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Weather:

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Comparable Schools'
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Quick Stats

Average Precipitation

  • Fall - 2.2 in.
  • Spring - 2.64 in.
  • Summer - 4.3 in.
  • Winter - 0.76 in.

Average Temperature

  • Fall - 59°F
  • Spring - 57°F
  • Summer - 82°F
  • Winter - 27°F

College Prowler Take

Bring a warm jacket, sweaters, and wool socks, because Gustavus experiences harsh winters. Living in the upper Midwest, cold weather starts in October and spring doesn’t usually come until the end of March (if we’re lucky), so plan accordingly. Freak snowstorms are known to happen in what should be classified as spring, and January weather is particularly brutal. But if winter sports are your forte, and you have free time from taking only one class during January term, this is the perfect time to play in the snow, “tray” down Old Main Hill with borrowed (ahem) cafeteria trays, or hit the Arboretum on cross-country skis. And don’t let cruel winter weather fool you; Gustavus experiences all four seasons—pack a fan and lots of tank-tops for the end of the summer. Between the humidity and lack of air conditioning in most dorms, it is necessary to pack for the heat.

Campus-wide breaks coincide well with the weather, so you don’t have to bring your year’s worth of clothes in one swoop. Pick up your winter clothes during reading break and your spring clothes during spring break in early April. Oh, and since the school is perched the on top of a hill with lots of open areas, the wind is a weather element that students can’t deny, giving the word “Gustie” new meaning. Pack a good wind-resistant jacket, and be prepared to face the elements head on. If there is one thing that is certain about Minnesota weather, it is that there is no predictability whatsoever.

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Students Speak Out

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Anonymous says:

It gets pretty darn cold in the...

It gets pretty darn cold in the winter. Lots of warm clothing is a must. But other than that, it’s like any other place. But just be prepared to go to class when it’s 40 degrees out and leave class to find 20 degree weather!

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Anonymous says:

The typical gear is a closet full...

The typical gear is a closet full of hooded sweatshirts. Hit up the campus bookstore to fill up on hoodies of all varieties to keep you warm and à la mode all year long. It is also very windy all of the time, so don’t bother doing your hair for class.

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Anonymous says:

Hot and sticky in the summer...

Hot and sticky in the summer months, especially for the first weeks living in the dorms, so plan on bringing shorts, tennis shoes, and the classic cut-off T-shirts. Once the winter passes, the girls really like to show what they have been working on during the winter months with very short skirts and little tops. So those looking for good scenery, this would be a good place to be.

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Anonymous says:

The early fall and late spring are...

The early fall and late spring are quite nice at Gustavus, very temperate, and usually sunny. Be prepared for winter, however—it usually starts late October or early November and lasts until April! Because the campus is on a hill and in the middle of fields, there is no terrain or tree break to shield the campus from the wind. Wind-chill temperatures can often dip to 30 or 40 below in January or February! A good winter parka is a must, as well as winter boots and shoes with good grip. Sometimes, the sidewalks don’t get plowed right away or aren’t plowed very well.

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Anonymous says:

This is your typical Minnesota...

This is your typical Minnesota weather, so it is fairly warm until early October when it starts to get chilly. The winters can get especially bad, because there is a lot of wind on the top of that hill. There hasn’t been a lot of snow recently, just cold weather.

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