Early spring · Weather & things to do
Dubuque in March
Dubuque warms up: highs climb to 46°F (8°C), from 32°F in February, with lows of 26°F (-3°C) and about 2.2 in (55 mm) of rain or snow.
Our comfort score puts it mid-table at 56/100, 8th of 12.
- Avg high
- 46°F (8°C)
- Avg low
- 26°F (-3°C)
- Rain or snow
- 2.2 in (55 mm)
- Humidity
- 79%
- Cloud cover
- 64%
- Daylight
- ~11 h 39 min
- Comfort score
- 56/100 · Fair
What March feels like
It's cool, with highs near 46°F (8°C), so a proper jacket stays on most of the day.
Average lows of 26°F (-3°C) mean frosty nights and icy mornings.
Expect about 2.2 in (55 mm) of precipitation (rain or snow). Because nights fall well below freezing, snow is likely on some days.
Plan around March
March sits mid-table; the best months are May and August – October.
- Last month with freezing nights on average; by April, lows rise to 37°F.
- Last dry month before the rain picks up: April brings 3.7 in (95 mm).
- The year's biggest warm-up: highs jump 8°C (14°F) from February.
- Comfort improves from 49/100 in February to 56/100.
- Our Iowa Driftless & River Towns route recommends May – Oct, so March falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for March
- Insulated jackethighs only 46°F
- Hat, gloves and thermal base layerslows around 26°F
- Insulated, waterproof bootssnow is likely on some days
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Dubuque in March
A mixed month: these picks balance outdoor stops with indoor fallbacks.
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.
Mines of Spain Recreation Area
Wooded bluff trails to the Julien Dubuque Monument above the river.
Breitbach's Country Dining
Iowa's oldest bar and restaurant (1852), known for its buffet and pies.
Stone Cliff Winery
Winery tasting room in the old Dubuque Star Brewery building on the river.
Nearby in March
- Decorah in March~79 mi · highs 43°F, 2.0 in rain or snow · 2°C (3°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Milwaukee in March~145 mi · highs 43°F, 2.3 in rain or snow · 2°C (3°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Chicago in March~161 mi · highs 41°F, 2.4 in rain · 3°C (5°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Des Moines in March~164 mi · highs 49°F, 1.9 in rain or snow · 2°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 March: quick answers
Is March a good time to visit Dubuque?
It's middling, scoring 56/100. The best months are May and August – October, at up to 85. Expect highs of 46°F (8°C) and 2.2 in (55 mm) of rain or snow. Our Iowa Driftless & River Towns route recommends May – Oct, so March is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Dubuque in March?
Average highs are 46°F (8°C) and average lows 26°F (-3°C), making it the 4th-coldest month by daytime highs, with nights below freezing on average.
Does it snow a lot in Dubuque in March?
Not much: about 2.2 in (55 mm) of rain or snow falls across March on average, the 5th-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 March?
Bring insulated jacket (highs only 46°F), hat, gloves and thermal base layers (lows around 26°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 March?
Bring the crew into one shared trip: vote on dates, build the day-by-day plan, split costs and share one packing list.