Early autumn · Weather & things to do
Dubuque in September
Dubuque cools off: highs slip to 76°F (24°C), from 82°F in August, with lows of 54°F (12°C) and about 3.9 in (98 mm) of rain.
At 85/100 for comfort (the top score of the year), it's one of the best months to visit.
- Avg high
- 76°F (24°C)
- Avg low
- 54°F (12°C)
- Rain
- 3.9 in (98 mm)
- Humidity
- 74%
- Cloud cover
- 46%
- Daylight
- ~12 h 16 min
- Comfort score
- 85/100 · Great
What September feels like
Highs settle around 76°F (24°C), warm enough for short sleeves most of the day.
Mornings start much cooler: lows average 54°F (12°C), about 12°C (22°F) below the afternoon high.
Some rain is likely, about 3.9 in (98 mm) in the month, so pack for a shower or two.
Plan around September
September is one of Dubuque's best months on the climate data.
- Last warm month for a while: October highs fall to 60°F.
- Comfort improves from 79/100 in August to 85/100.
- September sits inside the May – Oct window our Iowa Driftless & River Towns route recommends.
What to pack for September
- Light, breathable clothes76°F afternoons
- A warm layer for eveningslows near 54°F
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaabout 3.9 in of rain
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Dubuque in September
September is good outdoor weather here, so these picks lean toward the open air.
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.
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.
Stone Cliff Winery
Winery tasting room in the old Dubuque Star Brewery building on the river.
National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium
River history museum and aquarium with a historic dredge you can board.
L.May Eatery
Candlelit Main Street restaurant serving gourmet comfort food since 2007.
Why now September scores 85/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Nearby in September
- Decorah in September~79 mi · highs 73°F, 4.0 in rain · 1°C (2°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Milwaukee in September~145 mi · highs 74°F, 3.5 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Chicago in September~161 mi · highs 71°F, 3.4 in rain · 2°C (4°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Des Moines in September~164 mi · highs 78°F, 3.4 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 September: quick answers
Is September a good time to visit Dubuque?
Yes. On the climate data it's one of the best months, scoring 85/100. Expect highs of 76°F (24°C) and 3.9 in (98 mm) of rain. September is inside the May – Oct window our Iowa Driftless & River Towns route recommends.
How hot is Dubuque in September?
Average highs are 76°F (24°C) and average lows 54°F (12°C), making it the 4th-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Dubuque in September?
Some: about 3.9 in (98 mm) of rain falls across September on average, the 5th-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 37.8 in (959 mm).
What should I pack for Dubuque in September?
Bring light, breathable clothes (76°F afternoons), a warm layer for evenings (lows near 54°F), packable rain jacket or umbrella (about 3.9 in of rain) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on Dubuque
Routes in season in September
- Iowa Driftless & River Towns May – Oct
Planning Dubuque in September?
Bring the crew into one shared trip: vote on dates, build the day-by-day plan, split costs and share one packing list.