Mid-autumn · Weather & things to do
Decorah in October
Decorah cools off: highs slip to 58°F (14°C), from 73°F in September, with lows of 38°F (4°C) and about 2.9 in (73 mm) of rain.
It scores 75/100 for comfort, 5th of 12, which makes it a solid shoulder-season month.
- Avg high
- 58°F (14°C)
- Avg low
- 38°F (4°C)
- Rain
- 2.9 in (73 mm)
- Humidity
- 77%
- Cloud cover
- 59%
- Daylight
- ~10 h 47 min
- Comfort score
- 75/100 · Great
What October feels like
Days are mild at around 58°F (14°C): comfortable for walking all day, with a layer for the evening.
Lows average 38°F (4°C).
Showers are part of the month, adding up to about 2.9 in (73 mm).
Plan around October
October is shoulder season: good weather, a step below the best months (August & September).
- The year's biggest cool-down: highs drop 9°C (15°F) from September.
- Comfort slips from 87/100 in September to 75/100.
- October sits inside the May – Oct window our Iowa Driftless & River Towns route recommends.
What to pack for October
- A warm layer for eveningsnights drop to 38°F
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaabout 2.9 in of rain
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Decorah in October
With conditions on your side, the picks below favor time outside.
Effigy Mounds National Monument
Ancient Native American animal-shaped mounds on Mississippi River bluffs.
Why now Our curated notes say it's best fall.
Phelps Park
Hilltop park with stone overlooks above the Upper Iowa River.
Why now October scores 75/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Mabe's Pizza
Family pizza place on Water Street since 1953.
Why now Highs near 58°F and 2.9 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Vesterheim National Norwegian-American Museum
Large Norwegian-American heritage museum with folk art and historic buildings.
Trout Run Trail
11-mile paved bike loop past a trout hatchery, bluffs and farmland.
Why now One to do outside while the weather is on your side.
Nearby in October
- Dubuque in October~79 mi · highs 60°F, 3.1 in rain · 2°C (3°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Minneapolis in October~137 mi · highs 56°F, 2.8 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Des Moines in October~151 mi · highs 63°F, 2.8 in rain · 3°C (5°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Milwaukee in October~196 mi · highs 60°F, 3.2 in rain · 1°C (2°F) warmer by day, about as wet
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid. Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Decorah in October: quick answers
Is October a good time to visit Decorah?
It's a good shoulder-season choice, scoring 75/100 against a best of 87 in August & September. Expect highs of 58°F (14°C) and 2.9 in (73 mm) of rain. October is inside the May – Oct window our Iowa Driftless & River Towns route recommends.
How cold is Decorah in October?
Average highs are 58°F (14°C) and average lows 38°F (4°C), making it the 6th-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Decorah in October?
Some: about 2.9 in (73 mm) of rain falls across October on average, the 6th-driest month of the year. The annual total is about 37.0 in (939 mm).
What should I pack for Decorah in October?
Bring a warm layer for evenings (nights drop to 38°F), packable rain jacket or umbrella (about 2.9 in of rain) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on Decorah
Routes in season in October
- Iowa Driftless & River Towns May – Oct
Planning Decorah in October?
Share this October plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.