Amherst College - Weather

Quick Stats

College Prowler Take

It’s pretty warm and mild here from August through November. Then, on one fine day and without any warning whatsoever, a 15-minute blizzard leaves the earth white and the populace shell-shocked. From then on, until mid-April, the weather stays windy and cold, with snow and rain to match. The townsfolk usually refer to the resulting indoor floors as being "icky," and indeed, coming inside after walking outside for a bit will leave a small brook of brown water wherever you go. A very warm wardrobe is a necessity throughout the majority of the year. Bring coats, lots of coats: trench coats, winter coats, raincoats, overcoats. Hats: cloth, bear-skinned, fur, silk, bonnets. Suede mittens, fuzzy earmuffs, checkered scarves, socks with toe separators, electric blankets. Whatever you have, please bring for your own sake.

The heating inside is excellent, and once that front door closes, you can safely take a deep breath of air without actually seeing it turn white in front of you. Most people get used to the weather, even Southerners and Californians. Pack heavy, and come mentally prepared, and after your first winter, you’ll learn to ignore the cold weather and realize how much fun it is to have snow fights, slide down Memorial hill with your shirt waiting for you at the bottom, and how beautiful and romantic everything looks when the seasons change. The one downside of the arrival of the snow is the subsequent application of soy sauce on the school grounds. This pungent, borderline nauseating scent has become a characteristic of the cold weather. Although the soy sauce makes your shoes extremely sticky (and somewhat brown for those UGG wearers), it is an extremely effective and environmentally friendly alternative to salt.

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Students Speak Out

chuckpratt says: Amherst College 2016 Undecided

You get all four seasons here,... You get all four seasons here, though it's usually pretty mild. 12345 Weather: March 04, 2009 Report

AmhAG says: Amherst College 2016 Other

It's really cold, so bring a coat. 12345 Weather: February 17, 2009 Report

AmhDJ says: Amherst College 2016 Undecided

Bundle up—the winters are... Bundle up—the winters are ridiculously cold. If you aren't well dressed, walking to class sucks. 12345 Weather: February 16, 2009 Report

AmhSF says: Amherst College 2016 Psychology

It is beautiful in the spring and... It is beautiful in the spring and fall and quite cold in the winter. Boots and coats are definite musts. 12345 Weather: February 16, 2009 Report

Anonymous says:

Everybody is complaining about the... Everybody is complaining about the weather, but come on, what did they except? Sunny days and palm trees? This is western Massachusetts, for heaven’s sake. I actually like snow myself. You’ll learn to deal with the cold weather. 12345 Weather Report

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