Oberlin College - Weather

Quick Stats

College Prowler Take

Students at Oberlin never fail to be surprised by the unpredictable weather of northeastern Ohio. When students first arrive at the end of August, the weather tends to be unpleasantly balmy. Some people escape the humidity by taking a quick dip in the nearby reservoir, wearing a bathing suit or nothing at all. As the semester advances, crisp and rainy fall weather calls for a windbreaker and a sturdy pair of shoes to crunch through the leaves. Students are often surprised to see some of their peers walking barefoot along the wet sidewalks, even in chilly weather—this is just another example of Obies indulging in a spurt of free spiritedness and is nothing to be alarmed about.

The greatest test of character for students unfamiliar with a northern climate is the cold, damp winter that drapes Oberlin in a thick shroud of snow every November. For some, the winter is a blessing: it means snowball fights and romantic walks along sparkling-white fields of snow. No matter what your taste, a warm winter jacket and hat and mitts are a must. Luckily, Oberlin has a program called winter term, which means that students spend the month of January pursuing a subject of their choice anywhere in the world and are therefore able to avoid Oberlin’s coldest month. Even so, for students who need a temporary distraction from the biting frost of winter or the sporadic hail of late April, a cup of hot cider from the local grocery, Gibson’s, will warm anyone to the bone.

Free Profile Tools

Do I Stand A Chance?

Calculate YOUR chances of admission at every school CP covers!

__%

Personality Match

Calculate YOUR personality match with every school CP covers!

__%

What'll It Cost Me?

Estimate your out-of-pocket costs at every school CP covers!

$__,___

Students Speak Out

Anonymous says:

It’s pretty variable. When you... It’s pretty variable. When you first get there, it will be hot, very hot. Come December, you’ll be freezing. 12345 Weather Report

Anonymous says:

This is the Midwest—there are four... This is the Midwest—there are four distinct seasons. Oberlin has a long, horrendous winter. Bring a big winter coat and accoutrements. It also has a nice cool fall and spring—bring lightweight stuff. And then a sweltering summer. Bring a swimming pool. 12345 Weather Report

Anonymous says:

The weather is the same as it is... The weather is the same as it is everywhere else in the Northeast and the Midwest. There are four seasons. It’s cold in the winter and hot in the summer, and gorgeous during the spring and fall. 12345 Weather Report

Anonymous says:

It’s hot in the fall and spring,... It’s hot in the fall and spring, mostly pants weather. Winter lasts a while. Never stay on campus for winter term, or you’ll want to die worse than if you lived in Moscow. 12345 Weather Report

Anonymous says:

The weather is gray (snowy in... The weather is gray (snowy in winter and rainy in spring). Layers are all-important. Bring six pairs of long underwear if you’re used to warmer climates. 12345 Weather Report

Write for Us!

College Prowler is actively seeking talented students to be "Contributing Authors," and assist with updating the College Prowler guide to their school. This is a great opportunity for a student to gain internship experience, be a part of a nationally recognized company, gain tremendous exposure, utilize new media techniques, and share advice with high school students about what life is really like at your college. Read more >