Mid-winter · Weather & things to do
Dubuque in January
This is the coldest month in Dubuque: highs average 28°F (-2°C) and lows 12°F (-11°C), with about 1.2 in (31 mm) of rain or snow.
With a comfort score of 48/100 (11th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by cool days.
- Avg high
- 28°F (-2°C)
- Avg low
- 12°F (-11°C)
- Rain or snow
- 1.2 in (31 mm)
- Humidity
- 87%
- Cloud cover
- 65%
- Daylight
- ~9 h 13 min
- Comfort score
- 48/100 · Fair
What January feels like
Highs only reach about 28°F (-2°C), so plan short stints outside between indoor stops.
Average lows of 12°F (-11°C) mean frosty nights and icy mornings.
Expect about 1.2 in (31 mm) of precipitation (rain or snow). Because the average temperature is below freezing, snow is likely on some days.
Daylight is short, roughly 9 h 13 min mid-month, so start sightseeing early.
Plan around January
January is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are May and August – October.
- Comfort improves from 45/100 in December to 48/100.
- Our Iowa Driftless & River Towns route recommends May – Oct, so January falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for January
- Hat, gloves and thermal base layerslows around 12°F
- Insulated, waterproof bootssnow is likely on some days
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Dubuque in January
Cold days call for a roof: these picks favor sit-down and indoor stops, plus a few for drier spells.
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 28°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.
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 28°F.
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 January
- Decorah in January~79 mi · highs 25°F, 1.0 in rain or snow · 2°C (3°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Milwaukee in January~145 mi · highs 28°F, 1.6 in rain or snow · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Chicago in January~161 mi · highs 32°F, 1.9 in rain or snow · 2°C (4°F) warmer by day, wetter
- Des Moines in January~164 mi · highs 31°F, 0.9 in rain or snow · 1°C (3°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 January: quick answers
Is January a good time to visit Dubuque?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 48/100, held back mainly by cool days. The best months are May and August – October. Expect highs of 28°F (-2°C) and 1.2 in (31 mm) of rain or snow. Our Iowa Driftless & River Towns route recommends May – Oct, so January is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Dubuque in January?
Average highs are 28°F (-2°C) and average lows 12°F (-11°C), making it the coldest month by daytime highs, with nights below freezing on average.
Does it snow a lot in Dubuque in January?
Not much: about 1.2 in (31 mm) of rain or snow falls across January on average, the 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 January?
Bring hat, gloves and thermal base layers (lows around 12°F), insulated, waterproof boots (snow is likely on some days) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on Dubuque
Planning Dubuque in January?
Share this January plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.