Comparable Schools'
Weather Grades:
Quick Stats
Average Precipitation
- Fall - 1.5 in.
- Spring - 2.4 in.
- Summer - 1.8 in.
- Winter - 0.75 in.
Average Temperature
- Fall - 58°F
- Spring - 36°F
- Summer - 80°F
- Winter - 25°F
College Prowler Take
Unpredictability rules over Montana’s weather, and Bozeman is no exception. Snow-storm warnings in July, 50-degree days in January, followed by sub-zero temperatures the next week, and waking up to six inches of snow during the last week of school are all norms here. Parents of first-year students often get confused when they ask when they should send their son or daughter some winter clothes and are answered with a shrug. The first snow usually comes in October, but melts within a day or two. In fact, it is not uncommon for it to snow, then melt, then snow, then melt for a couple months before it finally decides to stay and accumulate. Bozeman and the surrounding areas get a lot of snow, but despite the snow and cold, Bozeman still remains sunny for the majority of the year, making its weather much more desirable than Missoula, the other main college town in Montana where the nearby mountains create a cloudy inversion.
Patagonia and Helly Hansen clothing are the most popular brands here. Puffy, warm ski coats and jeans make up the basic MSU student uniform. It is a good idea to pack several types of jackets—ski, rain, and fleece—for all the different weather conditions. Then, add in some waterproof gloves or mittens, a few ski hats, and a warm scarf or two, and you are ready for winter in Montana. Just do not forget the tank tops, sandals, and suntan lotion for the snowball fights in April.
Students Speak Out
Love your school more than free food? Hate your school more than term papers?
Somewhere in between? Show the world what YOU think of YOUR school:
Anonymous says:  |
It’s sunny a lot here. I’m from...
It’s sunny a lot here. I’m from the West Coast, so Bozeman seems like the sunshine capital of the world. Just because it’s Montana, don’t expect there to be three feet of snow on the ground all the time, though. We could always have more snow. |
Anonymous says: |
You know the picture book from...
You know the picture book from kindergarten with the representations of each season? Scrap that one of spring, and there you have it: Montana weather. |
Anonymous says: |
The weather is always making...
The weather is always making drastic changes, but when it snows, it really snows. |
Anonymous says: |
Bring your most expensive and...
Bring your most expensive and trendy winter clothing, because you would not want to get left behind in the winter gear fashion show that is Montana State University. |
Anonymous says: |
The mountains are snow-free for...
The mountains are snow-free for about a total for two weeks each year. If it’s July and you want to go on a camping trip, make sure your sleeping bag is good to at least zero degrees. |
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