Dubuque Regional Airport

KDBQ / DBQ

Dubuque, US

Last Updated
May 15, 05:53Z

Current Weather

Display Units
Aging 1 hour ago
05:53Z

☀️ Day
VFR
Flight Rules
14°C
Temperature
Dewpoint: 8°C
11 kt
160°
10 SM
Visibility
8,500 ft
Ceiling
Above Ground Level
1013 hPa
QNH
Altimeter Setting

Raw METAR

METAR KDBQ 150553Z AUTO 16011KT 10SM OVC085 14/08 A2991 RMK AO2 SLP128 60002 T01390083 10217 20139 402220044 56004

Clouds - Visual Profile

12,000ft
9,000ft
6,000ft
3,000ft
Ground
Field Elev: 1,077 ft
OVC 8,500 ft AGL
☁️
OVC
Overcast (8/8 sky coverage)
8,500 ft
AGL (Above Ground)
9,577 ft AMSL

Weather Briefing

VFR

Dubuque Regional Airport is currently reporting visual flight rules (VFR) conditions with overcast skies at 8,500 feet and 10 SM visibility. Note: This observation is 1.1 hours old and conditions may have changed.

Wind Analysis

Winds are from the south-southeast (160°) at 11 knots. Runway 18/36 is favored with a 10-knot headwind and 4-knot crosswind component.

Visibility & Ceiling

Visibility is 10 SM. The ceiling is 8500 feet AGL (overcast), well above standard VFR minimums.

Temperature & Moisture

Temperature is 14°C (57°F) with a dewpoint of 8°C, indicating moderate moisture conditions.

Forecast Outlook

The TAF forecast covers the next 24 hours. Conditions are expected to fluctuate between VFR and MVFR. VFR pilots should be prepared for deteriorating conditions. Expected weather includes: Thunderstorm Rain, Mist. Winds are forecast to reach up to 20 knots during the period. There is a 30% probability of MVFR conditions with Thunderstorm Rain, Mist between 03:00Z and 06:00Z.

Pilot Recommendations

Conditions are favorable for visual flight. The forecast indicates conditions may deteriorate. Ensure you have fuel reserves and a viable alternate airport.

This briefing is generated from real-time METAR and TAF data. Always verify with official sources before flight.

QNH
1013 hPa
Sea Level Pressure
For altitude above MSL
QFE
977 hPa
Field Pressure
Height above aerodrome (1,077 ft)
Pressure Alt
1,085 ft
QNE Reference
Standard: 1013 hPa
Density Altitude: 1,223 ft
ISA Deviation: +1.2°C

Forecast (TAF)

View Full TAF
Raw TAF
TAF KDBQ 150536Z 1506/1606 15012KT P6SM BKN070 FM151300 18012G20KT P6SM SCT050 FM160300 19011KT P6SM OVC080 PROB30 1603/1606 VRB20G40KT 3SM TSRA BR OVC030CB
Upcoming Changes (Next 12 Hours)
06:55Z BASE
+0h
VFR 150° 12 kt
Visibility: >6SM
Ceiling: 7,000 ft
13:00Z FM151300
+7h
VFR 180° 12 kt
Visibility: >6SM

24-Hour Weather Evolution

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Data Sources
  • • Current conditions from METAR observations
  • • Historical data from past 24 hours
  • • No forecast or predicted data included
  • • Data updated with each new METAR report
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Note: Future values beyond current TAF validity are estimates based on climatological data and trends. Always verify with current forecasts before flight operations.

Airport Runway Layout

N
DBQ
13 ✈️
31
18 ✈️
36

Runway Information

Runway Length Width Surface Heading Wind Component
✈️ 13/31
Active: 13
6,502 ft 100 ft CON 135°
9.5 kt 5.5 kt
30° angle
✈️ 18/36
Active: 18
6,327 ft 150 ft CON 180°
10.3 kt 3.8 kt
20° angle
🟢 Active Runway: Best headwind component for current conditions
⬆️ Headwind: Favorable wind component
↔️ Crosswind: ≤10kt Safe, 11-15kt Caution, >15kt Challenging

Weather Statistics - KDBQ

9,395 observations | Sep 2025 - May 2026

Flight Rules Distribution

VFR
67%
MVFR
19.5%
IFR
7.7%
LIFR
5.9%

Dubuque Regional Airport typically experiences VFR conditions 67% of the time, though instrument-rated pilots will find IFR weather present approximately 13.6% of observations. Prevailing winds are from the S averaging 10.4 knots, with gusts recorded up to 41 knots. Temperature extremes range from -28°C to 31°C, reflecting significant seasonal variation. The best months for VFR flying are May, October, September.

