Late October- Iowa City -- WTW?

Suz

Hi, all. I have a quick question. I will be in Iowa City for about a week in late October (21-26) and I am wondering if anyone who lives in that area can advise on temperatures and what to bring. My activities will all be casual but I will be attending readings and one day I will have a meeting with some editors.

From what I can tell, average highs will be about 4 degrees C higher there than here but lows in a similar range. That would mean the weather could be similar to what I am experiencing today in early October -- it's 15 now and to me that feels like blazer or leather jacket weather.

10 years ago

Dressing

9 replies

Latest reply was from Beth Ann

Anonymous

In Iowa in late October it will most likely be jacket weather as you describe, but it can be hot to blustery. A leather jacket sounds ideal, along with booties and long sleeves, but be prepared to take the jacket off if it gets warm or layer under it if more warmth is needed.

10 years ago

Word Lily

Veteran

I agree with what Joy said. And maybe pack a scarf of some kind? Or a way to protect your ears if they're sensitive.

10 years ago

sarah

Veteran

Hopefully this is writing-related!? Not in Iowa City, but not too much farther north, either. I don't think the weather will be too different from your weather, but you'll want to be prepared just in case things get unexpectedly wetter or colder. In general, though, the weather in Oct in this part of the world is glorious - lovely bright sunny (but still cool) days and cooler nights. A jacket/blazer and a trench coat will probably be perfect. I tend to wear jackets or blazers or sweaters, as long as I have a coat for going outdoors. But do check the forecast as the trip draws nearer, in case you need to swap out the trench coat for a wool coat at the last minute. Enjoy!

10 years ago

molly221

Active Member

Btw. They have some good downtown shopping. Boutiques and such.

10 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Oooh! Thank you!! I knew I could rely on Fabbers' wisdom!!

This is great info. My current plan is to bring a blazer and maybe a leather jacket as well as a short trench and an umbrella. That should keep me covered. I'll also bring about 3 scarves for variety. I hope to post a travel capsule when I get a bit closer to the time.

Yes, this is a writing related trip. My good friend is one of the visiting international writers there, so I will be staying with her. Coincidentally, U of Iowa press is potentially interested in my manuscript in development, and I am meeting with the editors to discuss.

10 years ago

sarah

Veteran

Congratulations, Suz, that's terrific news. Enjoy hanging out with all of those writers : ).

10 years ago

dakotacheryl

Veteran

WTG Suz!!

As others have stated, the temps will fluctuate and layers are your friend.

10 years ago

Nebraskim

Veteran

Echoing others' comments on layers. I'm in next door Nebraska and our weather in late October can range from warmish (80sF) to snow (unusual) but more likely is in the 50s to 60s range. Expect casual attire, even with editors but especially the University faculty and grad student people. Dark jeans, slacks, shirts, blazers and sweaters will probably make you look better dressed than most. (I worked at a midwest university for 26 years; the dress code except for the very upper echelon leadership is on the casual side of business casual). Iowa City may be a little more fashion forward than Lincoln,Neb., but doubtful. Congrats on catching the eye of their publishers and editors. They are a prestigious group. Iowa City is a fun, charming, sports crazy town. I enjoy visiting and hope you will, too.

10 years ago

Beth Ann

Veteran

Iowa is a Mecca for writers! And none of the distractions of the mountains, as in Banff! It's a University town, so things are pretty casual. There is a nice little area near the river, I think, that is quaint and interesting. It's probably just a tad warmer than your climate but, as you know, late Autumn is unpredictable. It can be rainy and chilly, or you could have that last bit of Indian Summer in the 70s!

Good luck on the manuscript!

10 years ago

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