Mid-autumn · Weather & things to do
Dubuque in October
Dubuque cools off: highs slip to 60°F (16°C), from 76°F in September, with lows of 40°F (5°C) and about 3.1 in (79 mm) of rain.
At 79/100 for comfort (4th of 12), it's one of the best months to visit.
- Avg high
- 60°F (16°C)
- Avg low
- 40°F (5°C)
- Rain
- 3.1 in (79 mm)
- Humidity
- 76%
- Cloud cover
- 58%
- Daylight
- ~10 h 49 min
- Comfort score
- 79/100 · Great
What October feels like
Days are mild at around 60°F (16°C): comfortable for walking all day, with a layer for the evening.
Lows average 40°F (5°C).
Showers are part of the month, adding up to about 3.1 in (79 mm).
Plan around October
October is one of Dubuque's best months on the climate data.
- Last of the best-scoring months: by November, the score drops to 56/100.
- The year's biggest cool-down: highs drop 8°C (15°F) from September.
- Comfort slips from 85/100 in September to 79/100.
- 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 40°F
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaa shower or two is likely
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Dubuque in October
With conditions on your side, the picks below favor time outside.
Mines of Spain Recreation Area
Wooded bluff trails to the Julien Dubuque Monument above the river.
Why now Our curated notes say it's best fall.
Eagle Point Park
Bluff-top park with stone shelters overlooking Lock and Dam 11.
Why now October scores 79/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
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.
L.May Eatery
Candlelit Main Street restaurant serving gourmet comfort food since 2007.
Why now Highs near 60°F and 3.1 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Nearby in October
- Decorah in October~79 mi · highs 58°F, 2.9 in rain · 2°C (3°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Milwaukee in October~145 mi · highs 60°F, 3.2 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Chicago in October~161 mi · highs 59°F, 3.9 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, wetter
- Des Moines in October~164 mi · highs 63°F, 2.8 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.
Dubuque in October: quick answers
Is October a good time to visit Dubuque?
Yes. On the climate data it's one of the best months, scoring 79/100. Expect highs of 60°F (16°C) and 3.1 in (79 mm) of rain. October is inside the May – Oct window our Iowa Driftless & River Towns route recommends.
How cold is Dubuque in October?
Average highs are 60°F (16°C) and average lows 40°F (5°C), making it the 6th-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Dubuque in October?
Some: about 3.1 in (79 mm) of rain falls across October on average, the 6th-driest month of the year. The annual total is about 37.8 in (959 mm).
What should I pack for Dubuque in October?
Bring a warm layer for evenings (nights drop to 40°F), packable rain jacket or umbrella (a shower or two is likely) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
More on Dubuque
Routes in season in October
- Iowa Driftless & River Towns May – Oct
Planning Dubuque in October?
Share this October plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.