Northern Illinois University - Weather

Quick Stats

College Prowler Take

Thankfully, the weather at NIU is pretty predictable, although the extremes are maddening and majorly inconvenient. It will be scorching when school begins in August, and the limited air conditioning is futile in the oven-like dorm rooms. Bring light clothing and a fan for the first two months or risk becoming that guy or girl who people don’t like getting into the elevator with. In late September or early October, you’ll probably be ready for a break anyway, so make your way home and switch out your clothing to slightly warmer apparel. If you can’t make it home, you can probably build an adequate, affordable late-fall wardrobe at the local Wal-Mart. Winter is by far the worst season at NIU, and you’ll need to start preparing for cold weather in early November. This isn’t grade school—snow days are a pipe dream that will only be granted with the arrival of the next ice age. Hats, scarves, and gloves are a must, and a good pair of boots will save you the agony of sitting through class in wet socks. If you have an embarrassingly huge winter coat, bring it and worry about what the fashionistas will say later. In DeKalb, cold weather has a way of coming back from the dead like a villain in a scary movie. It could be mid-March and sunny, but you can’t let your guard down—save the sandals and shorts for April. The nicest weather is probably in May, which is, of course, when you will be leaving for the summer.

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Students Speak Out

Anonymous says:

The weather is so extreme.... The weather is so extreme. It’s either too cold or too warm. It’s never just right or normal. My allergies are awful sometimes. 12345 Weather Report

Anonymous says:

Weather in DeKalb can be crazy.... Weather in DeKalb can be crazy. One thing that you can depend on is wind. This is especially true during the winter. I believe in the layering system. Bring clothes that can be layered, because some classrooms get super cold, while others are steam rooms. 12345 Weather Report

Anonymous says:

The weather has been different the... The weather has been different the three years I’ve been here. It’s the Midwest, and I think that the majority of people that come to NIU are living in the Midwest. 12345 Weather Report

Anonymous says:

Everybody complains about the... Everybody complains about the weather, but what do they expect? It’s Illinois. I like having the seasons, and snow can be fun as long as it’s not too cold. 12345 Weather Report

Anonymous says:

It is extremely windy all the... It is extremely windy all the time, especially during the winter. Since DeKalb just has corn fields surrounding it, there is nothing to stop the winds from ripping through the town. 12345 Weather Report

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