Wind Analysis

Prevailing Direction: S (180°)
Average Speed: 10.4 kt
Maximum Recorded: 41 kt
Calm Winds: 6.1%
Direction Distribution:
N
12.4%
NE
9%
E
7.5%
SE
7.6%
S
18.3%
SW
10.1%
W
14.1%
NW
14.8%

Temperature Range

Average: 3.8°C
Range: -28°C to 31°C
-28°C 31°C

Visibility

Average: 8.9 SM
Below 3 SM: 3.8%
Fog Frequency: 5.3%

Best Months for VFR

May October September

Runway Wind Analysis

Runway 13/31
Favorable wind: 100%
Avg crosswind: 6.1 kt
Runway 18/36
Favorable wind: 100%
Avg crosswind: 6.3 kt

Statistics computed from 9,395 METAR observations (Sep 2025 - May 2026). Data sourced from official aviation weather services. Updated daily.

Dubuque Regional Airport - Airport Information

Airport Details

ICAO Code: KDBQ
IATA Code: DBQ
Type: medium airport
Status: active
Elevation: 1,077 ft MSL

Location

City: Dubuque
Country: US
Latitude: 42.402000°
Longitude: -90.709503°
Time Zone: Etc/GMT+6

Runway Information

Runway 13/31
Length: 6,502 ft
Width: 100 ft
Surface: CON
ILS: No
Runway 18/36
Length: 6,327 ft
Width: 150 ft
Surface: CON
ILS: No

About Dubuque Regional Airport

Overview

Dubuque Regional Airport serves as a medium-sized airport located in eastern Iowa, positioned at 42.402000, -90.709503 with an elevation of 1077 ft MSL. The airport offers two substantial concrete runways capable of handling various aircraft types, with runway 13/31 measuring 6502 feet and runway 18/36 extending 6327 feet. Its strategic location provides critical aviation infrastructure for the Dubuque metropolitan region.

Flying Conditions

Weather conditions at Dubuque Regional demonstrate significant variability, with flight rules predominantly VFR (63.3% of observations) and moderate visibility averaging 8.6 statute miles. Temperature ranges extensively from -28°C to 31°C, with an average of 2.9°C, presenting diverse operational challenges throughout the year. Pilots can expect southerly winds at an average of 10 knots, with occasional gusts up to 30 knots and calm conditions occurring 6.7% of the time.

Notable Features

The airport's two runways are oriented to accommodate prevailing wind conditions, with both runways demonstrating 100% favorable wind alignment. Crosswind components are relatively modest, averaging 5.6 knots for runway 13/31 and 6.4 knots for runway 18/36. Seasonal variations are most pronounced, with October, September, and November presenting the most consistent VFR conditions.

Approach Considerations

Approach planning should consider the airport's meteorological profile, which includes periodic reduced visibility conditions, with 8.5% of observations reporting fog and 5.6% showing visibility below 3 statute miles. Both runways offer substantial length and are well-aligned with prevailing wind patterns, providing flexible approach options. Pilots should anticipate potential IFR conditions (8.2% of observations) and be prepared for winter weather challenges given the significant temperature range.

Data Sources & Accuracy: Airport information sourced from OurAirports.com, a collaborative database of worldwide airport data. Weather data from official aviation weather services including NOAA Aviation Weather Center and international METAR/TAF providers. Information is updated regularly but pilots should always verify current conditions and NOTAMs through official channels before flight operations.

Official Data Sources

Weather NOAA Aviation Weather Center • International METAR/TAF Network
Airports OurAirports.com • Public domain airport database
NOTAMs FAA NOTAM System • ICAO NOTAM Distribution
Last updated: Jan 1, 1970 12:00 AM UTC

Disclaimer: Data is provided for informational purposes only. Pilots must verify all information through official sources before flight operations. Weather conditions change rapidly; always obtain a current briefing from approved weather services.