Princeton University - Weather

Quick Stats

College Prowler Take

With only one air-conditioned dorm on campus and self-regulated heating just as much of a rarity, students are constantly aware of weather conditions. New Jersey weather is notorious for its unexpected shifts and surprises. For example, one time, a hurricane socked the East Coast on the first day of classes, and the University went to stringent water restrictions shortly thereafter. Showers were strictly forbidden, and laundry rooms around campus were closed.
By the time school starts in September, it is hot for about a week and then quickly cools down. Most of the dorms and classrooms do not have air conditioning, so it is essential to pack comfortable clothing and several fans. Because many of the dorms are so old, some students prefer to live on lower floors on the theory that heat rises. Once the hazy, hot, and humid days are gone, the weather stays warm into the fall, which is generally crisp and cool. The fall foliage stirs up images of long walks on the golf course and along Lake Carnegie. By December, it is so cold that you cannot remember September’s Indian summer. It does not snow much at Princeton, but, when it does, it is important to have the appropriate clothing, because students walk everywhere. By March, it starts to warm up again, at which point it will rain for a few weeks. By the end of the school year, it gets hot again, and it is necessary to bring fans out of storage. Spring at Princeton is a time for getting some sun and outdoor relaxation.

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:

I turned my thesis in April 8, and... I turned my thesis in April 8, and there was snow on the ground. The year before, seniors got to sit outside in swimsuits when they were done. Basically, the weather is inconsistent at best. 12345 Weather Report

Anonymous says:

Fall at Princeton is the best. The... Fall at Princeton is the best. The leaves turn lots of beautiful colors, and the air is so crisp. It is great weather for IM sports and sitting in front of the fire at your club. 12345 Weather Report

Anonymous says:

We have all four seasons—you have... We have all four seasons—you have summer, fall, winter and spring. It gets kind of depressing in the winter, to tell you the truth, but when the sun comes out in the spring, it’s all good again. 12345 Weather Report

Anonymous says:

The weather is always changing.... The weather is always changing. It’s hot and humid in the summer and cold and rainy in the winter. The East Coast is cold. I really like the different seasons. It’s nice to have a break from the same old thing, although it really does get cold in the winter. 12345 Weather Report

Anonymous says:

Even if it snows a foot, don’t... Even if it snows a foot, don’t expect a day off of class. It won’t happen. Princeton cancelled class once a few years ago for a blizzard. It was the first time class had been cancelled in decades. 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 >