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Weather & Climate in Dubuque, IA
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Dubuque experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 19°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 38.2 inches. The area receives 42.5 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 797 feet.
Temperature
19°F Jan (-7°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 47.2°F |
| 13% below US avg | |
| January Average | 19°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 797 ft (243 m) |
| Area | 31.2 sq mi (80.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,895/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.4989°N, 90.7073°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Dubuque County County |
| Nearest Airport | Dubuque Regional (DBQ) 7 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 63.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 97.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane | Very Low |
| Earthquake | Very Low |
| Wildfire | Very Low |
| Flood | Relatively Low |
| Hail | Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind | Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave | Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather | Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning | Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm | Relatively Low |
| Drought | Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave | Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide | Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) recorded within 150 km since 1990. Strongest on record: M3.5.
| Sep 2, 1999 | 8 km W of Amboy, Illinois | M3.5 | 136 km | 5 km |
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990–2025). Sorted by magnitude.
Tornado History
531 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF5. Total: 13 fatalities, 413 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| Jun 7, 1984 | EF5 | 79 km | 36.0 mi | 9 |
| Mar 13, 1990 | EF4 | 66 km | 19.0 mi | 0 |
| Jul 3, 1983 | EF4 | 71 km | 0.5 mi | 0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 | EF4 | 66 km | 5.0 mi | 0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 | EF4 | 75 km | 91.5 mi | 1 |
| Apr 30, 1954 | EF4 | 97 km | 80.4 mi | 0 |
| Aug 7, 2021 | EF3 | 70 km | 9.4 mi | 0 |
| Jul 27, 1995 | EF3 | 81 km | 20.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 19, 1993 | EF3 | 68 km | 9.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 19, 1993 | EF3 | 20 km | 14.0 mi | 0 |
| Jul 13, 1992 | EF3 | 50 km | 5.0 mi | 0 |
| May 8, 1988 | EF3 | 40 km | 16.0 mi | 0 |
| May 8, 1988 | EF3 | 84 km | 32.0 mi | 0 |
| May 30, 1985 | EF3 | 78 km | 34.0 mi | 2 |
| Jun 20, 1974 | EF3 | 68 km | 10.6 mi | 1 |
| May 13, 1974 | EF3 | 98 km | 3.6 mi | 0 |
| Jul 12, 1971 | EF3 | 70 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| Sep 9, 1970 | EF3 | 3 km | 4.7 mi | 0 |
| Apr 16, 1967 | EF3 | 64 km | 27.8 mi | 0 |
| Jan 24, 1967 | EF3 | 75 km | 7.4 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950–2024, US only).
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: COLD SPRINGS (552 acres, 2009).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 2009 | COLD SPRINGS | 552 | 90 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 19°F (-7°C) | 1.1 in | Coldest, Driest |
| February | 23°F (-5°C) | 1.2 in | |
| March | 35°F (2°C) | 2.3 in | |
| April | 48°F (9°C) | 3.4 in | |
| May | 60°F (15°C) | 3.8 in | |
| June | 69°F (20°C) | 4.3 in | |
| July | 72°F (22°C) | 3.7 in | Warmest |
| August | 71°F (21°C) | 4.4 in | Wettest |
| September | 62°F (17°C) | 3.9 in | |
| October | 51°F (10°C) | 2.5 in | |
| November | 36°F (2°C) | 2.4 in | |
| December | 23°F (-5°C) | 1.6 in |
Dubuque has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 19°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 34.5 inches, with August being the wettest month (4.4") and January the driest (1.1").