Late spring · Weather & things to do
Dubuque in May
Dubuque warms up: highs climb to 70°F (21°C), from 59°F in April, with lows of 50°F (10°C) and about 4.3 in (109 mm) of rain.
May opens the best stretch on our comfort score, at 80/100 (2nd of 12).
- Avg high
- 70°F (21°C)
- Avg low
- 50°F (10°C)
- Rain
- 4.3 in (109 mm)
- Humidity
- 77%
- Cloud cover
- 64%
- Daylight
- ~14 h 25 min
- Comfort score
- 80/100 · Great
What May feels like
Warm afternoons near 70°F (21°C) make long days outdoors easy.
Nights cool to an average low of 50°F (10°C).
Some rain is likely, about 4.3 in (109 mm) in the month, so pack for a shower or two.
Plan around May
May is one of Dubuque's best months on the climate data.
- First warm month: highs reach 70°F, up from 59°F in April.
- Start of the wettest three-month stretch (May – July), which brings about 14.1 in (358 mm) in total.
- Opens the best-scoring stretch on our comfort score: May and August – October.
- Last of the best-scoring months: by June, the score drops to 74/100.
- May sits inside the May – Oct window our Iowa Driftless & River Towns route recommends.
What to pack for May
- Light, breathable clothes70°F afternoons
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hathigh UV on clear days
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaabout 4.3 in of rain
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Dubuque in May
May is good outdoor weather here, so these picks lean toward the open air.
Fenelon Place Elevator
Short 1882 cable railway up the bluff, with views over three states.
Why now Our curated notes say it's best Apr–Nov.
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.
L.May Eatery
Candlelit Main Street restaurant serving gourmet comfort food since 2007.
Why now May scores 80/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Eagle Point Park
Bluff-top park with stone shelters overlooking Lock and Dam 11.
Why now Highs near 70°F and 4.3 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Nearby in May
- Decorah in May~79 mi · highs 68°F, 4.7 in rain · 1°C (2°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Milwaukee in May~145 mi · highs 66°F, 4.3 in rain · 2°C (4°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Chicago in May~161 mi · highs 59°F, 4.6 in rain · 6°C (11°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Des Moines in May~164 mi · highs 73°F, 4.7 in rain · 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 May: quick answers
Is May a good time to visit Dubuque?
Yes. On the climate data it's one of the best months, scoring 80/100. Expect highs of 70°F (21°C) and 4.3 in (109 mm) of rain. May is inside the May – Oct window our Iowa Driftless & River Towns route recommends.
How hot is Dubuque in May?
Average highs are 70°F (21°C) and average lows 50°F (10°C), making it the 5th-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Dubuque in May?
Some: about 4.3 in (109 mm) of rain falls across May on average, the 3rd-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 37.8 in (959 mm).
What should I pack for Dubuque in May?
Bring light, breathable clothes (70°F afternoons), sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat (high UV on clear days), packable rain jacket or umbrella (about 4.3 in of rain) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on Dubuque
Routes in season in May
- Iowa Driftless & River Towns May – Oct
Planning Dubuque in May?
Plan it together in TripsCircle: one itinerary, one shared packing list and costs split as you go.