct dry season from January to February, with warm summers and very cold winters
- Coldest conditions: January, with freezing nights around -12°C (10°F).
Frequently asked questions about the climate in Dubuque
What is the best time to visit Dubuque?
May, August and September typically offer the most optimal weather in Dubuque. In contrast, January, February, March, November and December tend to have less optimal conditions. Dubuque has a distinct dry season from January to February, with warm summers and very cold winters.
What temperatures can I expect in Dubuque?
Daytime highs range from -3°C (27°F) in January to 29°C (84°F) in July. Nighttime lows range from -12°C (10°F) to 18°C (64°F). Temperatures vary considerably through the year.
How much rain does Dubuque get?
Annual rainfall is around 978 mm (39 in). July is the wettest month with 144 mm (5.7 in), while January is the driest with 28 mm (1.1 in).
How sunny is Dubuque?
Dubuque receives around 2,464 hours of sunshine per year. June is the sunniest month with 307 hours, while December is the cloudiest with just 107 hours. Overall, Dubuque enjoys abundant sunshine.
Dubuque 3-Day Forecast
Dubuque (IA) 3-Day Forecast
Dubuque on the map
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