Bates College - Weather

Quick Stats

College Prowler Take

Maine is very cold, and Lewiston gets a lot of snow. Students from points south of New Hampshire should be prepared to be shocked by the weather in Maine. Sometimes the snow starts in October, and it’s not unheard of to get snow showers as late as May. Students should pack a good winter jacket, a hat, mittens, and boots. Students should also remember to wear layers because it is usually freezing outside. However, many of the buildings are quite warm. Despite the arctic conditions, Bates hardly ever closes for snow, and sometimes students are forced to trudge to class through several feet of snow if the plows haven’t reached the path they’re using yet. The back side of the Puddle is not always plowed, which can be inconvenient for art students and people living in Page Hall, so it’s very important to have boots.

As cold and snowy as it can get during the winter, Maine is beautiful in the fall and spring. The weather can stay warm right through September, and Batesies usually take full advantage of nice days by studying or playing Frisbee on the Quad or in the Keigiwn Amphitheater. Even in the middle of January, the weather can still be beautiful, just cold. Winter sports are big at Bates; even students who don’t go skiing, snowboarding, or ice-skating can enjoy sledding down Mount David or engaging in snowball fights with their friends. If students are prepared to deal with long winters, below-freezing temperatures, and several feet of snow, the weather at Maine can be a godsend. If not, there’s always the University of Hawaii.

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Students Speak Out

BatKB says: Bates College 2013 English Language and Literature

Starting in November, there is... Starting in November, there is going to be a rare day when you don't need a sweater and a jacket. Even into March, there will continue to be snowstorms. Pack warm and pack layers. Boots (L.L. Bean's Duck Boots) are a must for the ice and snow. When the weather gets into the 40s it will feel warm, so a long-sleeved T-shirt will feel about right. 12345 Weather: March 01, 2009 Report

BatHS says: Bates College 2014 History

It snows a lot, so bring good... It snows a lot, so bring good shoes for slushy snow and non-gross snow. It gets so freakin' cold, so invest in a warm jacket. 12345 Weather: February 28, 2009 Report

BatJS says: Bates College 2013 Social Sciences

Be ready for any sort of weather... Be ready for any sort of weather and the activities that go along with it—skiing, hiking, or laying on the beach 12345 Weather: February 17, 2009 Report

BatCB says: Bates College 2013 Other

It's mild in the fall, very cold... It's mild in the fall, very cold and icy in the winter, and muddy in the spring. Rain boots are essential. 12345 Weather: February 15, 2009 Report

Anonymous says:

It’s not as cold as everyone seems... It’s not as cold as everyone seems to think. People are always complaining about the weather, but what did they expect, going to a school in Maine? Plus, the snow is really nice for sledding down Mount David or having snowball fights. I love the weather here. You should bring a good winter coat, though, and a hat and mittens. 12345 Weather Report

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