Early winter · Weather & things to do
Dubuque in December
Dubuque cools off: highs slip to 33°F (0°C), from 46°F in November, with lows of 18°F (-8°C) and about 1.9 in (49 mm) of rain or snow.
With a comfort score of 45/100 (12th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by cool days.
- Avg high
- 33°F (0°C)
- Avg low
- 18°F (-8°C)
- Rain or snow
- 1.9 in (49 mm)
- Humidity
- 88%
- Cloud cover
- 71%
- Daylight
- ~8 h 54 min
- Comfort score
- 45/100 · Fair
What December feels like
It's cold: daytime highs average just 33°F (0°C), so build the days around warm stops.
Nights drop below freezing, with an average low of 18°F (-8°C), so expect frost and ice.
About 1.9 in (49 mm) of rain or snow falls in the month, and with temperatures averaging below freezing, much of it may come as snow.
Only about 8 h 54 min of daylight means early sunsets.
Plan around December
December is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are May and August – October.
- Snow becomes likely from December, so check road and trail conditions.
- Shortest days of the year, about 8 h 54 min of daylight.
- Comfort slips from 56/100 in November to 45/100.
- Our Iowa Driftless & River Towns route recommends May – Oct, so December falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for December
- Hat, gloves and thermal base layerslows around 18°F
- Insulated, waterproof bootssnow is likely on some days
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Dubuque in December
With highs near 33°F, these picks lean toward food, drink and places with a roof, with outdoor options when the weather breaks.
Breitbach's Country Dining
Iowa's oldest bar and restaurant (1852), known for its buffet and pies.
Why now A warm sit-down stop when highs sit around 33°F.
National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium
River history museum and aquarium with a historic dredge you can board.
Why now An indoor-leaning stop when highs sit around 33°F.
Stone Cliff Winery
Winery tasting room in the old Dubuque Star Brewery building on the river.
Why now Somewhere to warm up between colder walks.
L.May Eatery
Candlelit Main Street restaurant serving gourmet comfort food since 2007.
Eagle Point Park
Bluff-top park with stone shelters overlooking Lock and Dam 11.
Nearby in December
- Decorah in December~79 mi · highs 30°F, 1.7 in rain or snow · 2°C (3°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Milwaukee in December~145 mi · highs 33°F, 2.1 in rain or snow · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Chicago in December~161 mi · highs 37°F, 2.3 in rain · 2°C (4°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Des Moines in December~164 mi · highs 35°F, 1.5 in rain or snow · 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.
Dubuque in December: quick answers
Is December a good time to visit Dubuque?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 45/100, held back mainly by cool days. The best months are May and August – October. Expect highs of 33°F (0°C) and 1.9 in (49 mm) of rain or snow. Our Iowa Driftless & River Towns route recommends May – Oct, so December is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Dubuque in December?
Average highs are 33°F (0°C) and average lows 18°F (-8°C), making it the 3rd-coldest month by daytime highs, with nights below freezing on average.
Does it snow a lot in Dubuque in December?
Not much: about 1.9 in (49 mm) of rain or snow falls across December on average, the 3rd-driest month of the year. With temperatures this low, much of it may fall as snow. The annual total is about 37.8 in (959 mm).
What should I pack for Dubuque in December?
Bring hat, gloves and thermal base layers (lows around 18°F), insulated, waterproof boots (snow is likely on some days) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
More on Dubuque
Planning Dubuque in December?
Bring the crew into one shared trip: vote on dates, build the day-by-day plan, split costs and share one packing list.